Generally speaking, SSD’s medical requirements are more difficult to meet than those of other disability programs, such as workers’ compensation and disabled veterans’ benefits. These other programs pay benefits for partial disabilities. Only people who are "totally disabled" can receive SSD.

To be eligible for SSD, you must prove that you have a medically documented physical or mental health disorder that precludes work for at least 12 consecutive months.

It is not enough to prove that your condition prevents the performance of your usual job—you must prove that your disorder prevents the performance of all jobs that your age, education and past work experience qualify you to perform.