What Is Considered a Disability?

When you’re unable to work due to a serious illness or injury, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides monthly benefits through two different disability programs. The SSA has specific criteria to determine if an individual qualifies for these benefits and how much they will receive, depending on their age and the type of disability.

‍

Definition of Disability by SSA

To be considered disabled according to SSA guidelines, an individual must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents them from working and earning an income. This impairment must be severe enough that the person cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): For 2024, the SGA amount is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 per month for blind individuals. If an individual earns more than these amounts, they are generally not considered disabled.

‍

Medical Evidence to Qualify for Disability Benefits

The first step to getting disability benefits is to provide medical records that offer hard evidence of the physical or mental impairments preventing you from working. This documentation must be current and relevant, showing how these limitations affect your daily life and ability to perform work-related tasks.

‍

Requirements for Medical Evidence:

• Severity of Condition: Your medical records must clearly show the severity of your condition.

• Symptoms and Limitations: Include information about symptoms and limitations or restrictions on what kind of work you can do.

• Functional Limitations: The SSA will assess what kind of work you can perform based on your medical records.

‍

Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment

The Disability Determination Services (DDS) will conduct an RFC assessment to determine:

• Your ability to maintain attention, focus, and concentration.

• Your ability to understand and follow instructions.

• Your ability to interact with others in a workplace or home environment.

‍

Medical Criteria

There are hundreds of disabilities that can qualify for Social Security benefits. These include:

• Joint and muscle conditions

• Cardiac conditions

• Cancer

• Injuries

• Autoimmune disorders

• Neurological conditions

‍

Applying for Disability Benefits

If you are ready to apply for disability benefits, you can visit www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative or schedule an appointment at your local SSA office. Proper documentation is essential to the success of your disability claim.

‍