SSA Five-Step Sequential Evaluation
Five-step process / Step 2
Step 2: Severe Impairment
Do you have a medically determinable impairment that significantly limits basic work activities?
Continue to Step 3.
Not disabled; evaluation stops.
At Step 2, SSA asks whether at least one medically determinable impairment, alone or together with other impairments, significantly limits basic work activities and meets the duration requirement. This is an early screening step, not a full decision about whether you can work.
“Severe” is a low screening threshold
An impairment is generally severe if it causes more than a slight abnormality and significantly limits physical or mental abilities needed for most jobs. A condition does not have to prevent all work at this step. If the limitation is only a slight abnormality with no more than a minimal effect on basic work activities, SSA may find it non-severe.
SSA considers the combined effects of all medically determinable impairments. Several conditions that would be non-severe by themselves can together significantly limit work activities.
The duration requirement
Unless an impairment is expected to result in death, the impairment must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. A diagnosis alone does not satisfy the duration rule; SSA considers the expected course and the evidence in the record.
Medical evidence and symptoms
SSA must establish a medically determinable impairment using objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source. Symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or memory problems are important and should be described, but a person’s statements alone do not establish the underlying impairment. After an impairment is established, SSA considers symptoms and all other relevant evidence when evaluating its effects.
Examples of basic work activities
Basic work activities are the abilities and aptitudes needed to do most jobs. They can be physical, sensory, cognitive, or social.
- Standing, walking, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, carrying, and handling.
- Seeing, hearing, and speaking.
- Understanding, carrying out, and remembering simple instructions; using judgment.
- Responding appropriately to supervisors, coworkers, and usual work situations.
- Dealing with changes in a routine work setting.
Related site resources
SSA disability listings by body systemAll five evaluation stepsWhat if my doctor will not help with my claim?