Social Security’s Definition of Disability
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: July 16, 2021
This month marks the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Disability affects millions of Americans. It can inhibit peoples’ quality of life and their ability to earn a living. Social Security is here to help you and your family, but there are strict criteria for meeting the definition of disability. The definition of disability under Social Security is also different than it is for other programs. We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability.
Social Security has a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers’ compensation, insurance, savings, and investments.
Social Security is also required by law to review the current medical condition of people receiving disability benefits to make sure they continue to have a qualifying disability. Generally, if someone’s health hasn’t improved, or if their disability still keeps them from working, they will continue to receive benefits.
Social Security is a support system for people who cannot work because of a disability. You can learn more about Social Security’s disability program on our website and also by accessing our starter kits and checklists.
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About the Author
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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SAMUEL M.
Human traffickers still working I see.
Jonathan R.
[Re: “SAMUEL MARK GADDIE” posted on August 5, 2019 at 7:09 am:
“Human traffickers still working I see.”] :
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Note: Appears in violation of the “comment policy” . Please review! Thank you!
tony
The SSA has raise the Full Retirement Age to age 67.. Isn’t it about time to raise the Vocational age rule for disability. The average age of the workforce has risen over the decades since the grid rules came out. The workforce is much older now. The age grid rules should be increase by at least 2 years..
https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/median-age-labor-force.htm
Martha S.
There was obvious SS Fraud several years ago when Many Thousands of Americans received SS Disability payments soon after their Unemployment Benefits ran out!! Are all those many fraud cases still getting those benefits??
tony
You can go vigilante and make a citizen arrest since they are committing a felony. You can follow them around in public with a camera and catch them for the SSA. Turn your evidence over to the SSA for them to make an arrest.
The SSA CDI unit is small and doesn’t have enough staff to investigate all the tips it received. You haven’t even narrowed their search to a single person.
The SSA CDI unit is doing their job investigating tips and you want to send them on a wild goose chase.
Natasha K.
Hello! I have Generalized Dystonia and many other health conditions and I have received benefits for years. I would definitely make some contacts to get what you need and deserve.
Regina B.
At the end of the day, the SS decision belongs to the judge that hears your case and the mood he/she is in. Sadly, there are drug addicts receiving these benefits and those with real disabilities simply don’t quality. The judges are human, the people reading this are human and not perfect. The system long ago became besieged by fraud, lies and corruption. Asking for an overhaul of this system is pointless. Bottom line? We are on our own, people!!
Haskel S.
Would not being able to work due to memory loss be considered for disability benefits?
Carson D.
I m in need of some advice.Im disabled,married and raising our Granddaughter.We don’t get any help with our bills and after the bills and food,we are not able to save any and if we have something break at home or one of us gets sick we fall further behind.They say at DFAC’s that I make to much to get the help I need.Im hoping maybe you can shine some light on where I might could get some help.
A company out of Atlanta did aid me in a few things,they got me a new laptop and some dentist work and took one of the guest rooms in my house and made a bathroom bigger and also disability accessable.Making the door into the bathroom large enough for a wheelchair but not the door going out of the house,so that’s one thing I need,is a door going outside big enough for a wheelchair.
John &.
I think SS is doing a darn good job. As two seniors 75 & 76 partially disabled, is their any assistance we can get for home chores such as yard work & inside home cleaning? I hear all kinds of opinions but most seem just that opinions not fact. Would appreciate some guidance. Thanking you in advance. John & Beverly
Ashok K.
Sir, it is v frustrating to know we can not get some partial benefit if are unable to secure 40 points to qualify for retirement benefit. I have 28 pts but came back home here in India because of family liabilities and had to work here as I could not afford to go without money to stay and survive. Pl suggest any other way how and where to put in 3 yrs work to earn 12 points. Thanks
Ashok K. Sharma, ssn 412313851
Joe
poor article!! Heading is “Social Security’s Definition of Disability”, and you basically skirt around that very issue, not providing a definition. You state SSA assumes people will have access to other resources like WC, insurance, savings, etc. THAT has nothing to do with SSA’s definition of disability. The closest you get is to state what it is NOT……partial or short-term.
How about stating some facts? It’s total disability. It’s expected to keep you unable to work for 12 months or more, or to result in death. It’s the inability to do substantial, gainful earnings.
Chas
You need to click on the link in the article that sends you to the definition.