Disability 411: how Social Security decides if you’re disabled
Social Security uses a five-step test, in order: (1) Are you working above the substantial gainful activity limit ($1,690 a month in 2026)? (2) Is your condition severe and expected to last 12 months? (3) Does it meet or equal a listed impairment? (4) Can you do your past work? (5) Can you do any other work, considering your age, education and skills? A "no" at step 4 and 5 means you are disabled.
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What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays monthly benefits to workers who can no longer work because of a significant illness or impairment that is expected to last at least a year or to result in death. It’s part of the same Social Security program that pays retirement benefits. See how SSDI differs from SSI.
The five-step test
- Is the applicant working? If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, Social Security won’t find you disabled. In 2026 the limit is $1,690 a month, or $2,830 if you are blind. If you earn less, it moves to step two.
- Is the medical condition severe? The condition must significantly limit basic work activities, such as standing, lifting, remembering or following instructions, for at least 12 months.
- Is the condition on Social Security’s list of impairments? If it meets or is as severe as a listing, you’re found disabled. If not, Social Security decides your residual functional capacity (what you can still do) and moves on.
- Can the applicant do the work they did before? If your limits stop you from doing any of your past relevant work, it moves to step five.
- Can the applicant do any other work? Social Security weighs your age, education, work experience and limits. If you can’t adjust to other work, you’re found disabled.
Conditions in Social Security’s listings
The Listing of Impairments groups conditions by body system. Examples include:
- Mental disorders: bipolar disorder, autism, depression, anxiety and panic disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD
- Musculoskeletal: back and spine disorders, arthritis, amputation, fractures
- Respiratory: asthma, COPD and emphysema, cystic fibrosis, lung transplant
- Cardiovascular: heart failure, coronary artery disease
- Neurological: cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, MS
- Immune system: HIV/AIDS, lupus, inflammatory arthritis
- Digestive: Crohn’s disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney: chronic kidney disease, dialysis
- Blood disorders: sickle cell disease, hemophilia, myelofibrosis
- Senses and speech: vision, hearing and speech loss
- Skin: severe psoriasis, burns, ichthyosis
- Cancer: leukemia, lymphoma and many other cancers
- Endocrine and multiple systems: complications of diabetes and thyroid disorders, metabolic disorders
Not on the list? You can still qualify at steps four and five. Conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuropathy and obesity are judged by how much they limit you.
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Frequently asked questions
What conditions qualify for Social Security disability?
No diagnosis qualifies automatically. Social Security looks at how your condition limits your ability to work. Its Listing of Impairments (often called the Blue Book) covers conditions such as back and joint disorders, heart and lung disease, cancer, neurological disorders, and mental health conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and PTSD.
Does my age matter?
Yes, at step five. Social Security’s rules make it easier for people aged 50 and older with limited education or transferable skills to be found disabled, because adjusting to new work is harder.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn work credits; the payment is based on your earnings record. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for disabled, blind or older (65+) people with limited income and resources, whether or not they have worked. Some people qualify for both. The medical definition of disability is the same for adults in both programs.