Disability eligibility is assessed through the Sequential Evaluation which, in turn makes use of either Grids or Listings.

The Sequential Evaluation has 5 steps:

• Is the person engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (working), if no, then,
• Is the person suffering from a severe impairment, if yes, then,
• Do the impairments meet or equal a Listed Impairment, if yes the person is found disabled, if no, then
• Does the person have the abilities to return her past work, if yes, the person is NOT disabled, if no, then,
• Can the person engage in any type of work (which can involve the Grids).

Individuals must be suffering from severe illness that will last at least one year or result in death.  Additionally, standards of evaluation make it slightly easier as the individual ages or if the individual's education is minimum.