Step 1: Are you working?

This is important, because if you are working in 2014 and your earnings average more than $1,070  a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled.

Step 2:  Is your condition severe?
Your condition must interfere, and keep you from performing basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered.

Step 3:  Does your condition meet a “listing”?
Basically the SSA is questioning if your condition can be found in the list of “disabling conditions.”  This list can be found on the Social Security Administration website, www.ssa.gov.

Step 4:  Can you do the type of work you did previously?
The Social Security Administration must determine, and you MUST PROVE that your disability interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously.

Step 5:  Can you do any other type of work?
If you cannot do the work you personally did in the past, the SSA determines if you are able to adjust to other work – even work you have never done before.