Social Security Disability Process: The five steps the SSA uses to decide your disability claim.
The Social Security Administration follows a sequential five-step evaluation in every SSDI and SSI case. Understanding each step and how Administrative Law Judges apply it is the difference between an approval and a denial.
Substantial Gainful Activity
"Are you currently working above SSA's earnings limit?"
If you’re earning more than the SSA’s monthly Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, your claim is typically denied at Step One regardless of your medical condition. We help you understand how work activity affects eligibility before you apply.
Severe Impairment
"Do you have a medically determinable severe impairment?"
Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Strong medical documentation is essential we help gather the records that matter.
Meets or Equals a Listing
"Does your condition meet or equal one of the SSA's Listings?"
The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments describing conditions severe enough to automatically qualify. Many claimants don’t meet a Listing exactly but may equal one. We build the medical case to show it.
Past Relevant Work
"Can you still perform your past relevant work?"
The SSA looks at your last 15 years of work. If your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) prevents you from doing that work, we move to Step Five. This is where a detailed functional analysis becomes critical.
Any Other Work
"Can you perform any other work in the national economy?"
What happens after a denial?
Most initial applications are denied. You generally have 60 days to appeal, which may include Reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, an Appeals Council review, and, if necessary, Federal Court review. Missing the deadline can force you to start over we make sure that doesn’t happen.