How Long Does an Impairment Have to Last to Qualify for Social Security Disability?

As you can see from the statutory definition of disability, there is a time requirement to receive disability benefits. The impairment must be expected to result in death, must have lasted for twelve months or longer, or be expected to last for at least twelve months. Thus, an individual who undergoes a major medical procedure such as surgery, but returns to work after 11 months and two weeks, is not likely eligible for benefits.