How does the SSA determine whether work exists in significant numbers in the national economy?

The determination of whether work exists in significant numbers in the national economy involves analyzing regional employment data. The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes into account various factors, including regional employment statistics, to assess the availability of jobs across different sectors and occupations. This analysis helps the SSA understand employment trends and the number of jobs available in relation to specific disabilities.

By focusing on broad employment data rather than localized or anecdotal information, the SSA can make reasoned judgments about job availability on a national scale. This ensures that their decisions regarding disability claims are grounded in solid economic evidence, reflecting the actual job market conditions across regions.

While reviewing job postings, calculating the unemployment rate, and evaluating job accessibility can provide insights into the labor market, they are not the primary methods the SSA relies on for determining job availability in significant numbers within the national economy. These other factors may contribute to the overall understanding of employment but do not replace the necessity for a comprehensive analysis of regional employment data that the SSA conducts.