Under the social security guidelines, one is considered disabled if he/she has physical or mental impairment so severe that keeps the person from working and earning minimum wage for a period of 12 months.

The exact guidelines mandates that the person demonstrate an impairment, or set of impairments prohibit the person to work and earn $900 per month, before taxes, for a period lasting at least 12 months. Please note the 3 conditions for qualifying for benefits under social security guidelines: the person must be disabled. The person must not be able to earn at least $900 per month, either in his/her present occupation or an alternative one. And the impairment must last at least 12 months. Unless these 3 conditions are met, the claim is immediately denied.

When a claimant meets these 3 requirements, the claimant is said to be eligible for social security disability (ssdi) or Supplemental Security Income (ssi) benefits.