What major requirement must be met to demonstrate an individual qualifies as disabled?

To qualify as disabled under Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, an individual must meet specific criteria that often include a focus on their ability to earn income. One of the critical requirements is that the person's earnings must fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold. This threshold is established to determine whether a person’s income from work is substantial enough to indicate that they are not disabled.

If an individual is earning above the SGA limit, it suggests that they have the capacity to engage in significant work activity, which can disqualify them from receiving disability benefits. Therefore, demonstrating income below this threshold is a fundamental aspect of proving eligibility for disability status since it directly relates to the individual's functional abilities in the context of modern employment.

In contrast, the other options, while they may relate to aspects of a person's situation, do not serve as the primary criteria for qualifying as disabled under SSA's definition. Proof of physical disability alone does not encompass the full picture of eligibility, as income levels and the ability to work remain pivotal in determining the status. Employment history or documented treatment success, while relevant in other contexts, do not specifically address the income aspect that is central to SSA's disability qualification process.