The definition of disability under Social Security
is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total
disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term
disability.
Disability under Social Security is based on your
inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules
if you cannot do work that you did before and we decide that you cannot
adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s). Your disability
must also last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result
in death.
This is a strict definition of disability. Social
Security program rules assume that working families have access to other
resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities,
including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments.
Go to the next page to see how
we decide if you are disabled. |