Do You Qualify for Disability?

Social Security Administration’s Disability Qualifying Test

To determine whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits, try our guide step-by-step guide below. If you still have questions about your eligibility for Social Security benefits in Georgia, please reach out at 912-264-6465.

1. Are you working?

If you are working in 2011 and your earnings average more than $1,180 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled. If you are not working, we go to Step 2.

2. Is your condition “severe”?

Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities such as sitting, standing, walking, concentrating, or maintaining persistence and pace for your claim to be considered.

If your condition does not interfere with the above work-related activities, Social Security will find that you are not disabled. If your condition does interfere with basic work-related activities, we go to step 3.


For each of the major body systems, Social Security maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe, being diagnosed with one automatically qualifies you for disability. If your condition is not on the list, Social Security will have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, you will be found disabled. If it is not, go to Step 4.

4. Can you do the work you did previously?

If your condition is severe but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the list, then Social Security must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously. If it does not, your claim will be denied. If it does, proceed to Step 5.

5. Can you do any other type of work?

If you cannot do the work you did in the past, Social Security must determine whether you are able to adjust to other work. Social Security considers your medical condition(s) and your age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills you may have. If you cannot adjust to other work, your claim will be approved. If you can adjust to other work, your claim will be denied.

How Strom Law Disability Attorneys Can Help

Because 80 to 90 SSDI claims are rejected, we start working with clients as soon as we can.

Our Disability Lawyers Can Help You:

  • Apply for Disability Benefits
  • File for Reconsideration
  • Request a Hearing
  • Appeal a Decision in Court
  • File Suit in Federal Court


If you qualify for disability based on the SSA’s qualifying requirements listed above, a Strom Law disability lawyer may be able to assist you in preparing and submitting your application, depending on the facts of your case. Then as your lawyers, we manage the entire process from start to finish. This way you can focus on your health and family.

Still not sure if your medical impairment qualifies for disability benefits under the Social Security Administration? Contact Strom Law with your questions by calling 912-264-6465 or request a no-fee case evaluation by completing the form at the top right.