{"id":353904,"date":"2023-06-13T17:13:21","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T22:13:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/disability\/how-to-prove-disability.html"},"modified":"2023-06-13T17:13:21","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T22:13:21","slug":"how-to-prove-disability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/disability\/how-to-prove-disability.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Prove Disability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

How To Prove Disability<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Jennifer Steinberg, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Steven Ellison, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

\n

The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes a strict definition of disability. You will only receive SSDI monthly benefits or SSI monthly benefits for total disability. In other words, you can’t be partially or temporarily disabled and still qualify for Social Security disability benefits.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to know how to prove disability for Social Security disability benefits. Proof is necessary even if you think your case is a slam dunk. After all, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies most initial applications.<\/p>\n

Learn more about the criteria for proving disability under the\u00a0Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)\u00a0<\/a>programs. If you need help with a complex case, contact a disability benefits lawyer<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n

How the SSA Defines Disability<\/h2>\n

After you\u00a0apply for SSDI or SSI<\/a>\u00a0at your\u00a0local Social Security office, the SSA office takes a multi-step disability evaluation process.<\/p>\n

You must show the following to meet SSA’s definition of disability<\/a>:<\/p>\n