To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, an employee must be unable to perform:

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, an employee must demonstrate that they are unable to perform any occupation, not just their specific job or a limited range of tasks. This requirement is rooted in the principle that the inability to work must be comprehensive. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses the individual’s medical conditions, limitations, and work history to determine if they can engage in any substantial gainful activity.

This broader definition ensures that if an individual possesses the ability to do any form of work available in the national economy, regardless of their past job, they do not meet the criteria for disability benefits. The criteria are designed to provide support to those who cannot earn a living in any capacity, acknowledging the wide range of job types that exist beyond their previous employment.