What is the five-step process Social Security uses to evaluate disability claims? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Details / How it works

The five-step sequential evaluation process is set out at 20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4). The SSA applies each step in order and stops at the first step that yields a determination. Before moving from step three to step four, the SSA assesses the claimant's residual functional capacity (RFC) under 20 CFR 404.1520(e), and that same RFC is used at both step four and step five. The five steps are: (1) work activity / SGA; (2) medical severity of the impairment; (3) whether the impairment meets or equals a Listing in Appendix 1; (4) whether the claimant can still perform past relevant work (work done in the past 15 years that was SGA, as defined in 20 CFR 404.1560(b)); and (5) whether the claimant can adjust to other work based on RFC and vocational factors (age, education, and work experience).

Numbers & thresholds

Exceptions & edge cases

If the claimant is already receiving disability benefits, a different sequential evaluation applies under 20 CFR 404.1594(f) to determine whether they continue to be disabled. Different rules also apply for individuals who are statutorily blind, under 20 CFR 404.1581 through 404.1587. Under the expedited process at 20 CFR 404.1520(h), if there is insufficient evidence about past relevant work, the SSA may skip directly from step three to step five and resolve the claim based on age, education, and the same RFC assessment. The special medical-vocational profiles in 20 CFR 404.1562 may direct a finding of disabled at step five based on vocational factors.