Meet the SSA’s Definition of Disability

Before you begin the application process, it’s important to understand what the SSA considers a disability. According to the SSA, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that:

• Prevents you from performing substantial work.
• Has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

Your disability must be severe enough to stop you from doing your past job or any other work. The SSA has a Listing of Impairments (also known as the Blue Book) that outlines various medical conditions that are automatically considered severe enough to qualify for benefits. However, if your condition is not listed, you can still qualify based on the severity of your limitations.

Provide Comprehensive Medical Evidence

The most important way to prove your disability is through medical documentation. The SSA relies heavily on the medical evidence you submit to evaluate the severity and impact of your condition.

Key Documents to Provide:

• Medical records: Ensure you provide complete records from your primary care physician, specialists, and any other healthcare providers who have treated your condition.
• Test results: Include lab tests, imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, etc.), and other diagnostic results that demonstrate the severity of your condition.
• Treatment history: Provide detailed documentation of treatments, medications, and surgeries you’ve undergone, including whether these treatments have been effective.
• Physician’s statement: A letter from your doctor explaining how your condition prevents you from working can be very helpful. This statement should outline your medical history, current symptoms, limitations, and how the condition affects your ability to perform tasks.

Document How Your Condition Affects Your Daily Life

The SSA also looks at how your disability impacts your ability to perform basic daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and socializing. To prove your disability, you may need to submit:

• Function reports: These are forms that describe how your condition affects your ability to carry out everyday activities. Be honest and thorough in explaining what you can and cannot do.
• Work history: Provide details of the jobs you have held in the past and explain how your disability prevents you from performing similar tasks now. The SSA will compare your past work experience with the work you could still do given your limitations.

Follow the SSA’s Five-Step Evaluation Process

The SSA evaluates disability claims using a five-step sequential process. To prove your disability, you’ll need to provide evidence at each of these steps:

Step 1: Are You Working?

• If you are currently working and earning more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, the SSA will determine that you are not disabled. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 per month for blind individuals.

Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?

• The SSA will assess whether your condition significantly limits your ability to perform basic work tasks. You must prove that your condition is severe enough to affect your ability to work for at least 12 months.

Step 3: Is Your Condition on the SSA’s List of Impairments?

• If your condition is listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, you will be considered automatically disabled. If your condition is not on the list, you can still qualify if you can prove that it is equally severe.

Step 4: Can You Perform Your Past Work?

• The SSA will determine if you are still capable of performing any of your previous jobs. If you cannot, the process moves to the next step.

Step 5: Can You Perform Any Other Type of Work?

• The SSA will assess whether you can adjust to any other type of work considering your age, education, work experience, and functional limitations. If not, you will be considered disabled.

Provide Statements from Others Who Know Your Condition

Sometimes, it’s helpful to provide statements from people who know you well and can speak to the impact your condition has on your life. These can include:

• Family and friends: Statements from those who observe how your disability affects your daily activities can help illustrate your limitations.
• Co-workers or supervisors: If you’ve been unable to work due to your condition, former co-workers or supervisors may provide statements that attest to how your condition interfered with your job performance.

Consider Consulting a Social Security Disability Lawyer

Navigating the disability application process can be complex, especially when it comes to proving the severity of your condition. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can assist in:

• Gathering and organizing medical evidence: Lawyers know exactly what the SSA needs to make a favorable decision and can help you collect and present your medical records in the best possible light.
• Submitting additional supporting evidence: If your condition is complex, your lawyer can help you obtain expert opinions, such as vocational experts or medical specialists, to strengthen your case.
• Representing you in hearings: If your claim is denied and goes to a hearing, your lawyer can represent you and ensure your case is presented effectively.

Be Persistent and Prepared for Appeals

It’s important to understand that many initial claims are denied, even if you have a valid disability. If your claim is rejected, don’t get discouraged. You have the right to appeal the decision, and you can continue to submit additional evidence or request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).