What Does It Mean to Be Disabled Under Social Security?

Both SSDI and SSI use the same definition of medical disability.

To qualify, you must have a diagnosed physical or mental impairment, called a Medically Determinable Impairment (MDI) that has been proven with medical evidence. The impairment must have lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. This MDI must also prevent you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), meaning that you cannot earn enough from work to support yourself.

View our FAQ for more answers about Social Security Disability Insurance.

At Disability Advocates, we know the Social Security Disability system inside and out and we use that knowledge to anticipate challenges, quickly adapt, and find solutions where others might just see obstacles.

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