How Social Security Evaluates a Disability Claim

When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, Social Security reviews your situation through a five-step process. Each step helps Social Security decide whether you meet the requirements for benefits. Understanding these steps can help you know what Social Security looks for, what you need to apply, what to expect as your claim moves forward, and even why your claim may have been denied.

The 5 Steps of the Disability Evaluation Process

Step 1: Are You Working?

Social Security first looks at whether you are working and how much you earn. If your earnings are above a certain limit, you may not qualify for disability benefits. If you are not working or earn less than that limit, your claim can move to the next step.

Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?

Next, Social Security looks at whether your medical condition limits your ability to do basic work activities. Your condition must also meet the required time frame, meaning it has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.

Step 3: Does Your Condition Meet Social Security’s Medical Requirements?

At this step, Social Security checks whether your condition meets or equals one of its medical listings. These listings describe medical conditions that may qualify for benefits based on specific medical requirements. If your condition meets the requirements, you may be approved at this step. If not, your claim moves forward.

Step 4: Can You Do Your Past Work?

Social Security reviews your ability to do jobs you have done in the past. It considers your medical limits and how they affect your ability to perform that work. If you can still do past work, your claim may be denied. If you cannot, Social Security moves to the final step.

Step 5: Can You Adjust to Other Work?

Finally, Social Security looks at whether you can adjust to other types of work. It considers your medical limits, age, education, and work experience. If Social Security finds that you cannot adjust to other work under its rules, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Understand Your Options With a Free Evaluation

Knowing the five steps can help you understand what Social Security looks for when reviewing a disability claim. However, figuring out how these rules apply to your own medical condition, work history, and situation can still be confusing.

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. AppAid offers a free, no-obligation evaluation to help you learn more about your options and understand what support may be available for your claim. Take the first step toward getting guidance through the disability benefits process.