What Are the 5 Steps in a Social Security Disability Claim

What Are the 5 Steps in a Social Security Disability Claim?

If you have applied for Social Security Disability benefits—or are thinking about applying—you may hear that your case is evaluated using a “five-step process.”

This process is how the Social Security Administration decides whether someone is legally disabled.

While it may sound complicated, the steps themselves are fairly straightforward once they are explained.

Step 1: Are You Working?

The first question Social Security asks is: “Are you working, and if so, how much are you earning?”

If you are earning above a certain monthly amount (called Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA), your claim will usually be denied at this step.

In simple terms:

• If you are working and earning too much → you are not considered disabled
• If you are not working (or earning below the limit) → your case moves to Step 2

Step 2: Do You Have a Severe Impairment?

Next, Social Security looks at whether you have a “severe” medical condition.

A severe impairment is one that significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities, such as:

• walking, standing, or sitting
• lifting or carrying
• concentrating or following instructions

This is a low threshold, but you must have medical evidence to support your condition.

If your condition is not considered severe, your claim may be denied. If it is severe, your case moves to Step 3.

Step 3: Do You Meet a Listing?

At Step 3, Social Security compares your condition to a set of medical rules called the Listing of Impairments.

If your condition meets (or equals) one of these listings, you are considered:

Disabled automatically

and your claim is approved without further analysis; however, most people do not meet a listing, and their case continues to Step 4.

Step 4: Can You Do Your Past Work?

If you do not meet a listing, Social Security looks at whether your condition prevents you from performing any of your past relevant work (generally jobs you have held within the last 5 years).

At this step, Social Security evaluates your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)—what you are still capable of doing despite your condition.

If Social Security determines that you can still perform your past work, your claim will be denied.

If you cannot return to your past work, your case moves to the final step.

Step 5: Can You Do Any Other Work?

This is the final step in the process, where Social Security asks: “Is there any other work you can do?”

At this stage, they consider:

• your age
• your education
• your work history
• your physical and mental limitations

They may use vocational experts or apply the Grid Rules to determine whether jobs exist that you can perform.

If Social Security determines that you can adjust to other work, your claim will be denied.

If not, you will be found disabled.

The five-step process is the framework Social Security uses to evaluate every disability claim. Each step builds on the one before it, and many claims are decided at different stages along the way.

Understanding this process can help you better understand:

• where your case stands
• what Social Security is looking for
• and what issues may affect the outcome of your claim

If you or someone you care for has recently been denied Social Security Disability benefits, or if you just have questions about your right to disability benefits, please do not hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced  Social Security Disability Lawyers at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation; and remember, virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live. And remember, there is no fee unless you win.

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What Are the 5 Steps in a Social Security Disability Claim