What Does Social Security Mean by "Disability"?

What Does Social Security Mean by "Disability"?
The Social Security Act sets legal standards for the kind of “disability” that qualifies a person for Social Security Disability benefits. This federal law allows an individual to get Social Security Disability benefits, if one or more of the following requirements is met:
  • The individual is totally disabled. In other words, the person has a very serious health condition that keeps the person from working at any paying job.
  • The disabling health condition is likely to last for at least a year or to cause death
  • The individual’s own doctors, or other medical experts, state in writing that the person does have a serious, ongoing, and disabling health problem.

What is the Legal Definition of “Disability”?

In the federal Social Security Act, the definition of “disability” is:
Inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months or result in death. 42 U.S.C. 416 (i)(1).

When you are struggling to cope with a severe disability, it may be difficult to take all the legal steps necessary to convince the Social Security Administration, on your own, that you are entitled to Social Security Disability benefits.

We want to help you get the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve. If you or a loved one was denied Social Security Disability benefits, contact an experienced Michigan Social Security lawyer immediately.

Just click here to make out a free, simple, and confidential legal consultation form about your Social Security Disability claim now.

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