Social Security disability insurance is very
difficult to qualify for given the broad definition
a disability. Additionally, the monthly benefit
available, in most cases, is not nearly enough
to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
The Social Security Administration defines
a disability as the inability to engage in
any substantial gainful activity by reason
of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment which can be expected to
result in death or which has lasted or can
be expected to last for a continuous period
of not less than 12 months. A person must
not only be unable to do his previous work
or work commensurate with the previous work
in amount of earnings and utilization of
capacities, but also be unable, considering
age, education, and work experience, to engage
in any other kind of substantial work which
exists in the national economy. It is immaterial
whether such work exists in the immediate
area or whether a specific job vacancy exists,
or whether the worker would be hired if he
applied for work.
Given the fact that Social Security Administration’s
definition of disability is so restrictive,
and the benefits payable are limited, there
is no reason to rely on these benefits alone.
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