Five Critical Questions Asked By SSA:

The decision regarding your disability application is a five-step process, with SSA requiring specific answers to these critical questions:

Are you working?
There is a ceiling for average monthly earnings for those applying for Social Security, and SSA will generally deny your disability if you make more than that amount. If you are not working, or your earnings are below what the SSA considers “substantial gainful activity,” then DDS proceeds to its investigation of your medical condition.

Is your disability considered “severe”? Does it limit your ability to work for at least one year?
Since Social Security does not provide temporary disability benefits, a minimum threshold of one year is required to qualify for benefits. Moreover, disabilities not deemed “severe” will not be considered by DDS.

Does your medical condition appear in the official Listing of Impairments?
Applicants with conditions such as terminal cancer, quad or paraplegia, and those awaiting a heart transplant can find their conditions on the LOI. Conditions on the list are obvious disabilities that automatically mean that you are disabled as defined by law.
While the list includes a variety of severe impairments to various parts of the body, if your condition is not listed, DDS will evaluate your condition and may then decide you are disabled.

If they do not, DDS will then proceed to the next question: Can you continue to work in your present field?
If you are able to work, they will decide you are not disabled. However, if the conditions prevent you from doing that kind of work, they move on to the next question.

Can you do any other kind of work?
Based on your medical condition, age, education, past work experience and other skills, DDS will make a determination on your ability to do other work, and thus your overall disability. If you can do other work, you are not disabled…if you can not, they will decide that you are indeed disabled.