The standard of disability which must be shown is the same for both programs. You must have physical or mental problems (or a combination of problems) severe enough to keep you from working in any regular paying job ("substantial gainful activity") for at least 12 months. Disability due to drug and alcohol addiction is not covered, but certain physical or mental conditions as a result of a prior addiction may be covered.
WHO IS "DISABLED?"
In determining disability, the test is not whether you would be offered a job, but whether there are jobs which you could perform.
For those over 55 years old, new regulations allow a more realistic look at age, education, and experience in making this test.
