Sequential Evaluation (5-Step Test)
The five-step test SSA uses to decide whether someone is disabled under the Social Security Act. Steps are evaluated in order; any step can end review.
Official source: ssa.gov
## Key facts
- Step 1: Are you working above SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity)? If yes, you are not disabled. - Step 2: Is your impairment severe and expected to last 12 months or more or result in death? If no, you are not disabled. - Step 3: Does your condition meet or medically equal a Blue Book listing? If yes, you are disabled. - Step 4: Can you do your past relevant work given your residual functional capacity? If yes, you are not disabled. - Step 5: Can you do any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy? If no, you are disabled. At this step, the burden shifts to SSA.
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Frequently asked questions about Sequential Evaluation (5-Step Test)
What is Sequential Evaluation?+
It is the five-step test that SSA uses to decide if a person is disabled under Social Security rules.
Why does it matter?+
Every SSDI and SSI case is evaluated using these five steps. Understanding them helps you see why a case was approved or denied.
What is the most common step where claims are denied?+
Step 4 and Step 5 are common denial points, often based on residual functional capacity findings.
Source: ssa.gov