There are many different injuries or illnesses that are going to keep you out of work. But much of the time, this just means you can’t work until you recover. If you get sick for a week, you’re not going to qualify for benefits. You may get workers comp benefits if the injury or illness happened at work, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) would not be involved.
So, how long does the issue need to last for it to qualify as a disability? The SSA has its own definition of disability, and this states that the condition must be continuous and will last for at least a year. This means that minor injuries, like a broken arm, are unlikely to qualify. More significant injuries, like a spinal cord injury, are much more likely to count as disabilities.
Why do they make this distinction?
The reason for the distinction is that benefits are limited, and the SSA is attempting to help people who have no other options and can no longer work. It can certainly stress someone’s budget if they have to miss work for a week or a month, but they will eventually be able to return. Those facing long-term issues may never have an income again, so they are prioritized when determining who will get benefits and who will not.
That being said, this is also one of the areas where disputes may arise. Perhaps you and your medical team both believe that your issues will last for at least 12 months, if not the rest of your life. The SSA, however, says they don’t see the medical evidence to support that claim. You could be denied the benefits that you deserve, and that’s when it is so important to understand all of your legal options.