Social Security Disability benefits do not pay out for short-term injuries or partial disabilities. The Social Security Administration requires that you have a full, long-term disability to qualify for these benefits.
The requirements for SSDI state that you must meet the strict SSA definition for disability.
Cannot work
A full disability means that you cannot work at all in any capacity. The SSA must determine that your disability is such that you cannot work even with modifications or in another field other than the one in which you previously worked.
Must be long-term
The SSA defines long-term as a disability lasting for at least one year. Lasting for one year means that during that period, you will meet the requirement for not being able to work in any capacity. In the majority of SSDI cases, the individual seeking benefits will never recover enough to go back to work any time in the future.
Significant limitations
Your disability must significantly limit your physical abilities. The SSA defines this as not being able to sit, walk, stand or lift. It also may include mental limitations, such as problems with memory. These are basic work functions defined by the SSA and a baseline for determining if you meet the definition of disabled as set by the SSA.
On the list
The SSA has a list of disabling conditions. Your disability must be on that list. If it is not, then you will have to request the SSA considers your condition and makes a determination it is disabling. However, in most cases, if it is not on the list, the SSA will not approve it as a disabling condition.
