Posted on February 12, 2010.
Social Security Disability: What is a disability? Social Security Administration definition of disability
The Social Security Administration has the qualifications to be considered a disability. To be defined as a disability, two conditions must be met:
1. The person is unable to do the work for which the disabled person is adapted killing at least $ 900 gross income per month (known as a gainful activity or SGA)
2. The condition has lasted continuously or expected to last continuously for at least a year or will probably result in death.
Disabilities who meet these two requirements can be either physical or mental in nature or a combination of both. The particular disability does not matter as long as two conditions are met.
Social Security defines disability for these purposes to a total disability, not partial disability. The person applying for benefits must be considered totally disabled.
What is the capacity to do work for which you agree determined?
To determine if you are unable to work, the Social Security Administration focuses on two things:
1. You must be unable to perform the type of work you have done for the past 15 years to one year or more
2. You must be unable to perform any other type of job you are qualified
Other work for which you are qualified refers to a work which you could reasonably transfer your skills and is based on your age, education, work experience, and any mental and / or physical limitations that you may have.
Limitations of time and age
There is no length of time, you can accrue benefits. As long as you meet the requirements of having a disability, you receive Social Security disability benefits.
There is no age limit for benefits. Once you reach age 65, however, your benefits will automatically be converted into retirement benefits.
Earliest time you can file a claim
You must be disabled for five months before filing a claim. This is because the benefits do not accrue until six months after the date of commencement of your disability. The start date is the date you were first unable to perform your job.
