How Does Social Security Define Disability?

Social Security has a specific definition of disability that you must meet to receive SSI or SSDI. Understanding this definition helps you know if you might qualify.

In this article, we'll cover:

The official definition
The five-step evaluation process
Medical evidence requirements
Common conditions that qualify

1. The Official Definition

SSA's definition: To be considered disabled, you must:

Be unable 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 is expected to result in death

Key terms:

SGA: Work earning more than $1,550/month (2026)
Medically determinable: Proven by medical evidence
12 months: Must be long-term, not temporary
Unable to work: Cannot do your past work or adjust to other work

What this means:

Short-term disabilities don't qualify
Must have medical proof
Must significantly affect ability to work
Not just discomfort or inconvenience

2. The Five-Step Evaluation Process

Step 1: Are you working?

Earning over SGA? Generally denied
Under SGA? Move to Step 2
Work activity is first consideration

Step 2: Is your condition severe?

Must significantly limit ability to work
Last or expected to last 12+ months
Not severe = denial
Severe = move to Step 3

Step 3: Does it meet a listing?

SSA has "Blue Book" of impairments
If you meet a listing, approved
If not, move to Step 4
Listings have specific criteria

Step 4: Can you do past work?

Consider your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
What can you still do?
If you can do past work, denied
If not, move to Step 5

Step 5: Can you do any other work?

Consider age, education, skills
Is there any work you could do?
If yes, denied
If no, approved

Important: Most people aren't approved until Step 5. The process is designed to see if any work is possible.

3. Medical Evidence Requirements

What SSA needs:

Diagnosis from acceptable medical source
Objective medical evidence (tests, imaging)
Treatment records
Functional limitations described

Acceptable medical sources:

Physicians (MD, DO)
Psychologists (for mental conditions)
Optometrists (for vision)
Podiatrists (for foot issues)
Qualified speech-language pathologists

Types of evidence:

Treatment notes
Hospital records
Lab results
Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
Mental health evaluations
Physical therapy notes

What makes strong evidence:

Consistent treatment over time
Objective findings (not just symptoms)
Clear functional limitations
Multiple sources confirming condition

Consultative exams:

SSA may send you to their doctor
If evidence is insufficient
Provides independent evaluation
Attend and be thorough

4. Common Conditions That Qualify

Physical conditions:

Musculoskeletal disorders (back, joints)
Cardiovascular conditions
Respiratory disorders
Neurological conditions
Cancer
Immune system disorders

Mental conditions:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
PTSD
Intellectual disabilities
Autism spectrum disorders

Combination of conditions:

Multiple conditions considered together
May qualify even if each alone doesn't
Total impact on functioning matters

Compassionate Allowances:

Certain conditions fast-tracked
Obviously qualifying conditions
Quicker approval process
Check SSA's list

Tips for Qualifying

Stay in treatment:

See doctors regularly
Follow prescribed treatment
Don't stop medications without discussing
Creates ongoing record

Be thorough:

Report all conditions
Include mental and physical
Explain all limitations
Don't minimize

Document daily life:

Keep a symptom journal
Note what you can't do
Describe bad days
Specific examples help

Get help if needed:

Disability attorney
Patient advocate
Benefits counselor
Don't navigate alone

How Purple Helps

Once approved, Purple supports your benefits:

Early access to payments
SSI resource limit tracking
Clear financial management
Simple banking designed for disability
No hidden fees