5 Questions the Social Security Administration Asks to Determine Disability
Disability benefits applicants may not know that the SSA uses a unique legal definition, not only a medical diagnosis, to determine whether someone is unable to work.
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, one of the biggest hurdles is proving that you meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) very strict definition of “disability.” Applicants may not know that the SSA uses a unique legal definition, not only a medical diagnosis, to determine whether someone is unable to work.
At Daggett Shuler, our disability team is led by a Board-Certified Specialist in Social Security Disability law. We guide disabled people through this complex process every day. The more you understand about how the SSA defines disability, the better prepared you are for presenting a strong claim from the start.
The SSA’s Strict Definition of Disability
For adults, the SSA’s definition of disability is as follows:
“The inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death.”
There are several essential components in this definition:
1. You must be unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA refers to work that earns income above a certain monthly amount. If you are working and earning above SGA levels, the SSA will deny your claim, even if you have serious medical conditions.
2. Your condition must be medically determinable. The SSA does not approve claims based solely on symptoms or self-reports. You must have objective medical evidence—such as imaging, lab tests, clinical notes, or specialist evaluations—to support your condition.
3. The impairment must last at least 12 months or be terminal. Short-term or temporary conditions, even if severe, do not meet the SSA’s definition. The long-term effects of your condition are what will be evaluated.
4. Your ability to do both past work and other work. The SSA follows a five-step evaluation process to determine whether you can still work:
- Are you working above SGA?
- Is your impairment severe?
- Does your condition meet or equal a “Listing”?
- Can you still perform your past relevant work?
- Can you adjust to other work in the national economy?
If the SSA believes you can do any other work on a full-time basis, even work you’ve never performed before, they will deny your claim. This is why detailed evidence and advocacy are so critical.
Common Misconceptions About SSA Disability Criteria
Many applicants believe one of the following is enough to qualify:
- “My doctor said I’m disabled.”
- “I can’t do my old job.”
- “I’ve been diagnosed with a serious condition.”
Unfortunately, none of these alone guarantees approval. What matters is how your impairments affect your ability to work full-time in any job based on medical evidence, functional limitations, age, education, and past work history.
Ready to Apply or Appeal? Daggett Shuler Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one is unable to work due to a disability, our SSD attorneys understand the intricacies of the disability benefits process and are here to help. For more information, visit our Social Security Disability FAQ.
Contact us today by submitting an online form or calling our office at (336) 724-1234 for a free consultation.
