If you’re thinking about applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you might be wondering how the Social Security Administration (SSA) decides who qualifies as “disabled.” The process can be complex, but understanding the basics can help you prepare a stronger claim.
The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine if someone meets their definition of disability:
1. Are You Working Above the Earnings Limit?
The SSA first checks if you’re doing what they call “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA). This means earning more than a set monthly limit from work. In 2025, that limit is $1,620 per month for most people. If you’re earning above that amount, you generally won’t qualify.
2. Is Your Condition Severe?
Your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work-related activities, such as standing, sitting, walking, lifting, or remembering instructions. Minor or short-term conditions usually don’t meet this standard.
3. Does Your Condition Meet the SSA’s List of Impairments?
The SSA keeps a “Listing of Impairments,” which is essentially a catalog of medical conditions that are considered serious enough to be disabling. These can include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (back injuries, joint problems)
- Neurological disorders (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis)
- Mental health conditions (depression, PTSD)
- Certain cancers
- Immune system disorders
…among others.
If your condition matches a listing exactly, or is just as severe, you may qualify at this step.
4. Can You Do Your Past Work?
If your condition doesn’t meet a listing, the SSA will decide whether you can still do the work you’ve done in the past.
5. Can You Do Any Other Type of Work?
If you can’t perform your past work, SSA considers whether you can adjust to other work, based on your age, education, work experience, and skills.
Key Factors That Influence the Decision
- Medical Evidence: Doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history are critical.
- Function Reports: Your own descriptions of how your condition affects your daily life.
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): A doctor’s assessment of what you can still do despite your limitations.
- State Review: The Disability Determination Services (DDS) in your state reviews your case and may schedule additional medical exams.
You Have to Have Paid Into the System
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for enough years.
If you haven’t, you might still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—but SSI has strict income and asset limits.
Why Having a Lawyer Helps
You don’t have to hire a lawyer to apply—but applicants with legal help are often more successful.
At MCV Law, our Social Security Disability attorneys work closely with clients and their doctors to ensure the right medical evidence is submitted.
· Free case evaluations
· No attorney fees unless we win
If you can’t work due to a medical condition, we can guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve.