Disability Determination Services
Decision made
The legal definition of a disability that qualifies an applicant for benefits is "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." For adult applicants, Social Security Administration regulations specify a five-step process for making the decision. A modified process is used in the case of children for whom Supplemental Security Income benefits are being claimed (as children are not expected to work).
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