What does it mean to be disabled according to the Social Security Administration?
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits you must have a physical and/or mental impairment that keeps you from doing any gainful work for a period of time of at least 12 months duration or result in death. You must be unable to work at any reasonable job, as determined by the government, not just the job you had at the onset of your disability. The Social Security Administration will consider your inability to return to your present job as well as your age, education and other work experience. Benefits, known as Title II, if granted, are determined based upon the amount of Social Security taxes you have paid into the system while working at least 5 years over the previous 10 years period.
