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Skip NavLesson:  Disability Benefits
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Lesson Topics
Introduction
Qualifying for Benefits
Evaluation Process
Who Can Get Benefits
Applying for Benefits
Estimating Benefits
Computing FERS Disability Benefits
Reductions to Benefits
Resources
Summary & Case Studies

Social Security's Eligibility Determination Process

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A woman sitting at a desk working with a computer

To determine whether an individual is eligible for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration uses a step-by-step process involving the following five questions:

  1. Is the person working?
  2. Is the condition "severe"?
  3. Is the condition included in the list of disabling conditions?
  4. Can the person do the work he or she did previously?
  5. Can the person do any other type of work?

The next screens consider each question individually.

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