What are the disability decision-making guidelines used by Social Security?

Social Security Disability (SSD) provides financial assistance to people with disabilities who are unable to work and support themselves. In California, the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes decisions on whether or not an individual qualifies for disability benefits based on a set of guidelines. These guidelines are intended to help them determine whether an individual meets the requirements for receiving benefits. The SSA begins its disability decision-making process by considering whether an individual’s impairment or combination of impairments is considered “severe” enough to qualify them for benefits. To be considered “severe”, the impairment must significantly limit an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities. Furthermore, the impairment must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. If it is determined that an impairment is severe, the SSA will then consider whether the impairment meets or equals one of the “listings” in the Social Security “Blue Book” which describes in detail the criteria for various impairments. If the impairment does not meet or equal one of the listings, the SSA will then determine whether the individual can return to any past relevant work. If the individual cannot, the SSA will then conduct a residual functional capacity assessment to determine what level of work the individual can perform. Lastly, the SSA will consider an individual’s age, work experience, education, and other factors to determine whether they are able to adjust to other types of work. If the individual is found to be able to adjust to other types of work, they will not be found disabled by the SSA. If the individual is determined to be disabled, they may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

What are the disability decision-making guidelines used by Social Security?

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