Social Security disability benefits provide essential financial support for people who are unable to work due to a disability. If you are considering applying for Social Security disability benefits, it is important to understand the legal definition of a disability and what evidence you will need to support your claim. In this blog post, we will discuss the definition of a disability and the types of evidence that can be used to support your claim.

Requirements to receive Social Security Disability Benefits

To receive Social Security disability benefits, you must first meet the social security administration's definition of a disability. The social security administration defines a disability as a physical or mental condition that:
  • Has lasted for at least one year, or is expected to last for at least one year
  • Prevents you from working in any capacity
In order to be considered disabled by the social security administration, your condition must be severe enough that it prevents you from being able to do any type of work. This includes both full-time and part-time work. Additionally, your disability must either be expected to last for at least one year or it must have already lasted for at least one year.

The social security administration uses a five-step process to determine whether an individual meets the definition of a disability.

The social security administration will first consider whether you are working. If you are working and your earnings average more than a certain amount, you will not be considered disabled.

Next, the social security administration will consider whether your condition is severe. A condition is considered to be severe if it significantly limits your ability to do basic work activities. If your condition is not severe, the social security administration will determine whether it meets or equals a listed impairment.

The social security administration has a list of impairments that are considered to be so severe that they automatically qualify an individual for disability benefits.

If your condition does not meet or equal a listed impairment, the social security administration will consider whether it prevents you from doing work that you have done in the past.

If the social security administration determines that your condition does not prevent you from doing work that you have done in the past, they will consider whether it prevents you from doing any other type of work. When making this determination, the social security administration will consider your age, education, and work experience.

If you are found to be disabled at any point in the social security administration's five-step process, you will be eligible to receive social security disability benefits.

If you are found to meet the definition of a disability, you will then need to provide evidence to support your claim. The social security administration will consider your medical records and your testimony to make a decision about your claim.

If you are interested in applying for social security disability benefits, contact a qualified disability attorney today. An experienced disability attorney can help you navigate the social security disability application process and ensure that you have the best possible chance of success.

This is a general overview of the requirements for social security disability benefits. For more information about social security disability benefits, contact a qualified disability attorney today.