The definition of disability under Social Security is different from other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial or short-term disability.
You are considered disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true:
- You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.
- You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
