Disability Under the Social Security Administration Rules and Regulations: What Does it Mean?

There is no question that understanding what constitutes a “disability” under the rules and regulations of the Social Security Administration (otherwise known as the “SSA”) is critical for individuals seeking benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSD”) or Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) programs. However, contrary to what many disabled applicants may believe, the SSA applies a strict and specific definition of “disability,” which differs from how disability may be defined in other contexts. The truth of the matter is that those who make disability determinations at the SSA, including SSA administrative law judges (“ALJ’s”) are not doctors, and the definition of “disability” under the SSA rules and regulations is a legal term, rather than a precise medical definition. Here we explain what it means to be disabled under the SSA rules and regulations, and where you can turn for legal help applying for important SSD benefits.

Defining “Disability” in Your Social Security Disability Case

The Social Security Administration defines the term “disability” for the purposes of Social Security Disability benefits eligibility in its own rules and regulations, which are federal laws. The SSA explains that under federal law, “To meet our definition of disability, you must not be able to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental disability(ies) that is either…Expected to result in death [or] Has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.” Importantly, there is a separate definition of disability that applies to children under the age of 18 years old. “SGA” or “substantial gainful activity” is also a key legal term under federal law. “SGA” refers to a level of work activity and earnings under federal law.

How to Determine if You Meet the SSA’s Definition of “Disabled”

The truth of the matter is that every Social Security Disability case is unique, and there is no precise way to determine whether the Social Security Administration will approve your application and grant you benefits at the initial application stage. Social Security Disability applicants should keep in mind that a large percentage of Social Security Disability applicants are denied at the initial applications stage, even if they believe they are disabled, cannot work, and have a serious and disabling impairment. As such, if you are interested in determining whether you may meet the SSA’s definition of disabled, or you were denied SSD benefits at the initial application stage and you need help getting SSD benefits due to you, it is important to speak with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer about your case and next steps forward.

Getting Legal Help with Your Social Security Disability Case

If you are in need of help getting important Social Security Disability benefits due to you, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law. The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law are here to help disabled individuals get SSD benefits due to them. Contact Nationwide Disability Law and speak with a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

ssa.gov/redbook/eng/definedisability.htm?tl=0