The US’s Disability Support System and Benefit Eligibility Criteria

Abstract

This study examines the U.S. disability support system and disability determination rules, drawing policy implications for Korea. In the U.S., disability is broadly defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act, with determination criteria varying across domains such as education, transportation, employment, and social welfare. The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability determination rules have become the standard framework for assessing whether an impairment “substantially limits” major life activities. The determination process considers both medical evidence and work capacity, evaluating whether an individual can engage in gainful employment or perform essential daily living tasks. Korea may consider incorporating work capacity and medical evidence into future policy efforts to improve its disability determination system.