Social Security has its own definition of disability. In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits you must be unable “to engage in any substantial gainful activity” because of physical or mental illness which is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. “Substantial gainful activity” is not limited to your previous work. If you can do any type of work on a full-time basis, then you would probably not be deemed disabled.

To receive full benefits under the Social Security system you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes.  The length of time you must have worked depends on your age.  In general, if you have worked most of your adult life and paid Social Security taxes, you will be eligible to apply for disability benefits.

As any experienced disability attorney will tell you, the reason you have to work in order to be eligible to receive benefits is because the Social Security Disability Insurance program is an insurance program. Like any other insurance program, you have to pay into it in order to receive benefits. When you work, Social Security taxes are taken out of your paycheck and put into the Social Security Disability Insurance program. It is similar to how insurance premiums are taken out if you obtain health insurance from your employer. In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must have worked recently enough and long enough to achieve “insured” status.

You must have worked a total of five out of the last ten years before you apply for benefits.