How does Social Security define “disability”?

Social Security defines “disability” as an inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that has lasted, or can be expected to last, for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. To be considered disabled, the individual must not be able to perform any past relevant work or other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy, taking into account their age, education, and work experience. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers an individual disabled if they have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents them from doing any substantial gainful activity, which SSA defines as any job that pays $1,220 per month. The impairment must last or be expected to last at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death. The impairment must also be severe enough that the individual cannot return to their previous job, or any other job that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. The SSA evaluates an individual’s medical conditions by using the listing of impairments that describe certain conditions or severity levels. The listing describes, for each major body system, impairments that are considered severe enough to prevent an individual from engaging in any substantial gainful activity; it also explains the level of evidence SSA needs to make a determination. The SSA will give primary consideration to an individual’s medical condition, but they may also take into account age, education, work experience, and any other physical or mental impairments the individual may have. The SSA will not consider any condition that will not last at least 12 months or that has a reasonable expectation of recovery within that time.

How does Social Security define “disability”?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts