• Medical Determination

Once you meet the non-medical requirements of one or both of the programs above, you must prove that you are disabled according to the definition found in the law.  Sec. 223 (d)(1)(a) of the Social Security Act defines disability as:

"The inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months."
From this definition you can see that this is not intended to be a "short term" disability program.  In order to qualify you must be prevented from working for twelve consecutive months, and must have medical evidence of your physical or psychological condition(s).