The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

Disability under Social Security is based on your inability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers you disabled under Social Security rules if you cannot do work that you did before and it is decided that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s). Your disability must also last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments.

To decide whether you are disabled, SSA uses a step-by-step process involving five questions.

They are:

1. Are you working?
   If you are working in 2004 and your earnings average more than $810 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled. If you are not working, go to Step 2.

2. Is your condition "severe"?
   Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. If it does not, SSA will find that you are not disabled. If your condition does interfere with basic work-related activities, go to Step 3.

3. Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions?
   For each of the major body systems, SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe they automatically mean that you are disabled. If your condition is not on the list, the administration has to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, SSA will find that you are disabled. If it is not, go to Step 4.

4. Can you do the work you did previously?
   If your condition is severe but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the list, then SSA must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously. If it does not, your claim will be denied. If it does, proceed to Step 5.

5. Can you do any other type of work?
   If you cannot do the work you did in the past, SSA considers if you are able to adjust to other work. The administration takes into account your medical conditions and your age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills you may have. If you cannot adjust to other work, your claim will be approved. If you can adjust to other work, your claim will be denied.

Most people who receive disability benefits are workers who qualify on their own records and meet the work and disability requirements described. However, here are some situations you may not know about:

• Special rules for people who are blind.
• Benefits for widows or widowers who are disabled
• Benefits for children who are disabled