After reviewing all your medical records, the disability office in your state decides whether you are unable to work by placing you in a certain categories. These work categories have very specific meanings.
1. Sedentary work means you are limited to standing and walking to 2 out of 8 hours; another way of saying it is basically a sitting type job. Also, you are limited to lifting 10lbs at a time.
2. Light work includes able to stand and walk for 6 out of 8 hours, plus lifting and carrying 20lbs occasionally and 10lbs. frequently. According to Social Security, occasionally means up to one third of a day and frequently means from one third to two thirds of a day.
3. Medium work: stand and walk for 6 out of 8 hours and lift/carry 50lbs occasionally and 25lbs frequently. This category also means you are able to bend and stoop frequently.
4. Heavy work: able to lift/carry from 50 to 100lbs.
In addition to these categories, Social Security also includes your ability to use your hands for grasping and performing fine movements such as picking up small objects and writing.
When you are placed in any of these categories, Social Security also factors in your age, education and work history when making a final determination as to whether you are disabled and eligible for benefits or not.