How does the Social Security Administration determine if someone is disabled?

The determination of whether someone is disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is primarily based on the evaluation of how significantly a person's condition impairs their ability to work. This involves a thorough assessment of the severity of the medical condition and how it limits the individual's capacity to perform substantial gainful activity.

The SSA uses a definition of disability that includes the requirement that the impairment must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. They consider not only the medical diagnosis but also how the medical condition affects the individual's everyday functioning and ability to maintain employment. Thus, the correct answer reflects the critical focus of the SSA on functional limitations rather than solely on financial status, demographic factors, or routine medical examinations.

Other aspects, such as age and work history, may be considered in the broader context of the evaluation process, but they do not solely determine disability status. A financial assessment is also a factor, but it relates more to eligibility for benefits rather than the initial determination of whether an individual is disabled. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing the importance of the evaluation of work capability in the overall decision-making process.