What is the first step in the SSDI claims process?

Determining whether the claimant is working and performing substantial gainful activity is indeed the first step in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims process. This is crucial because the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the concept of substantial gainful activity (SGA) to assess whether an individual is eligible for disability benefits. If the individual is earning above a certain threshold, they may not be considered disabled under SSA rules, regardless of the severity of their impairment.

Understanding SGA involves examining the work activity and earnings level to see if the claimant is engaging in significant gainful work. This threshold ensures that only those who cannot engage in substantial work due to their impairments receive disability benefits. Once SGA is established, the SSA can move on to other steps in the evaluation process, such as assessing the severity and nature of the claimant's impairment or their work history.

Other options might deal with components that are evaluated later in the process, but the initial assessment must focus on whether the individual is engaging in work that is classified as substantial gainful activity.