Step 2: Is the Claimant's Impairment Severe and Is the Duration Requirement Met?

A "severe" impairment is an illness or injury that causes more than slight discomfort or mild functional limitations. The duration requirement is 12 months.

The claimant must show that he/she:

• has been unable to work for 12 months, or
• is expected to be unable to work for 12 months, or
• will be dead before the 12 months is up (the Social Security Administration calls these TERI cases).

STEP 3