The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability under
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
using strict medical and functional criteria.
SSA’s Definition of Disability:
According to the SSA, a person is considered disabled if:
They have a severe medical condition (physical or mental) that significantly limits their ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) (i.e., work).
The condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
They cannot perform their previous work and cannot adjust to other types of work due to the medical condition, considering age, education, and work experience.
Key Points:
The SSA does not provide benefits for short-term or partial disability—only total disability qualifies.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): In 2024, earning more than $1,550 per month (or $2,590 for blind individuals) generally disqualifies a person from disability benefits.
The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine disability eligibility, including assessing medical evidence, work history, and functional limitations.
Would you like help determining if a condition qualifies under SSA rules?
