How Does the SSA Determine “Disability”?
How Does The SSA Determine Disability?
The Social Security Administration uses a 5-step Sequential Evaluation Process to determine whether or not you are disabled and thus would qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
In short, the Social Security Administration will examine the evidence of your medical condition(s) to see whether or not those condition(s) – also known as “impairments” – will limit your ability to work. You will need to demonstrate that your condition is severe, and will keep you out of work for at least one year.
The Five Step Process includes demonstrating:
- that you are not currently engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity
- that you have a severe impairment; and
- that the impairment meets or equals a listed impairment; or
- that you cannot continue in your previous line of work;
Then, the SSA will evaluate whether or not there is other work you can do based on your skills, age, education, and “residual functional capacity.”
Other Benefits & Qualifying FAQs
- When Do Disability Insurance Benefits Start?
- How Much Will I Get Every Month?
- Once Approved, Do Benefits Ever Stop?
- Can Spouses or Children Get Disability Benefits?
- Can I Still Work and Receive Disability Benefits?
- What Is the Work Incentive Program / Trial Work Period?
- Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen/Taxpayer to Receive Benefits?
- What is the Social Security “Red Book”?
- What’s the Difference Between Back Pay and Retroactive Benefits?
- Do I Need an Advocate?
- How Do Advocates Like Citizens Disability Help Me?
Linda Cosme formerly served as a Member of the Appeals Council (AC) for the Social Security Administration (SSA), and Program Expert for the Social Security Administration and Disability Quality Branch (DQB). Ms. Cosme also served as a Quality Assurance (QA) Reviewer, Initial Disability Examiner, Reconsideration Disability Examiner, and Continuing Disability Examiner (CDR) for the Disability Determination Services (DDS). She is admitted to practice law in Arizona, Georgia, and the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
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