How do I know if I meet Social Security’s definition of disability?

Q: How do I know if I meet Social Security’s definition of disability?

Under the Social Security Act, disability means "...inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment [or combination of impairments] which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 [consecutive months]...[taking into account the individual’s age, education and work history]." (42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d), 1382c(a)(3)(B); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404/1505, 416.905.) In layman’s terms, this means that an individual who suffers a serious illness or injury and expects to be unable to work for at least one year or more may file a claim for Social Security disability benefits.

Under the Social Security Act, disability means “…inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment [or combination of impairments] which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 [consecutive months]…[taking into account the individual’s age, education and work history].” (42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d), 1382c(a)(3)(B); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404/1505, 416.905.)

In layman’s terms, this means that an individual who suffers a serious illness or injury and expects to be unable to work for at least one year or more may file a claim for Social Security disability benefits.