For Social Security disability benefits, how long must the condition be disabling before eligibility?

For Social Security disability benefits, how long must the condition be disabling before eligibility?

• A. 6 months
• B. 12 months
• C. 18 months
• D. 24 months

Answer: (B)

Disability benefits hinge on how long the impairment is expected to last. For Social Security, an impairment qualifies as disabling only if it is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months or to result in death. This means short-term conditions that resolve in a few months don’t meet the rule. The exception is when death is expected; in that case, the condition can be considered disabling even if a 12-month duration isn’t established.

Disability benefits hinge on how long the impairment is expected to last. For Social Security, an impairment qualifies as disabling only if it is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months or to result in death. This means short-term conditions that resolve in a few months don’t meet the rule. The exception is when death is expected; in that case, the condition can be considered disabling even if a 12-month duration isn’t established.