Q. How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

A. You become eligible for Social Security disability benefits IF you experience mental and/or physical problems of such severity that they prevent you from working for a continuous period of twelve (12) months or more. It’s important to note that the disability should hinder your ability to work in any competitive job within the national economy, not just the specific job you had before becoming disabled. The Social Security Administration takes various factors into account, including your age, education, past work experience, and capacity to perform other types of jobs when determining your disability status.