In order to successfully make a social security disability claim, an individual must prove that he or she is indeed disabled, according to the standard set by the SSA. The definition of disability is that the individual cannot do work that he or she did before, he or she cannot adjust tor other work because of his or her medical condition and the disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. Social security disability payments are not made to those who have short-term disabilities, because the SSA assumes that working families have access to other resources during these times.