Your medical condition must significantly limit basic work activities like walking, sitting, or remembering instructions.
Document how your condition affects daily life. A symptom diary tracking pain, fatigue, and the time it takes to complete simple tasks (like dressing) can be powerful evidence. 3. The 5-Step Evaluation Process The SSA follows these steps to determine eligibility:
Prepare a detailed list of all jobs held in the last 15 years , including specific physical and mental duties for each. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
The condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death. 2. Gather Essential Documentation
You must be unable to do any "substantial" work (earning above a certain monthly limit). Your medical condition must significantly limit basic work
Navigating (SSD) can be overwhelming, but having a clear roadmap can significantly improve your chances of approval. Whether you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) based on work history or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on financial need, 1. Know the "Strict" Definition
5 Steps to Make Applying for Disability Easier | Social Security Matters SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a very specific definition of disability: