Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

When determining Social Security eligibility, what must be considered regarding an individual's disability?

1. If they can engage in substantial and gainful activity

2. If they are of a certain age

3. If they have access to rehabilitation services

4. If their condition is permanent

The correct answer is: If they can engage in substantial and gainful activity

The determination of Social Security eligibility, particularly concerning disability benefits, primarily hinges on whether an individual can engage in substantial and gainful activity. This criterion is fundamental because it assesses the individual's ability to work and earn a living, which is essential for qualifying for benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates the severity of the disability in relation to the individual’s capacity to perform any work that exists in the national economy. If the individual is deemed capable of doing substantial work, even with a disability, they typically do not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The other aspects mentioned—age, access to rehabilitation services, and the permanence of a condition—are relevant in certain contexts or programs, but they do not serve as the primary criterion for evaluating the ability to engage in substantial and gainful activity. Age, for instance, may be a factor in certain retirement benefits, while access to rehabilitation services can influence an individual’s path toward recovery or employability but is not a direct factor in eligibility determinations. Similarly, while the permanence of a condition is a consideration, individuals may still qualify for benefits even if their condition is not considered permanent, as long as it significantly impairs their ability to work.