There are two types of Social Security Disability Criteria   There are two different types of Social Security Disability Criteria. The first involves your basic eligibility to file an application for SSD. To do this, you need simply to be insured for title 2 disability benefits, otherwise known as Social Security Disability. How do you become insured? Through the taxes paid into the social security system as a result of your work activity (most commonly through payroll deductions). Are some individuals not insured for Social Security Disability? Yes, individuals who have not been in the work force for very long may not be insured. Also, individuals with large gaps in their work history (perhaps due to illness) may be in the position of having lost their insured status for Social Security Disability. What happens if you are not insured for Social Security Disability? In most cases, the social security office will simply take an SSI disability application on you (SSI disability covers individuals who are not eligible for SSD and who do not have assets in excess of two thousand dollars). The second type of Social Security Disability criteria has to do with whether or not a disability claimant can satisfy the social security administration's definition of disability. And to do this a person must must have a physical impairment or a mental impairment (or both) that --- A. Is considered severe. B. Lasts for at least twelve months, or can be projected, based on a review of the medical evidence, to last that long. c. Prevents the disability claimant from working at one of their past jobs or from performing suitable "other work" as determined by their age, education, work skills, and physical and/or mental limitations. In essence, if a disability examiner or disability judge reads a claimant's medical records and decides that the claimant's condition meets the minimum 12 month durational requirement and further determines that the claimant is incapable of going back to a past job or doing some suitable form of "other work", then their claim for Social Security Disability or SSI disability will be approved. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: If You Get Workers Comp, Will You Get Disability From Social Security? If Your Disability Benefits Are Stopped Can You Get Them While You Appeal? Why should I pay a disability lawyer? Getting disability forms completed by a doctor Getting a good disability lawyer How Long Does It Usually Take To Get Social Security Disability Foot Drop and Filing for Disability What medical disabilities Qualify for Disability Benefits? Filing for disability with a rotator cuff injury Decision on my Social Security Disability or SSI case Can I get partial disability benefits? SSD, SSI disability awards at age 50, 55 Permanent disability benefits Eligible for disability back pay benefits How long does SSDI and SSI disability take to get?