How does the Social Security Administration (SSA) determine disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates disability cases by determining whether an applicant is unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” due to a physical or mental impairment. The SSA requires medical evidence to evaluate a claim and uses a five-step process. The first step is to determine if the applicant is working or engaging in substantial gainful activity. The SSA considers an activity as substantial if it is done for pay or profit and is more than a few hours per week. If the applicant is working, their disability claim will be denied. The second step is to determine if the applicant’s medical condition is severe enough to qualify as a disability. This step looks at how the impairment(s) affect the applicant’s daily functioning. The SSA examines evidence of medical treatments, tests, and results to gain insight into the extent and duration of the impairment. The third step is to determine if the applicant’s medical condition meets or equals a “listed impairment.” The SSA has established listings of medical impairments determined to be disabling. An applicant’s condition must meet the criteria of one of these listings to be considered disabled. The fourth step is to determine if the applicant is able to do any of the work that they have done in the past. The SSA evaluates the applicant’s residual functional capacity, taking into consideration the physical and mental limitations of the impairment. Finally, the fifth step is to determine if the applicant is able to do work that exists, considering age, education, and work experience. If the SSA concludes that the applicant is unable to be employed in any capacity, the disability claim is approved.

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How does the Social Security Administration (SSA) determine disability?

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