To qualify for Social Security disability income benefits, how long must the impairment be expected to last?

To qualify for Social Security disability income benefits, the impairment must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This criterion is in place because the Social Security Administration (SSA) aims to provide benefits to those with long-term disabilities that significantly impact one’s ability to work and function on a daily basis.

The requirement of a minimum duration of 12 months helps ensure that benefits are reserved for serious impairments that are not likely to resolve quickly. Short-term conditions may not warrant the same level of financial support as those with persistent and long-lasting disabilities. This duration criterion allows the program to focus its resources on individuals who face substantial barriers to employment over a significant period.

Other durations mentioned, such as 3 months, 6 months, or "indefinitely with no minimum duration," do not align with the established standard of the SSA, which emphasizes the importance of long-term impairment in the evaluation process for disability benefits.