If you are working in 2009 and your earnings average more than $980 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled.


If you are not working, go to Question 2.

Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. If it does not, the SSA will find that you are not disabled. If your condition does interfere with basic work-related activities, go to Question 3

For each of the major body systems, the SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe they automatically mean that you are disabled. If your condition is not on the list, they have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, they will find that you are disabled. If it is not, then go to Question 4.


Note: There are two initiatives designed to expedite processing of new disability claims:

• Compassionate Allowances: Certain cases that usually qualify for disability can be allowed as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. Examples include acute leukemia, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and pancreatic cancer.
• Quick Disability Determinations: The SSA uses sophisticated computer screening to identify cases with a high probability of allowance


If your condition is severe but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the list, then the SSA must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously. If it does not, your claim will be denied. If it does, proceed to Question 5. 


If you cannot do your past work, the SSA looks at your age, education, training, and work experience to evaluate if you can do other kinds of work. In order to qualify for benefits, you must not be able to do the work you did previously or adjust to other work.