SSA Replaces "Gender" With "Sex" in the Blue Book: What Disability Applicants Need to Know

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently updated its disability regulations by replacing the word "gender" with "sex" in portions of the Blue Book, the medical guide used to evaluate disability claims. While the change has generated discussion, SSA confirmed that disability eligibility requirements, medical listing criteria, and benefit rules remain unchanged. Learn which listings were affected, why the update was made, and what it means for SSDI and SSI applicants, including transgender and gender-diverse individuals.