Skip to main content

THE 5-STEP SEQUENTIAL PROCESS FOR DISABILITYU

Social Security uses a sequential 5-Step process to decide who is disabled.

"Sequential" means that each step must be considered in order.  At each step, you may be approved or denied.  Here are the Steps:

STEP 1:  Are you now gainfully employed?  

If Yes, you are denied and the case closes.  If No, move to Step 2.

STEP 2:  Do you have a qualifying severe impairment?

If No, you are denied and the case closes.  If Yes, move to Step 3.

STEP 3:  Do you meet one of Social Security's Listings?

If Yes, you are approved and the process closes.  If No, move to Step 4.

STEP 4:  Can you perform any of your past relevant work?

If Yes, you are denied and the process closes.  If No, move to Step 5.

STEP 5:  Are you able to perform any other job which exists in "significant numbers" in the U.S. economy?

If Yes, you are denied.  If no, you are probably approved.

Note:  The claimant's age plays a huge part in Steps 4 and 5.  A claimant under age 50 will nearly always end up at Step 5. (unless they can be approved at Step 3). Older claimants may have their case decided at Step 4.
____________


The Forsythe Firm
7027 Old Madison Pike - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
CALL (256) 799-0297

*The term "significant numbers" is not defined in the regulations.  Judges get to make the decision as to whether a certain number of jobs in the US economy constitutes a "significant number."  I sometimes object that a certain number of jobs is not a "significant number," however, the judge has the final say.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HOW TO PRESENT YOUR DISABILIT CLAIM AT HEARING

  When you take your Social Security disability claim to hearing before a judge, there are 3 legal approaches you may try.  Not all approaches are available to every claimant.  Much depends on your age, past relevant work, education and residual functional capacity (restrictions).   Here are the 3 possible ways to be approved: 1.  Prove that you meet or equal a Listing.  Listings are specific medical impairments along with severe symptoms which Social Security will approve and pay automatically.  It isn't enough to be diagnosed with one of these conditions, you must also meet the severity of symptoms shown for each impairment. Only an approved medical source, such as a medical doctor of licensedf clinical psychologist, can certify that you meet a listing.   Note:  Most claimants who qualify for benefits will not meet a Listing.  Before you try to use this approach, become familiar with the Listings in Social Security's Blue Book at ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOCIAL SECURITY PAY INCREASE FOR 2025

  Social Security benefits will increase by 2.5 percent or an average of about $48 per month in 2025.   The Social Security Administration announced the COLA increase on October 10, 2024 which will take effect in January, 2025. The Part B Medicare premium (the part you pay for Medicare) also increased from $174.20 for most beneficiaries to $185 per month. I find it interesting that the government increased the Medicare premium 5.9 percent for 2025 but only gave recipients a 2.5 percent increase in benefits. If you or someone you love needs Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, contact Charles W. Forsythe at the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL.  I have helped thousands of claimants get approved in the "dumpster fire" process known as Social Security disability.   We charge no fee for consultations or case evaluations.  You will never pay us a fee until after you are approved and received your lump sum past due benefits. Our fees are controlled by the S...
Post a Comment
Read more