Claiming Rules
How Social Security Evaluates Eligibility for Disability Benefits
Verified against SSA POMS as of August 26, 2026
The short answer
Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires you have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and you have earned enough credits, normally 20 in the 40-quarter period before becoming disabled. Younger workers may be eligible with less work. If the work requirement is met, eligibility for SSDI is determined using a five-step sequential evaluation process outlined in 20 CFR 404.1520 and 416.920. This process involves assessing whether the individual is engaging in substantial gainful activity, has a severe impairment, meets or equals a listed impairment, can perform past work, and can adjust to other work.
Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity
At the first step, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates whether the claimant is engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If the claimant is involved in SGA, a finding of non-disability will be made without proceeding to further steps. See 20 CFR 404.1520(b) and 416.920(b).
20 CFR 404.1520 View source ›Step 2: Severe Impairment
The second step requires the evaluation of whether a claimant has a severe impairment. According to 20 CFR 404.1520(c) and 416.920(c), if the impairment does not significantly limit physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, the claimant is not considered disabled.
20 CFR 404.1520 View source ›Step 3: Meets or Equals a Listed Impairment
In the third step, the SSA determines whether the claimant's impairment(s) either meet or equal the medical severity of a listed impairment. If so, the claimant is considered disabled. This step references the listings found in appendix 1 of subpart P of part 404 of the CFR. See 20 CFR 404.1520(d) and 416.920(d).
20 CFR 404.1520 View source ›Step 4: Residual Functional Capacity and Past Work
At this stage, residual functional capacity (RFC) is assessed to determine if the claimant can still perform past relevant work. If the claimant has the capacity to do past relevant work, they are not considered disabled. See 20 CFR 404.1520(e) and 416.920(f).
20 CFR 404.1520 View source ›Step 5: Capability to Perform Other Work
The final step evaluates whether the claimant can make an adjustment to any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy, considering the claimant's RFC, age, education, and work experience. If the claimant can adjust to other work, they are not disabled. Otherwise, they are considered disabled. See 20 CFR 404.1520(g) and 416.920(g).
20 CFR 404.1520 View source ›Frequently asked
What is the first step in evaluating my eligibility for disability benefits?
The first step is to determine if you are engaging in substantial gainful activity. If you are working and your earnings exceed a certain threshold, you may not be considered disabled.
What does it mean for an impairment to be severe?
A severe impairment significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. Without such limitation, the SSA will consider you not disabled at step two of the evaluation process.
How does Social Security determine if my impairment meets a listing?
The SSA compares your medical records to the criteria in the Listing of Impairments. If your condition matches or equals a listed impairment, you may be considered disabled.
Can I still receive benefits if I can do past work?
If you can perform any of your past relevant work, you will likely not be considered disabled according to Social Security's criteria used at step four.
What if I can't do any of my past work?
Social Security will then assess if you can adjust to any other work existing in the national economy. If you cannot, they may find you disabled.