How Disability is Defined, the SSA Way

Are you wondering about the term "disability" and howsocial security disability benefits.
it is really defined? Each of us may have an individual"Permanently disabled" is another artful term used by
concept of disability and who are those that can besociety but not used in anyway by SSA to define
considered disabled and those who cannot be noteddisability. A doctor, in supporting a patient's disability
as one.benefits claim usually states that the patient is
However, if you and all the others think that your ideapermanently disabled.
of the definition of disability is the same as that of theHowever, it is a fact that most people applying for
Social Security Administration's then you might have tobenefits under the Social Security disability program
reassess your thoughts.are not actually permanently disabled. Even if it were
The Social Security Administration or SSA is thetrue, it is yet too early to ascertain if a middle-aged
implementing agency of the Social Security Act. Oneperson would be able to work again before they
of its essential tasks is setting official definitions andreach the age of 65.
determination of disability.To clarify matters, wholly, the SSA does not call for
In order to present a general context on the definitionyou to become permanently disabled. In all actuality, it
of disability, throwing significant light on a couple ofhas never been an issue at all in SSA whether a
longstanding myths concerning its meaning is in order.person's disability is or can become permanent.
First, SSA does not have a policy granting that onlySo what is indeed the definition of SSA and its policy
"totally disabled" persons can be eligible to obtainregarding disability?
disability benefits. To set this myth straight, people haveBasically, the SSA and the federal law, as cited in the
to realize that "totally disabled" may be an artful term42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d)(1)(A) and 1382c(a)(3)(A)
used by society, but the SSA does not use such term42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d)(1)(A) and 1382c(a)(3)(A)
as their definition of disability.defines disability as the incapacity to work or become
Even if you were to ask, about a hundred doctors toinvolved in any kind of "substantial gainful activity" due
define "totally disabled" you would probably get variousto any mental or physical impairment. This impairment
differing answers. However, more would define that amust be determined or diagnosed by medical
person who is totally disabled is a person who has lostauthorities and could be expected to lead to death or
the ability to function in any way.might last continuously up to 12 months.
Generally, for you to become eligible to apply for socialThis definition debunks all myths claiming that disability
security disability benefits, the SSA does not requireneeds to be total and permanent. You can be eligible
that you not be working in any way. On the otherfor disability benefits once your impairment as
hand, this condition does not mean that you need to bediagnosed by doctors has prevented you to work for
physically or psychologically incapable of functioning.12 months and more already.
Secondly, it is not true that you have to beIt is time to reassess your case now and reinforce
"permanently disabled" in order to become eligible foryour disability benefits claims.