The first step considers whether you are currently working and earning income. The SSA uses the term “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) to define the level of work that disqualifies you from receiving benefits. If you are earning more than the SGA limit, your claim will likely be denied. In 2024, the SGA threshold is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals. However, if you are earning less or not working at all, the evaluation moves to Step 2.

It’s important to note that occasional work or part-time jobs may still be considered. The SSA evaluates both income and the effort required to perform the job. If you’re unsure about how your income affects your claim, Casa de la Justicia can help review your situation and determine if you meet this step.

At this stage, the SSA examines how severe your condition is. A “severe” impairment means that your condition significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities, such as walking, sitting, or remembering tasks, for at least 12 months. If your condition is deemed not severe, the evaluation stops here, and the claim is denied.

For individuals with disabilities navigating this process, medical evidence is critical. Documentation from doctors, hospital visits, and treatment plans will help prove the severity of your condition. Be prepared to provide thorough medical records to support your claim. Casa de la Justicia can assist you in organizing your medical evidence.

The SSA maintains a detailed list of medical conditions, often called the “Blue Book,” that automatically qualify as disabilities if they meet certain criteria. These include impairments related to the musculoskeletal system, heart conditions, mental health, and many more.

If your condition matches or is equivalent to one of these listed impairments, your claim can be approved at this stage. If you’re unsure whether your condition matches a listed impairment, consulting our legal team at Casa de la Justicia can help ensure all necessary evidence is presented properly.

Here, the SSA evaluates whether your disability prevents you from performing work you have done in the past. This includes any jobs you held in the last 15 years. They will assess your physical and mental capacity to perform similar tasks. If the SSA determines you can return to your previous work, your claim will be denied.

For many older applicants, this step can be more favorable because certain past jobs may require physical or mental effort that becomes difficult with age or worsening health. If you cannot return to past work, the evaluation moves to the final step.

If you cannot perform your past work, the SSA will determine whether you can adjust to other types of work. Factors such as your age, education, work history, and transferable skills play a role in this decision. For applicants between the ages of 50 and 65, the SSA acknowledges that adapting to new work may be more difficult.

For example, if you worked in physically demanding jobs all your life, the SSA may consider whether you could perform a sedentary office job instead. If the answer is no, your claim is likely to be approved. This step is crucial, especially for older applicants, as it often hinges on a fair assessment of their ability to transition into new roles.