How to Get Approved for Social Security Disability Benefits

Understanding SSA's Five-Step Process

Navigating the Social Security Disability (SSD) approval process can be challenging, but understanding the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) five-step evaluation process is essential to building a strong claim. Below, we break down each step and explain how to meet the requirements to improve your chances of approval.

Step 1: Are You Engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

The first question SSA asks is whether you are working and earning above the SGA limit. In 2024, this threshold is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. If you are earning above this amount, SSA will determine that you are not disabled.

How to meet this step: Ensure that your earnings are below the SGA level. If you have minimal work activity, document your hours and wages carefully to avoid a misunderstanding that could lead to a denial.

Step 2: Do You Have a Severe Medically Determinable Impairment?

SSA requires that you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities. This impairment must last, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months or result in death.

How to meet this step: Obtain comprehensive medical records from treating physicians, including test results, treatment history, and physician statements outlining your limitations. Consistent medical treatment is crucial.

Step 3: Does Your Condition Meet or Equal a Listed Impairment?

SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits if they meet specific severity criteria. This is called the Listing of Impairments (the "Blue Book"). If your condition meets or equals a listing, SSA will approve your claim at this step.

How to meet this step: Review SSA’s listings (found on their website) to see if your condition meets the criteria. If it does not exactly match a listing, your attorney or representative can argue that your condition is “medically equivalent” in severity to one of the listed impairments.

Step 4: Can You Perform Your Past Relevant Work?

If your condition does not meet or equal a listing, SSA will assess whether you can still perform any of your past work. They will review the demands of your previous jobs within the past 15 years and compare them to your current functional limitations.

How to meet this step: Provide detailed work history descriptions, including job duties, physical and mental demands, and why your condition prevents you from performing those tasks. Statements from former employers or coworkers can help substantiate your claim.

Step 5: Can You Perform Any Other Work?

If you cannot perform past work, SSA will determine whether you can do any other work in the national economy based on your age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity (RFC). SSA considers vocational factors differently depending on your age—applicants over 50 have an advantage under the Medical-Vocational Guidelines (the "Grid Rules").

How to meet this step: Demonstrate how your medical impairments, along with your age and limited transferable skills, prevent you from adjusting to other work. A vocational expert’s opinion or a functional capacity evaluation can be beneficial in proving your case.

Conclusion

Winning an SSD claim requires substantial medical and vocational evidence. By understanding SSA’s five-step evaluation process and proactively addressing each step with well-documented proof, you can strengthen your case. If you need help navigating the process, working with a knowledgeable disability advocate or attorney can make a significant difference.

If you have questions about your eligibility or need assistance with your claim, contact our office today for a free consultation!