What you and your doctor mean by "disabled" may be very different from what
Social Security means when it says a person is or is not disabled. Social Security's rule is that to be considered
disabled, a person must be unable to engage in "substantial gainful activity" by reason of a medical condition that has lasted
or is expected to last at least twelve months, or to result in death.
"Substantial gainful activity" is work that earns you more than $800 a month.
In other words, it is possible for a person to work part-time and still be disabled for Social Security purposes.
It is important to keep in mind that just because your doctor thinks you are disabled, it does not mean that
your condition satisifies Social Security's rules for what disability is. But the reverse is also true: Even if
your doctor thinks you are not disabled, Social Security may think that you are. The best way to get an idea of
how Social Security is likely to rule on your application is through a consultation with an attorney experienced in Social Security
matters.
