Steps 4 and 5 of the Sequential Evaluation Process
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to evaluate adult disability claims. If your claim reaches Steps 4 and 5, SSA examines whether you can perform your past work or adjust to other work despite your medical limitations.
Understanding Your Ability to Work
Before Step 4, SSA assesses your residual functional capacity, or RFC. This describes what you can still do despite your impairments and related symptoms. It includes physical abilities, such as sitting and lifting, and mental abilities, such as concentrating and following instructions.
Step 4: Can You Perform Your Past Work?
SSA compares your RFC with the demands of your past relevant work. This generally includes qualifying work performed during the applicable five-year review period that lasted long enough for you to learn it.
SSA considers your work both as you actually performed it and as it is generally performed in the national economy. If you can perform past relevant work under either standard, SSA generally finds that you are not disabled. If you cannot, the evaluation proceeds to Step 5.
Step 5: Can You Adjust to Other Work?
At Step 5, SSA considers your RFC together with your age, education, and work experience. It evaluates whether you can adjust to other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.
Being unable to return to your former job does not automatically qualify you for benefits. To deny a claim at this step, SSA must provide evidence of other work you can perform, considering your limitations and vocational factors.
Information That Helps Explain Your Limitations
Accurate medical and work-history information helps SSA understand how your condition affects your ability to work. Useful details include:
- Your previous job duties and their physical and mental demands.
- How your symptoms affect everyday activities and work tasks.
- Treatment records and descriptions of your functional limitations.
- Any reduced hours, extra breaks, or assistance you needed at work.
Explore Your Next Steps
Disability Attorneys of Atlanta provides general information about disability applications, appeals, and hearings. If you have questions about your claim, you can request contact from an independent attorney who may be able to review your situation.
