Is the individual engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)?
The purpose of the first step is to determine if the claimant can work. The level of work is currently set at $500 per month for disabled and $810 for blind claimants. No matter how extensive their disability, persons earning more than the SGA are automatically denied SSDI. Information on individuals who pass the first step is forwarded to the State DDS. Step 2: Does the individual have a severe impairment(s)? The purpose of this second step is to determine if the claimant’s impairment(s) is severe and if it is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. This determination is made at the State DDS by a team consisting of a disability examiner and a physician. The claimant does not appear before the team. The decision is based on medical and vocational information sent to the team. Step 3: Are the impairment(s) so severe as to meet or equal the requirements of the medical listing in the regulations? A claimant’s medical condition or conditions are compared to the over 10
