Disab1lity under Social Security for an adult, is based on your inability to work because of a medical condition.  To be considered disabled:

• You must be unable to do work you did before and the Social Security Administration decides that you cannot adjust to other work because of a medical condition.
• Your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Social Security pays only for total disability.  No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.

For adults, the Social Security Administration uses a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled. The process considers any current work activity you are doing, and your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. For more information, the Social Security Administration recommends that you read the publication Disability Benefits (Social Security Administration Publication No. 05-10029)