To receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must have a physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) that has prevented you working for a period of at least one year or is likely to prevent you from working. You can file a claim before you have been disabled for one year, but you must prove that your disability will last for at least one year.
When determining whether you qualify for disability benefits, Social Security relies on its own set of regulations in deciding whether or not you are disabled. The criteria used are very narrowly defined. Even if your doctor has told you that you are disabled and unable to work, Social Security may find that under their regulations you are not under a disability.
You must have medical evidence of some physical or mental impairment, or combination of impairments, which keeps you from working, in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration relies on objective medical evidence when determining whether you qualify for benefits. For this reason, it is important to continue treating with your doctor during your application process.