What is the definition of disability under Social Security guidelines?

The definition of disability under Social Security guidelines encompasses conditions that significantly limit one or more major life activities. This is crucial because the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that disability is not solely about having an impairment, but rather the extent to which that impairment restricts an individual's functioning in daily life. Major life activities include activities such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

This perspective acknowledges a broader range of impairments, not just those that are permanent or that specifically hinder employment. The SSA evaluates how an individual's limitations affect their overall ability to perform basic tasks and participate fully in society. It is this comprehensive understanding that forms the basis for determining eligibility for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program.