SSA Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process

The SSA Five Step Sequential Process is a framework used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine an individual's eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. The process involves five steps that are applied in sequence, with each step being used to determine whether the individual is eligible for benefits.

Here are the five steps in the SSA Five Step Sequential Process:

1. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The SSA will first determine whether the individual is currently engaged in SGA, which is defined as work that involves significant physical or mental activity and that pays a certain amount of money each month. If the individual is earning more than the SGA limit, which is determined each year, they will be considered not disabled and their application for benefits will be denied.

2. Severity of Impairment: If the individual is not engaged in SGA, the SSA will determine whether they have a severe impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits their ability to perform basic work activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, or lifting. If the individual does not have a severe impairment, their application for benefits will be denied.

3. Listing of Impairments: If the individual has a severe impairment, the SSA will then check whether the impairment meets or equals one of the medical conditions listed in the SSA's Listing of Impairments. If the impairment does meet or equal a listed condition, the individual will be considered disabled and eligible for benefits. If the impairment does not meet or equal a listed condition, the SSA will move on to the next step.

4. Ability to Perform Past Work: If the individual's impairment does not meet or equal a listed condition, the SSA will then determine whether the individual can perform any of their past relevant work, taking into account their residual functional capacity (RFC), which is the most that the individual can do despite their impairments. If the individual can perform their past work, their application for benefits will be denied. If the individual cannot perform their past work, the SSA will move on to the final step.

5. Ability to Perform Other Work: If the individual cannot perform their past work, the SSA will then determine whether there is other work that they can perform in the national economy, taking into account their RFC, age, education, and work experience. If the individual can perform other work, their application for benefits will be denied. If the individual cannot perform other work, they will be considered disabled and eligible for benefits.

It's important to note that the SSA Five Step Sequential Process is a complex process and each case is unique. The process may take several months or longer to complete, and it's recommended that individuals seeking to apply for Social Security disability benefits seek the assistance of an experienced attorney or advocate to help guide them through the process.