Benefits Summary

What are Social Security Benefits

To receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must have, or will have, a physical or mental impairment that has prevented full-time work for one year. You can file a claim before you have been disabled for one year, but you must prove that your disability will last for at least one year.  

When determining whether you qualify for disability benefits, Social Security relies on its own set of regulations regarding what qualifies as a disability. The criteria used are very narrowly defined. Even if your doctor has told you that you are disabled and unable to work, Social Security may find that under its regulations you are not disabled.  

You must have medical evidence of some physical and/or mental impairment that keep you from working in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security relies on objective medical evidence. For this reason, continue treating with your doctor during your application process and beyond.