What Social Security Means By "Disability"
Social Security's definition of disability is different than that of other programs. They pay only for total disability. They do not pay for partial disability or for short-term disability.
Social Security's disability definition is based on your inability to work. They consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following apply:
- You cannot do work that you did before.
- Social Security decides you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s).
- Your disability lasts or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
To find out more about how Social Security decides if you are disabled, visit SSA’s Publications Page, select 'Disability' under 'Topics' and review Social Security Publication Number 05-10029.
PLEASE NOTE: If you get (or will get) a pension based on work for an employer who did not withhold Social Security taxes, such as a government agency or an employer in another country, your Social Security benefits may be reduced. Use the link below to our Publications Page and review A Pension from Work Not Covered by Social Security, Social Security Publication Number 05-10045 and Government Pension Offset, Social Security Publication Number 05-10007.