The Disability Five-Step Process

Here are the 5 sequential steps followed by Social Security. 

Step 1 -Are you working and earning over $1,000? (2011 amount)
Yes – deny claim
No – go to next step

Step 2 -Is the condition severe enough? (will it last one year or result in death) 
Yes – go to step 3
No – deny claim

Step 3 -Does your impairment meet or equal Social Security listing?
Disabling Conditions that Qualify You for Social Security Disability Checks
Yes – approve claim
No – go to next step

Step 4 -Can you perform your past type of work?
Yes – deny claim
No – go to next step

Step 5 -Can you perform any other type of work you are qualified to do based on your age, education and past work history?
Yes – deny claim
No – approve claim