The Social Security Disability Requirements in the United States differ from the requirements to receive the VA (Veteran’s Affairs) Disability Pay (as enumerated by the VA Disability Pay Chart.) Thus, it is important to read the requirements carefully to see if you qualify to receive benefits. 
The Social Security Disability Requirements begin with a definition of disability. In their requirements, ‘disability’ is defined as:
- a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working at all (or doing work that you did previously)
- a physical or mental condition expected to last for at least a calendar year, and/or lead to death
- a physical or mental condition that prevents you from re-acclimating to your previous career/work, and that prevents you from learning the skills necessary to procure new employment.
Note that this is a fairly limited definition of disability, one which is almost entirely ‘work-based.’
There are two disability aid programs within Social Security: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Income.) The Social Security Disability Requirements are shared by both programs; however, the non-medical requirements do differ. Thus, it is vital to understand the requirements before applying, particularly as the application process grows longer. Understanding the requirements and filing your application as soon as possible are essential, particularly as the government is receiving more applications than ever before. If your claim is rejected, the appeal process is long and difficult.
As Eric Eckholm writes in his New York Times article, “Disability Cases Last Longer As Backlog Rises”: “The growing delays in the appeal process over the last decade resulted in part from litigation and financing shortages that prevented the hiring of new administrative law judges. In addition, the number of applications is rising as baby boomers reach their 50s and 60s.” The article, published in 2007, also cites an application backlog of appeals which “has soared to 755,000 [in 2007] from 311,000 in 2000.”
In order to apply for and receive Social Security Disability, you will need to:
- submit an application to Social Security Disability
- attend an intake interview
- bring your medical records, pay stubs and other relevant paperwork specified by the interviewer
- note that earning limits apply. Currently, one cannot earn over $1000 per month in gross income and receive SSI or SSDI.
- note that asset limits will apply should you be accepted for benefits. Having more than $2000 in net countable assets will disqualify you from continued receipt of SSI or SSDI benefits (Social Security requires an annual review of your assets, to ensure that your moneys have not exceeded this limit.)
- note that SSI has income requirements, and that you may exceed these requirements and not qualify.
- note that SSI benefits are available for people aged 65 and older without disabilities who remain within the qualifying financial limits.