Terms of Use 
The definition of disability in the Social Security law is a strict one. To be eligible for benefits, a person must be unable to do any kind of substantial gainful work because of a physical or mental impairment (or a combination of impairments), which is expected either:
If, because of a medical condition, a person cannot do the work that they performed in the past, then age, education, and past work experience must be considered in determining whether the person can do other work. If the evidence shows that the person can do other work, even if it involves different skills or pays less than their previous work, they cannot be considered disabled for Social Security purposes.
The Five-Step Evaluation Process (2026 Update)
1. Are you working? (The SGA Test)
In 2026, if you are working and your monthly earnings average more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, you generally cannot be considered disabled.
- Non-Blind: The 2026 SGA limit is $1,690 per month.
- Blind: The 2026 SGA limit is $2,830 per month.
2. Is your condition "severe"?
Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities—such as walking, sitting, or remembering—for at least one year.
3. Is your condition in the "Blue Book"?
The SSA maintains a "Listing of Impairments." If your medical evidence matches the specific requirements in the Blue Book exactly, your claim is approved automatically at this step. If not, they move to Step 4.
4. Can you do the work you did previously?
The SSA looks at your "Relevant Past Work." Note that under current rules, the SSA only looks at the last 5 years of work history rather than the 15-year window used in the past.
5. Can you do any other type of work?
If you can’t do your past work, the SSA evaluates your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). They consider your age, education, and transferable skills to see if you could adjust to a less demanding job (e.g., a "sedentary" desk job).
You may obtain a copy of Disability Evaluation Under Social Security ("The Blue Book") which contains the medical criteria that SSA uses to determine disability. It is intended primarily for physicians and other health professionals.
To apply for Disability benefits, you can find the most convenient Social Security office at https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
Or, you can find more info and apply online for Disability benefits.