Understanding the requirements for Social Security Disability is the first step to having your application approved. Here are the basic requirements for Social Security Disability benefits.

The requirements for Social Security disability benefits are based on your work history. In order to qualify under Social Security you will need to have worked in jobs that pay Social Security taxes five of the last ten years prior to the onset of your disability. Onset of your disability is the date that you first became disabled. The work requirements for Social Security Disability do not require that the years of work be continuous; as long as you have five years of work out of ten years prior to your disability you will meet the work requirements for Social Security Disability benefits.

The medical requirements for Social Security are based on having a condition that will prevent you from working for a period of twelve months or longer. You do not have to be out of work for twelve months, just that your condition will prevent you from working for twelve months. The disabling condition does not have to be a physical disability; there are a number of mental disorders that you can be approved for benefits with.

Many people believe that Social Security is the agency that evaluates their medical condition when applying for disability. This evaluation is actually performed by an agency of the State you live in. This State government agency is called Disability Determination Services, and they will typically take 120 days to make a decision on your Social Security Disability application. To learn more about applying for Social Security Disability benefits visit the website Social Security Laid Bare, using the link below.