Legal Definitions - able-bodied

The term "able-bodied" describes an individual who possesses the physical capacity to perform the general duties required for employment or other typical daily activities.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of this term:

• Example 1: Disability Benefits Assessment

  After a severe car accident, Maria applied for long-term disability benefits. The government agency reviewing her case assessed whether she was still able-bodied enough to perform any substantial work, even if not her previous job, to determine her eligibility for support.

  This illustrates "able-bodied" because the agency is evaluating Maria's physical capacity to engage in work. If she is deemed no longer able-bodied for *any* suitable employment, she would qualify for benefits; otherwise, she would be expected to seek work.

• Example 2: Employment Requirements

  A logistics company advertised for warehouse associates, stating that candidates must be able-bodied to handle tasks such as lifting boxes up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and operating pallet jacks.

  Here, "able-bodied" refers to the physical capability required to perform the specific, physically demanding duties of the job. The company needs assurance that applicants possess the necessary physical fitness to safely and effectively carry out these tasks.

• Example 3: Court-Ordered Financial Responsibility

  During a divorce proceeding, a judge ordered one spouse, who was currently unemployed but had no physical impairments, to actively seek employment. The court's expectation was that, as an able-bodied individual, they had the physical capacity to earn an income and contribute to their own financial support.

  This example shows "able-bodied" in the context of a legal obligation. The court presumes that without physical limitations, the individual possesses the capacity to work and become financially self-sufficient, thereby placing a responsibility on them to do so.