How does Social Security determine disability eligibility for adults?
The Social Security Administration uses a 5-step sequential evaluation process to determine who will receive disability benefits. Step 1: Is the claimant working? Step 1 determines if a person is “working”, according to the Social Security Administration definition. In 2009, earning more than $980.00 a month as an employee is enough to disqualify a person from receiving Social Security Disability benefits. Gross earnings at this level constitute substantial gainful activity or SGA. It is the view of the Social Security Administration that an individual who is able to earn at least this amount per month is able to engage in competitive employment in the national economy. (If you are self-employed, the determination as to what constitutes SGA is more complicated, and will not be discussed here.) Step 2: Is the claimant’s condition severe? Step 2 evaluates whether the claimant’s medical condition is severe enough to significantly limit his or her ability to perform basic work activities.
