The definition of disability under Social Security is
different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No
benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.
Disability under Social Security is based on your
inability to work. You are considered disabled
under Social Security rules if you cannot do work that you did before and the Social
Security Administration decides that you cannot adjust to other work because of
your medical condition(s). Your disability must also last or be expected to
last for at least one year or to result in death.
This is a strict definition of disability. Social
Security program rules assume that working families have access to other
resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities,
including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments.