{"id":353902,"date":"2023-05-16T15:29:20","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T20:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/disability\/how-is-social-security-disability-defined.html"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:51:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:51:57","slug":"how-is-social-security-disability-defined","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/disability\/how-is-social-security-disability-defined.html","title":{"rendered":"What Qualifies as a Disability Under SSDI and SSI?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Qualifies as a Disability Under SSDI and SSI?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jennifer Steinberg, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Steven Ellison, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Many conditions can qualify under the Social Security Administration<\/span>\u2019s definition of disability<\/span>. The condition must be severe and prevent your ability to earn a substantial level of income.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Supplemental Security Income<\/span> (SSI<\/span>) program<\/span> pays benefits based on financial need. So SSI<\/span> eligibility<\/span> requires that you have low income and few resources. Social Security Disability Insurance<\/span> (SSDI<\/span>) eligibility<\/span> requires you to have worked long enough to qualify for benefits. You must have also paid Social Security taxes<\/span> on your earnings.<\/p>\n

This article describes what happens after you file a Social Security disability claim<\/span> with the Social Security Administration<\/span> (SSA<\/span>). Find out how the SSA<\/span> defines disability and reaches disability determinations. If you need help with a disability application<\/span> or benefits denial, speak with a local disability attorney<\/a> today.<\/p>\n

Basic Eligibility<\/span> Requirements<\/h2>\n

The first step is for the Social Security Administration<\/span> to make sure you meet all basic non-medical eligibility<\/span> requirements<\/a>. These include things like income, resources, and residency.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For either program, the Social Security Administration<\/span> will find you do not meet eligibility<\/span> requirements if you earn \u201csubstantial gainful activity<\/span>” amounts, whether or not by full-time work. This amount is $1,690 for 2026, but it usually changes each year.<\/p>\n

The Social Security Administration<\/span>\u2019s Definition of Disability<\/span><\/h2>\n

The definition of disability<\/span> under the Social Security Act is the inability to engage in any work because of physical or mental <\/span>impairment<\/span><\/a>. This physical or mental <\/span>impairment<\/span> must have lasted or last for a continuous period<\/a> of at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. This is called the duration requirement.<\/p>\n

Remember that the Social Security disability programs cover only total disability. They don\u2019t pay partial disability or short-term disability benefits<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Social Security Benefits<\/span> for Disabling Conditions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Disability programs can provide more than monthly benefits. If the Social Security Administration<\/span> finds that a claimant has a disability, the claimant may gain the benefits of the SSI<\/span>\/SSDI<\/span> programs.<\/p>\n

Social Security Disability Insurance<\/span> can provide:<\/p>\n