What Does It Mean to Be Disabled?

The concept of disability can be both abstract and confusing. The term “disabled” is personal in nature and means different things to different people. However, when it comes to being deemed “disabled” in the legal sense, it doesn’t take long to realize that there are various definitions and standards depending on which governmental or private entity is evaluating the application for disability.

Disability benefits come in many forms. While Cari and I only handle Federal Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claims, disability benefits are also available through the State of California, the Worker’s Compensation system, the Veteran’s Administration, and private insurance companies. What many people are surprised to learn is that every single one of these types of benefits comes with its own unique definition of disability.

Some of these programs focus on whether an individual can perform his or her past work. Other programs focus on whether an “average” individual with the same impairments could perform work. Some of these programs look at whether an individual is prevented from working for a short period of time, while other programs focus on a more long-term definition of disability. Social Security’s definition can be more complex, however.

Social Security finds that a person is disabled if this person has a physical or mental impairment, or a combination of both, which prevents this person from working for at least 365 days, or the impairment(s) is expected to result in death.   Additionally, SSA is not just concerned with whether an individual can perform his or her past work. SSA also looks at whether a person has transferrable skills to perform other work, and depending on the person’s age, whether this individual could perform unskilled work in the national economy. Finally, SSA also considers an individual’s age and education when assessing a claim.

While these factors are important to the Social Security Administration, other disability plans have different criteria to consider. Thus, it is always important to keep in mind the standards that you must meet for the particular disability program you are applying for.

Got a question that you need answered? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try to provide you with valuable information on our website that may help you navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free to shoot us an email at info@westcoastdisability.com or call us at (800) 459-3017.