One of the key components of filing for disability benefits is that it needs to last long enough to qualify under the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. A short-term condition typically will not count. It is true that this condition could keep someone out of work for a month or something of this nature, which would feel like a disability on their end, but it doesn’t qualify to the SSA.
This is because the SSA has a strict definition of disability, meaning that it has to last for at least 12 months. One year is the minimum timeframe. Many people who file for benefits will actually have that disability for the rest of their lives. But if someone’s disability was only projected to last for 11 months by their medical care provider, then they would not qualify.
Can you combine two timeframes?
Two unrelated conditions cannot be combined to satisfy the 12-month requirement.
For example, say that someone had a disability that was projected to last for six months, and they had another unrelated condition that was also going to last for six months. They may believe that this means they’ll be disabled for 12 months cumulatively, but the Social Security Administration is just looking at the total duration. Two simultaneous disabilities would still only last for a total of six months and would not qualify.
Seeking proper benefits
These are just a few of the rules around disability applications, but you can see how complex and nuanced they may be. If you’re going through this process, it can help to work with an experienced law firm.