SSD Five Step Process

To decide whether you are disabled, Social Security uses a step-by-step process involving five questions.
They are:

1. Are you working?

If you are working in 2006 and your earnings average more than $860 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled. If you are not working, we go to Step 2.

2. Is your condition "severe"?

Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. If it does not, Social Security will find that you are not disabled. If your condition does interfere with basic work-related activities, we go to step 3.

3. Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions?

For each of the major body systems, Social Security maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe they automatically mean that you are disabled. If your condition is not on the list, Social Security will have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, we will find that you are disabled. If it is not, go to Step 4.

4. Can you do the work you did previously?

If your condition is severe but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the list, then Social Security must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously. If it does not, your claim will be denied. If it does, proceed to Step 5.

5. Can you do any other type of work?

If you cannot do the work you did in the past, Social Security must determine whether you are able to adjust to other work. Social Security considers your medical conditions and your age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills you may have. If you cannot adjust to other work, your claim will be approved. If you can adjust to other work, your claim will be denied.