5 Types of Social Security Disability DENIALS

The Social Security decision-making process has 5 mandatory steps. You can get a denial at several steps or "stages."

STEP 1 DENIAL. You are now working at Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). You cannot be approved for SSDI if you are working and earning at least $1,470 in wages (2023)., or $1,550 (2024). It is the WORK that causes the denial. There is no income test for SSDI.

STEP 2 DENIAL. You do not have a severe and medically determined illness that has (a) lasted for at least 12 straight months, (b) is expected to last for at least 12 straight months, OR (c) expected to end in death. There's no benefit for a short term disability (less than 12 months).

STEP 3 DETERMINATION. You do not meet or equal one of the impairments in the Listings. You are not awarded benefits here, but your case will continue on to Step 4.

STEP 4 DENIAL. It has been determined that you are able to perform one or more of your past relevant jobs, in spite of your impairments.

STEP 5 DENIAL (The Most Common) - You cannot perform any of your past relevant work; however, you can perform another type of work. These denials are very common for individuals under age 50 who have physical impairments. If you are judged able to perform light or sedentary unskilled work, you will be denied.

With so many opportunities to be denied, you need a skilled attorney/advocate to help you. It's important to avoid the pitfalls and control the case.