What does Social Security consider a “severe” disability?
In Virginia, the Social Security Administration considers a disability to be “severe” if it significantly limits a person’s ability to perform basic work activities for at least 12 months. To be considered a severe disability, the condition must prevent a person from engaging in any type of substantial gainful activity (SGA). This refers to an activity that is regularly done for pay, profit, or business, or that involves the performance of significant services. The Social Security Administration looks at four areas to determine if a disability is severe: a person’s age, educational background, work experience, and ability to adjust to other types of work. The agency also looks at whether a person’s physical or mental condition interferes with their ability to do basic work activities, such as standing, walking, lifting, carrying, understanding, speaking, reading, concentrating, or using judgment. To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits in Virginia, a person must meet the requirements of having a severe disability. That means the disability must limit the person’s ability to do basic work activities for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration will look into the person’s age, educational background, work experience, and ability to adjust to other types of work to make its determination.
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