---
kind: "section"
citation: "20 C.F.R. § 416.911"
title: "20"
number: "416.911"
heading: "Definition of disabling impairment."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/20/416.911"
---

# §416.911. Definition of disabling impairment.

- (a) If you are an adult:
  - (1) A disabling impairment is an impairment (or combination of impairments) which, of itself, is so severe that it meets or equals a set of criteria in the Listing of Impairments in appendix 1 of [subpart P of part 404](/cfr/20/part404-subpartP.md) of this chapter or which, when considered with your age, education and work experience, would result in a finding that you are disabled under [§ 416.994](/cfr/20/416.994.md), unless the disability redetermination rules in [§ 416.987(b)](/cfr/20/416.987.md?p=b) apply to you.
  - (2) If the disability redetermination rules in [§ 416.987](/cfr/20/416.987.md) apply to you, a disabling impairment is an impairment or combination of impairments that meets the requirements in [§§ 416.920 (c) through (f)](/cfr/20/416.920.md?p=c..f).
- (b) If you are a child, a disabling impairment is an impairment (or combination of impairments) that causes marked and severe functional limitations. This means that the impairment or combination of impairments:
  - (1) Must meet, medically equal, or functionally equal the listings, or
  - (2) Would result in a finding that you are disabled under [§ 416.994a](/cfr/20/416.994a.md).
- (c) **In determining whether you have a disabling impairment, earnings are not considered.**

## Notes

### Amendments

[62 FR 6421, Feb. 11, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 54777, Sept. 11, 2000]

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 421(m), 902(a)(5), 1382, 1382c, 1382h, 1383, and 1383b; secs. 4(c) and 5, 6(c)-(e), 14(a), and 15, Pub. L. 98-460, 98 Stat. 1794, 1801, 1802, and 1808 (42 U.S.C. 421 note, 423 note, and 1382h note).

### Source

Source: 45 FR 55621, Aug. 20, 1980, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[62 FR 6421, Feb. 11, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 54777, Sept. 11, 2000]