How Does Social Security Determine Whether a Person Is Disabled?

 Posted on June 19, 2026 in Social Security Disability

Those who suffer from health conditions that affect their ability to work may be able to receive disability benefits through Social Security. To qualify for Social Security disability, a person will need to prove that they have a condition that affects their ability to earn enough income. When reviewing a disability claim, Social Security uses a specific process to determine whether an applicant’s condition is considered a disability.

By understanding this process, you can be more confident that you will be able to receive the benefits you need. If you're applying or appealing in 2026, a Collin County, TX Social Security disability attorney can help you put your strongest case forward.

What Is the Five-Step Process Social Security Uses to Determine Disability?

Social Security uses a "sequential evaluation," or five-step process, to decide whether you're disabled (20 C.F.R. § 404.1520). The five steps revolve around five important questions.

Is the Applicant Currently Working?

To be eligible for disability, you must currently be earning income less than what is considered to be "substantial gainful activity." This amount is adjusted yearly to account for national wage changes.

Is the Applicant’s Condition Severe?

You must be experiencing a physical or mental condition that interferes with your ability to perform work-related activities. The condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Is the Condition Included in the Social Security Listing of Impairments?

The Social Security Administration maintains a Listing of Impairments that describes medical conditions considered severe enough to qualify as disabilities. If your condition meets all of the medical requirements of a listing, or if it is medically equivalent to a listed condition, Social Security will generally find that you are disabled at this step of the evaluation process.

If you meet or equal a listing, Social Security usually does not need to continue evaluating your ability to work. However, you must still meet the applicable non-medical eligibility requirements for the disability benefits you are seeking.

Can the Applicant Perform Work They Had Done in the Past?

An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review your "residual functional capacity." This is your ability to perform sustained, regular work continuously. The ALJ will then determine whether your residual functional capacity will allow you to perform work you had done in the past. If you can perform this type of work, you will likely not be considered to be disabled.

Can the Applicant Perform Any Other Type of Work?

The ALJ will consider whether your residual functional capacity will allow you to do other types of work and get employment in available jobs. If you can find employment and maintain substantial gainful activity, you likely will not be considered to be disabled.

Your claim may be denied at any point in this process. Don’t be concerned if this happens. You can appeal the denial. The majority of claims are typically denied at first.

What Counts as "Substantial Gainful Activity" for Disability Claims?

Social Security will review your gross earned income (before taxes) to determine whether you are engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If your monthly earnings are above the SGA limit, Social Security may find that you are working at a level that prevents you from qualifying as disabled, even if the work is part-time. Certain Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs), such as the cost of a job coach or special equipment needed for you to work, may be deducted from your earnings when Social Security calculates whether you exceed the SGA threshold.

SGA rules generally apply only to earned income from work. Income such as interest, dividends, or rental income is not considered earned income for SGA purposes. VA disability benefits and retirement benefits are also not counted as earned income. However, they may affect eligibility for other Social Security programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How Can I Strengthen My SSDI Claim?

Strong medical evidence is probably the most important factor in a successful SSDI claim. Social Security bases its decision on documentation as well as your own descriptions of your disability.

Keep up with your treatment and follow your doctor's prescribed care. Gaps in care can be used to question how serious your condition is. Ask your doctors to describe your specific functional limits, like how long you can stand, sit, or concentrate. Keep copies of test results, hospital records, and notes about how your condition affects daily life.

An organized, well-documented case may be able to save you the months of waiting for an appeal for a denied SSDI claim.

Call a Dallas, TX Social Security Disability Attorney Today

The requirements for proving that you are disabled can be very strict. Mistakes made during an application or appeal may cause Social Security disability benefits to be denied.

Our attorneys at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd bring over 60 years of collective legal experience to these cases. They have earned numerous awards and held leadership positions in organizations, including the National Association of Social Security Claimants' Representatives and the Dallas Association of Social Security Claimants' Attorneys. Call our Collin County, TX SSDI lawyers at 972-671-9922 today to set up a free consultation.