2.2 The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process Flashcards
Question: “What is the purpose of the five-step sequential evaluation process?”
Answer: “To determine whether a claimant qualifies as disabled under SSA rules.”
Explanation: “This step-by-step approach ensures all relevant factors are considered systematically.”
Source: CFR §404.1520.
“What is the first step in the sequential evaluation process?”
Answer: “Determining whether the claimant is engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).”
Explanation: “If the claimant is earning above the SGA threshold, they are not considered disabled, regardless of medical impairments.”
“What is the second step in the sequential evaluation process?”
Answer: “Determining whether the claimant has a severe medically determinable impairment.”
Explanation: “The impairment must significantly limit basic work activities.”
Source: CFR §404.1521.
“What is the third step in the sequential evaluation process?”
Answer: “Determining whether the impairment meets or equals a condition in the SSA Blue Book (Listings of Impairments).”
Explanation: “If the condition meets or equals a listed impairment, the claimant is considered disabled.”
“What happens at step four of the sequential evaluation process?”
Answer: “Evaluating whether the claimant can perform past relevant work (PRW).”
Explanation: “SSA considers the claimant’s ability to perform jobs they have held in the last 15 years.”
“What is the final step in the sequential evaluation process?”
Answer: “Determining whether the claimant can perform other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.”
Explanation: “SSA evaluates the claimant’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) along with age, education, and work experience.”
Case Scenario: Laura, a 32-year-old administrative assistant, applies for SSDI benefits, claiming that anxiety prevents her from working. She currently earns $1,500 per month working part-time.
Question: At which step in the sequential evaluation process would Laura’s claim be denied?
Answer: Step 1, because Laura is engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), earning above the 2025 threshold of $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals.
Legal Explanation: Step 1 of the sequential evaluation process assesses whether the claimant is performing SGA. Since Laura’s earnings exceed the SGA limit, her claim is denied without evaluating her medical condition.
Case Scenario: David, a 45-year-old construction worker, has chronic back pain that limits him to lifting no more than 10 pounds. The SSA determines his condition does not meet or equal a Listing of Impairments.
Question: At which step in the sequential evaluation process will David’s claim likely be evaluated next?
Answer: Step 4, where the SSA evaluates David’s ability to perform past relevant work.
Legal Explanation: Step 3 determines if a claimant’s condition meets or equals a Listing. If it does not, the process moves to Step 4, assessing whether the claimant can perform past relevant work based on their Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).
Sequential Evaluation Process:
Five steps assess work activity, medical severity, Listings, past work, and other work.
