Past Relevant Work (PRW)
(1) Definition of past relevant work. Past relevant work is work that you have done within the past 5 years that was substantial gainful activity and that lasted long enough for you to learn to do it. ( See § 416.965(a).) Any job held for less than 30 days is no longer considered relevant work.
Past 5 years
SSA will go back five years from the date you allege you were no longer capable of full-time, sustained work activity.
SGA
For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount for 2025 is $1,620.00. The monthly SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals for 2025 is $2,700.00. SGA for the blind does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, while SGA for the non-blind disabled applies to Social Security and SSI benefits.
Substantial
Work is "substantial" if it involves engaging in significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both.
Gainful
Work is gainful if it is:
performed for pay or profit;
of a nature generally performed for pay or profit; or
intended for profit, whether or not a profit is realized.
Lasted long enough to learn
Duration refers to the length of time during which the person gained job experience. It should have been sufficient for the worker to have learned the techniques, acquired information, and developed the facility needed for average performance in the job situation. The length of time this would take depends on the nature and complexity of the work. Any job held for less than 30 days is not used in determining this section.