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What is the definition of disability used by the Social Security Administration?

Under the Social Security Act, disability means "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 has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. This means that you are considered disabled if you are unable to work and support yourself because of a physical or mental condition which has lasted 12 months, is expected to last 12 months, or is expected to result in your death.