Return to Videos You don't have to be permanently disabled to get Social Security disability benefits. But it is a determination as to permanency. A lot of time for example, with heart attacks, their limitations will last over 12 months. The requirement for Social Security is that you have an illness or affliction that either has lasted 12 months or will last 12 months. So, there's a 12 month requirement for disability, but there is nothing like short term disability or long- term disability through the Social Security disability system. Once you're determined to be disabled, it is a permanent determination. If you wish to go back to work there's ticket to work program and trial work periods and that thing. It's not something you're cursed to for the rest of your life, but it is pretty much a permanent determination that you can overcome and re-apply again if you get re-disabled.