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How does the Social Security Administration define “disability”?

When applying for Social Security disability benefits for either yourself or a dependant child you should be aware of the factors that determine disability. An experienced Ft. Lauderdale Social Security disability attorney will be familiar with the factors the Social Security Administration (SSA) takes into account when evaluating your claim.

Basic Definition of Disability

No matter what age an applicant for Social Security disability benefits is, the basic definition of a disability involves the ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). Because Social Security disability benefits provide financial assistance to those who qualify, the SSA strives to avoid paying benefits to those who are able to provide for themselves.

Your Ft. Lauderdale Social Security disability attorney can help you document your disability and show its impact on your ability to work. A disability can be mental or physical so long as it impairs a claimant's ability to work and support themselves.

Common types of physical disability include:

  • paralysis;
  • loss of limb;
  • impairment of functionality;
  • chronic pain; and
  • loss of fine or gross motor control.


Common types of mental disability include:

  • mood swings;
  • cognitive disorders;
  • memory impairment;
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; and
  • anxiety.


Defining Disability in Adults

When applying for Social Security disability benefits the SSA first takes into account the ability of the adult to perform substantial gainful ability. The other major consideration is that the adult's disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least 1 year or to result in death.

Social Security disability benefits are only offered for total disability. Therefore, individuals who are still able to perform some types of work, or those with short-term disabilities, are ineligible for Social Security disability benefits. Your family situation will also be taken into consideration as the SSA assumes a family with other working members will have access to other resources.

If you are being denied Social Security disability benefits due to claims of partial disability or too many other sources of assistance, you may need the help of a Ft. Lauderdale Social Security disability attorney to fight for your benefits. An attorney can work to assemble comprehensive evidence to demonstrate your financial and medical need.

Defining Disability in Children

The considerations made by the SSA in determining eligibility for Social Security disability benefits in children are much the same as with adults. The major difference is that since many minor children have not yet demonstrated their ability to perform substantial gainful activity, it is more difficult to determine their working ability.

A child that is currently employed performing substantial gainful activity would be exempt from receiving Social Security disability benefits. Your child must not be earning above the SSA's monthly allowance and must show significant mental or physical impairment that would likely prevent them from gaining employment in the future.

Again, the time period for the disability must show the condition existed at least 1 year prior or is expected to last more than 1 year or result in death. Your Ft. Lauderdale Social Security disability attorney can assist you in providing the necessary proof to support your claim.

Contacting a Ft. Lauderdale Social Security Disability Attorney

If you or your dependant child have been diagnosed with a severe physical or mental disability, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Contact a Social Security disability attorney who can help determine your eligibility.

Get a FREE Social Security disability guide and avoid the common mistakes many claimants make during their application or appeal. If you or your loved are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. 1-888-234-5758




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