Steps 4 & 5 of the Social Security Disability Evaluation Process

Social Security uses a five-step process to evaluate adult disability claims. When a claim reaches Steps 4 and 5, the focus is on whether the applicant can perform past work or adjust to other work.

Memphisdisability provides general information to help people in Memphis, Tennessee, understand these stages of SSDI and SSI disability claims.

Understanding Residual Functional Capacity

Before evaluating work ability at these stages, SSA assesses your residual functional capacity, commonly called RFC. This describes what you can still do despite limitations caused by your impairments.

SSA uses this assessment to evaluate your ability to meet the physical and mental demands of work.

Step 4: Can You Perform Your Past Work?

At Step 4, SSA compares your RFC with the demands of your past relevant work. It considers how you actually performed the work and how that work is generally performed in the national economy.

If SSA determines that you can perform past relevant work, it generally finds you not disabled. If you cannot perform that work, the evaluation generally continues to Step 5.

Accurate job descriptions are important. Provide details about duties, lifting, standing, walking, equipment use, and other responsibilities rather than relying only on job titles.

Step 5: Can You Adjust to Other Work?

At Step 5, SSA considers your RFC together with your age, education, and work experience to determine whether you can adjust to other work.

The evaluation concerns work existing in significant numbers in the national economy. It is broader than whether your former employer has an opening or whether you can find a particular vacancy in Memphis.

If SSA determines that you can adjust to other qualifying work, it finds you not disabled. If you cannot, it finds you disabled under this evaluation. Other program requirements still apply.

Preparing Your Information

Keep clear, accurate information about:

  • Previous job duties and working conditions.
  • Physical and mental demands of your work.
  • Education, training, and skills.
  • Symptoms and limitations affecting work activities.
  • Relevant medical treatment and records.

Explore Your Next Steps

Explore our disability resources or contact Memphisdisability to inquire about available independent assistance with understanding your claim.