# 42 CFR § 435.540: Definition of disability

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.540

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 CFR § 435.540
- **Heading:** Definition of disability
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 42—Public Health > CHAPTER IV—CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES > SUBCHAPTER C—MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS > PART 435—ELIGIBILITY IN THE STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, AND AMERICAN SAMOA > Subpart F—Categorical Requirements for Eligibility > Disability

## Text

(a) Definition. The agency must use the same definition of disability as used under SSI, except that—
(1) In determining the eligibility of individuals whose Medicaid eligibility is protected under §§ 435.130 through 435.134, the agency must use the definition of disability that was used under the Medicaid plan in December 1973; and
(2) The agency may use a more restrictive definition to determine eligibility under § 435.121, if the definition is no more restrictive than that used under the Medicaid plan on January 1, 1972.
(b) State plan requirements. The State plan must contain the definition of disability.

## Nearby sections

- [42 CFR § 435.520 § 435.520 Age requirements for the aged.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.520.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.530 § 435.530 Definition of blindness.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.530.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.531 § 435.531 Determinations of blindness.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.531.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.540 § 435.540 Definition of disability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.540.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.541 § 435.541 Determinations of disability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.541.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.550 § 435.550 Basis and scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.550.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.551 § 435.551 Applicable individual.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.551.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.552 § 435.552 Demonstrating community engagement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.552.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.553 § 435.553 Mandatory exceptions for certain applicable individuals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.553.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.554 § 435.554 Specified excluded individuals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.554.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.555 § 435.555 Optional exception for short-term hardship events.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.555.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.556 § 435.556 Assessing compliance with the community engagement requirement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.556.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.557 § 435.557 Verifying compliance with or exception or exclusion from the community engagement requirement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.557.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.558 § 435.558 Noncompliance procedures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.558.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.540. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.