How Social Security Defines Disability
When someone applies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), they often assume that having a condition that prevents them from doing their old job is enough to qualify. Unfortunately, the definition used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is far stricter and based on your ability to perform any gainful work that exists in the national economy.
As attorneys and representatives focused on helping adults secure their SSDI benefits, we know that understanding this official definition is the first step toward building a successful claim.
The SSA’s Strict Definition
The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which:
- Can be expected to result in death, OR
- Has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
This definition is based entirely on functional limitations and the duration of your impairment, not just a diagnosis. If your condition prevents you from working for less than a year, you do not meet the SSA’s minimum duration requirement.
The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process
To determine if an adult meets this definition, the SSA follows a mandatory Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process. If your claim fails at any point in these five steps, it is denied.
Step 1: Are You Working and Earning SGA?
The first question is whether you are currently engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The SSA sets an earnings threshold that changes annually. If your earnings are consistently above the current SGA limit, the SSA will find that you are not disabled, and your evaluation ends here.
Step 2: Is Your Condition “Severe”?
If you are not earning SGA, the SSA assesses the medical severity of your condition. To be considered “severe,” your impairment(s) must significantly limit your physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities (such as sitting, standing, lifting, focusing, or following instructions). If the SSA determines your condition is not severe enough, your claim is denied.
Step 3: Does Your Impairment Meet a “Listing” in the Blue Book?
The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions and criteria—known as the Listing of Impairments or “Blue Book”—that are severe enough to automatically qualify an individual for disability. If your medical evidence meets or “medically equals” the specific requirements of a listed condition, you are approved without further review of your work history. If it does not, the evaluation moves to Step 4.
Step 4: Can You Do Your Past Relevant Work (PRW)?
If your condition doesn’t meet a listing, the SSA assesses your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This is a crucial assessment of the most you are still able to do despite your limitations.
The SSA then compares your RFC to the physical and mental demands of any job you performed in the last 5 years that qualifies as PRW. If the SSA determines you can still perform the requirements of any of your past relevant jobs, your claim is denied.
Step 5: Can You Adjust to Any Other Work?
This is the final, most challenging step. If you cannot return to your PRW, the burden shifts to the SSA to prove that jobs exist in the national economy that you can still perform, considering your:
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): Your remaining physical and mental abilities.
- Age: Applicants over 50 generally have an easier path to approval, as age is viewed as a barrier to vocational adjustment.
- Education: Your level of education.
- Work Experience: Whether you possess skills transferable to less demanding work.
If the SSA concludes you can adjust to any other type of work (even a simple, sedentary job), your claim is denied. Only if the SSA finds you are unable to perform any work that exists in the national economy will you be found disabled and approved for benefits.
The Attorney Advantage
Because the SSA’s definition of disability is so focused on legal criteria and functional capacity—not just your doctor’s diagnosis—navigating this sequential process without experienced guidance is extremely difficult.
At Magnolia Disability Law Firm, our entire focus is on mastering these five steps. We know how to gather the precise medical evidence needed to address each stage, ensuring your RFC is accurately assessed and arguing effectively that your limitations prevent you from performing any gainful activity. If you are preparing to apply or have been denied, let us help you build a comprehensive case that meets the SSA’s strict requirements.