Estimating Job Numbers for Vocational Expert Testimony in Social Security Disability Appeal Hearings in Light of the Recent SSR 24-3p Ruling

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) uses Vocational Experts (VEs) to provide evidence at hearings which an administrative law judge (ALJ) considers when making a decision about disability. Social Security Ruling (SSR) 24-3p became effective on January 6, 2025. SSA’s reference manual, SSR 24-3p: Use of Occupational Information and Vocational Specialist and Vocational Expert Evidence in Disability Determinations and Decisions contains a glossary of key terms, a summary of general changes regarding expectations for VE testimony, an example of a general approach to estimating job numbers in VE testimony, and an occupational information resource list. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of current resources typically utilized by SSA VEs and recommendations for approximating the numbers of full-time jobs that are available in the current U.S. labor market in light of the recent SSR 24-3p ruling.