The Social Security Administration usually requires that claimants filing for Social Security Disability benefits earn less than $1,220, per month (2019), from any work they are performing. SSA may disapprove your application if you are, what they consider, gainfully employed or over this amount.

If SSA determines you are not gainfully employed, they will review whether or not your medical condition is considered “severe.” This is done by a review of your medical records by doctors, adjudicators, and sometimes Administrative Law Judges.

SSA’s regulations include a list of medical conditions they consider to be “disabling” which also includes the required evidence which must be shown to prove disability in that category. This is a large list which consists of many physical conditions such as back pain and many mental conditions such as depression.

At this step, SSA will take into consideration your medical records and statements to determine whether or not you are able to perform your past-work. This is usually done by assessing your ability to perform any amount of physical labor and also your mental capacity.

If you are unable to return to your past-work, SSA will consider any skills you may have that transfer to different jobs. They will also consider your age, education, and past-work experience.