The Definition of Total Disability According to SSI

The definition for a “total disability” is promulgated by the Social Security administration and is applied unilaterally by Social Security programs such as Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. The term “total disability” is sort of misleading in and of itself and it can and often does cause misunderstandings in respective Social Security program applicants.  This is the essential element applicants need to understand. Social Security pays benefits only for those claiming a total disability. No benefits will ever be afforded to applicants claiming a partial disability or a short term disability.   Social Security rules make the assumption that adult workers will have access to personal savings accounts and investments, State worker’s compensation programs and other insurance programs to cover them in the event of a short term or partial disability situation.

Disability v. Total Disability

Whenever the Social Security rules use the word disability in their rules and regulations it is implied in their use of that word each and every time that the disability referred to is a “total disability.”  There is no difference in Social Security’s general use of the word “disability” and what other benefit programs, insurance companies and the social worker representatives have coined phrase “total disability” to mean.  In short, whenever and where ever Social Security uses the word “disability” they mean a “total disability” in sharp and exclusionary contrast with any other kind of partial disability or short-term disability impairment.

Social Security Definition of Disability

The definition of disability for an adult applicant differs from that of a child applicant.  The definition for an adult is based on his inability to engage in gainful employment and for a child it is based on his inability to engage in fundamental daily activities as measured against non-disabled children of his same age.  Social Security further requires a specific level of severity of impairment caused by the disabling conditions in order to be approved for benefits. 

“Disability” for an adult defined as follows:

• Cannot engage in past work
• Cannot adjust to other new work modality due to the disabling conditions
• Disabling condition has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death

Get Legal Help

If you or a member of your family is has been diagnosed with a disabling condition resulting in a “total disability” you may be eligible for benefits under a Social Security program.  It may be very helpful to discuss the circumstances of the disability with a disability lawyer to gain valuable insite into the Social Security application process and the disabilty evaluation process.