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Home :: FAQ :: Issues - Social Security Disability Hearing

What happens at step 1 of the sequential evaluation process?

At step one the ALJ must determine whether the claimant is engaging in substantial gainful activity (20CFR 404.1520(b) and 416.920(b)).  Substantial gainful activity (SGA) is defined as “work activity that is both substantial and gainful. If an individual engages in SGA, that individual is not disabled regardless of how severe that individual’s physical or mental impairments are and regardless of age, education, and work experience”.  If an individual is not engaging in SGA, the analysis proceeds to the second step.