Social Security reviews cases using a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine if a person is disabled for Social Security purposes. This disability analysis methodology is the same for all adults, regardless of the program(s) from which one may be seeking disability benefits.

Here are the 5 questions that make up the basis for evaluating disability claims under the Social Security disability sequential evaluation process:

Step One:

Does your impairment keep you from being able to perform a substantial gainful activity (SGA), generally full-time, competitive, work (the limit in 2014 is $1,070 before taxes per month)?

Step Two:

Is your impairment severe? AND, is your impairment expected to remain severe for at least 12 months OR end in death?

Step Three:

Does your impairment “meet or equal” one of Social Security’s “Listing of Impairments (see: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm)?” A listing of medical conditions, acceptable medical evidence, and the severity necessary for an impairment to be considered disabling. There are separate listings for adults and for children.

Step Four:

Do your impairments prevent you from being able to perform any job you performed over the last 15 years which was also a substantial gainful activity?

Step Five:

Do your impairments prevent you from being able to perform any other type of work which exists in substantial numbers in the national economy?

In subsequent posts, we will take a look at each of these steps, one at a time.

The attorneys of Cascadia Disability Law help people just like YOU! We fight to get you the benefits you deserve at the earliest stage possible in the claim process. Call or email us anytime – 503-891-8376 / 800-891-0867, Help@CascadiaDisabilityLaw.com

–> Contact us BEFORE you apply, and apply right the first time!