Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which question does the SSA ask to evaluate if someone is disabled?

1. Can you live independently?

2. Can you do any other type of work?

3. Can you perform your previous job?

4. Can you manage daily tasks?

The correct answer is: Can you do any other type of work?

The question regarding whether an individual can do any other type of work is critical in evaluating disability under the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines. This question reflects the SSA's focus on the broader extent of an individual's capabilities, assessing not only their previous employment but also the possibility of engaging in any substantial gainful activity given their current limitations. The approach of considering the ability to perform any work rather than just the person’s past job aligns with the SSA’s definition of disability, which requires that an individual's impairment prevents them from engaging in any meaningful work that exists in the national economy. This comprehensive assessment is essential in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). By evaluating the totality of an individual's situation—factor in their skills, adaptability, age, and the severity of impairment—the SSA aims to provide a fair assessment that captures the potential for work, transcending specific roles the individual may have held in the past.