How Social Security Decides A Disability Claim

It’s not just an arbitrary process like many people believe. In order to process the large number of SSDI claims, the Social Security administers SSDI with the help of a five-step procedure that embodies a set of presumptions about disabilities, job availability, and their interrelation.

The SSA Claims Examiner asks:

Step One: Are you presently working? (If so, you may be ineligible if you are earning too much.) (It’s complicated – call me).

Step Two: Do you have a “severe impairment,” i.e., one that “significantly limits” your ability to do basic work activities? (If not, you are not eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.)

Step Three: Does your impairment “meet or equal” an impairment on a specific (and fairly lengthy) SSA list? (If so, you are eligible.)

Step Four: If your impairment does not meet or equal a listed impairment, can you perform your “past relevant work?” (If so, you are not eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.)

Step Five: If your impairment does not meet or equal a listed impairment and you cannot perform your “past relevant work,” then can you perform other jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy? (If not, you are eligible.)