Definition of the word Disability as defined by the United States Social Security Administration.

The inability to perform any substantial gainful activity ($1,620 per month in 2025) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months

Above is the government’s definition of the word disability and is what qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on.  SSDI is broken down into two parts.  Money and time.  Your ability to earn income, and the length of time you will be unable to earn income is what determines your eligibility.

Please note, this definition is about your ability to earn income, not your ability to work in your primary profession.  There is a difference.

Definition of Special Needs Planning

Defining Special Needs Planning is tricky; because there is no set definition of what this actually entails.  There are a number of factors and issues at play here.  The way I determine whether special needs planning is needed or not is based on this statement.  “Special Needs Planning” is centered around an individual’s ability to be financially self-sufficient.

Unlike the government’s definition of the word “disability,” the context that we are using here does not have a time aspect associated with it.  Planning needs to take into account an individual’s entire lifetime, allowing for the changes that will arise within his or her life span.