How does the Social Security Administration (SSA) determine disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines disability by evaluating a person’s medical condition. To qualify for disability benefits, an individual must be suffering from a physical or mental condition that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months, or will result in death. People who can prove their condition is preventing them from working for one year or more and meet certain income and resource limits may qualify for disability benefits. During the disability determination process, the SSA will first assess an individual’s medical condition and their ability to perform the job they are currently doing or any other kind of work. The SSA will assess an individual’s medical records, such as test results and X-rays, to determine the severity of the condition. If an individual has a condition that is not listed in the Listing of Impairments, the SSA will determine whether they are limited in their ability to perform basic work activities. The SSA will also consider the individual’s age, education, past work experience and residual functional capacity to determine if they can do any kind of work. If the SSA determines a person is disabled, they will receive Social Security Disability benefits until their condition improves or they reach retirement age. Social Security Disability benefits are available to people who meet all of the SSA’s requirements.

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How does the Social Security Administration (SSA) determine disability?

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