The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI) programs are the largest of several federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.
The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process Social Security Uses To Determine Disability
Step 1: Are You Working at Substantial Gainful Activity Level?
At Step 1 of the evaluation, SSA determines whether a person is currently engaging in substantial gainful activity. If you are working and earning a certain amount each month, SSA will consider you NOT to be disabled, regardless of any disability. In other words, a person who might otherwise be disabled will not be able to receive benefits while he or she is currently engaging in substantial work.
To determine if you are below the current Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount established by SSA, visit: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
Step 2: Do You Have “Severe” Medically Determinable Impairment?
During Step 2, SSA determines whether a person has a “severe” impairment or combination of impairments. Impairments are considered “severe” if they significantly limit a person’s ability to perform basic work activities and impose more than a minor limitation on someone’s ability to work. SSA considers all impairments, including symptoms such as pain or fatigue, in determining whether a condition is “severe.”
Step 3: Does Your Impairment Meet or Equal the “Listings”?
In Step 3, SSA determines whether a claimant meets any of the “Listings.” The Listings are descriptions of certain conditions and the impairments they cause.
If an impairment or combination of impairment meets a Listing, a claimant should be found disabled and benefits awarded. If a claimant does not meet the criterion for a Listing, this does not mean that benefits should be denied; it merely means that the SSA or the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) must proceed to Steps 4 and 5. A Social Security Disability Advocate can assist you in determining whether your condition meets or equals the Listing of Impairments.
Please see: Listings of Impairments
Step 4: Past Relevant Work
In Step 4, the SSA determines whether someone can do “past relevant work” he or she used to be able to do prior to the alleged disabling condition(s). If, as a result of impairment(s), a person is no longer able to do the work he or she used to do, the process then proceeds to Step 5. However, if the SSA or the ALJ find that a person is still able to engage in his or her previous (or similar) occupation(s), the SSA will rule that the person is not entitled to benefits.
Step 5: Any other work
Finally, if a person is found to be UNABLE to work in a past occupational position or capacity, SSA or the ALJ must determine whether he or she can do any other work. They will consider the economy, claimant’s age, educational background, work experience and impairments.
To make this determination, ALJs may consult with vocational experts. During a social security hearing, a claimant has the opportunity to cross-examine the vocational expert. This part of the hearing process can often be quite confusing and intimidating for claimants. However, an experienced representative can cross-examine the vocational expert and ask pertinent questions that will highlight positive aspects of the claim.
Kim Engler / Disability Advocate
Disability Advocates Group has been championing the cause of the disabled for over 20 years. We view each claim as a unique challenge entitled to individualized strategy to help ensure a successful outcome. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you get paid!