Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What factor determines eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance?

1. Age of the individual

2. Length of employment history

3. Ability to engage in any gainful activity

4. Level of education

The correct answer is: Ability to engage in any gainful activity

The eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is primarily based on the individual's ability to engage in any gainful activity. This means that to qualify, an individual must demonstrate that they have a medical condition that significantly impairs their ability to perform basic work activities. The assessment is focused on whether the person can do any work that exists in the national economy, regardless of whether they can return to their previous job. The other factors, such as age, length of employment history, and level of education, do play roles in various social security programs but are not the primary determining criteria for SSDI eligibility. For example, while age can influence the type of work an individual might be capable of performing, it does not alone determine disability status. Similarly, length of employment history is important for establishing a work record but does not directly relate to the ability to engage in gainful activity. Lastly, level of education may provide insight into vocational skills, yet it is not a criterion for determining eligibility for disability benefits under SSDI. Therefore, the focus remains on the individual's functional capacity to work.