# What is Social Security's definition of disability? Last updated Jul 19, 2026 Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/steward Published by SSDI Direct Answers · Licensed under Citation License 1.0 — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/license Under the Social Security Act, disability means the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months or to result in death. ## What the government has said, on the record > "The Act defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can result in death or has lasted or, can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." — **Bea Disman**, Acting Chief of Staff, Social Security Administration (longtime Regional Commissioner, New York Region), [Testimony before the House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security (hearing on determining eligibility for disability benefits)](https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_090607.html), September 6, 2017. Who said this: - https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_050307.html - https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title02/0223.htm *Editor's note: Testimony phrasing compresses the statute slightly; quote reproduced exactly as it appears on the ssa.gov testimony page, including its punctuation.* Under the Social Security Act, disability means the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months or to result in death. Social Security pays only for total disability under this definition; there are no benefits for partial or short-term disability. SSA applies a five-step sequential evaluation to decide whether an adult meets this definition. Under the Social Security Act, disability means the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months or to result in death. ## What is Social Security's definition of disability? Social Security pays only for total disability under this definition; there are no benefits for partial or short-term disability. SSA applies a five-step sequential evaluation to decide whether an adult meets this definition. ## Where to verify See the official source cited in the quote block above, and SSA's own program pages at [ssa.gov/disability](https://www.ssa.gov/disability). Program dollar amounts change annually with the cost-of-living adjustment. ## Sources - Testimony before the House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security (hearing on determining eligibility for disability benefits) — https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_090607.html - SSA — Disability Benefits — https://www.ssa.gov/disability --- Canonical URL: https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/social-security-definition-of-disability Publisher: SSDI Direct Answers — a product of Adolicious LLC Published: 2026-07-20T16:07:00+00:00 Modified: 2026-07-19T00:29:27.066306+00:00 License: Citation License 1.0 — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/license © 2026 Adolicious LLC. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: SSDI Direct Answers is a private informational website. It is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. For official information visit ssa.gov.