There are many conditions that feel disabling in the short term. Say that someone works in the construction industry doing manual labor. If they get involved in a motorcycle accident and break their leg, it’s impossible for them to work. They certainly feel like they are disabled, and it is affecting their income.
But for the purposes of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as something that will last for at least 12 months. That is the minimum threshold that has to be met. If it lasts for more than a year, then it qualifies, and many conditions will last for the rest of a person’s life.
However, this means that relatively short-term injuries or disabilities are not going to qualify under this definition. Even if someone couldn’t work for 11 months, that certainly feels like a long-term condition to them, but they wouldn’t qualify for SSDI benefits.
How is the determination made?
It’s very important to work with your medical team if you believe you are disabled. The SSA wants to see more than just your own claim that you need benefits. Your medical care provider can give them in-depth information about the injury or condition you have and how long they expect it to last.
Even if you are getting better, if they say that it’s projected to last more than 12 months, you may qualify for benefits until you recover. Likewise, they could tell the SSA if this is a permanent condition that you will be dealing with for the rest of your life.
Working your way through this process can be complex, especially if you need to appeal after a denial. Make sure you know what legal steps to take.