Basics

• You are considered disabled if you cannot work because of a medical condition that either lasts one year or more, or results in death. This differs from partial or short term disability, which is not covered by Social Security, but is often covered by state programs or private insurance. To qualify, you must satisfy both the Recent Work and Duration tests.
  
  

Recent Work Test

• This test determines whether your job was current enough for you to qualify for benefits. If you become disabled during the calendar quarter before you reach 24 years of age, you need to have worked at least 1.5 years during the three-year period ending with your disability. If you are between 24 and 31 years old, you must have worked at least half the time between your 21st birthday and the age at which you are disabled. If you are 31 or older, you must have worked five years out of the 10 ending with your disability.
  
  

Duration

• The duration test determines whether you worked long enough to have contributed sufficient funds for benefits. You'll find a table of durations using the link under Resources. Some examples of qualifying times include 1.5 years of work if you are disabled before age 28, five years of work at age 42, eight years of work at 54 and 9.5 years of work at 60.
  
  

Documentation

• To apply, fill out an application and a Disability Report, which are both available from the Resources link. You must supply your Social Security number, birth certificate, names, contact information and dates of care from all the medical staff and offices that took care of you; medical records, lab test results, a summary of where and how you worked and either a copy of your most recent W-2 form or a federal tax return.
  
  

Crime

• You also must inform Social Security of any crime-related information because this can affect your qualifications. In general, you cannot receive benefits for any month in which you had an outstanding arrest warrant, if you are convicted of a crime and are confined to an institution which tends to your needs or during any month where your violate your parole or probation.