To qualify for Social Security benefits, what must an individual possess?

To qualify for Social Security benefits, an individual must meet specific criteria that include having proper insured status, meeting the definition of disability, and completing a waiting period. Proper insured status ensures that the individual has worked enough years and paid the necessary Social Security taxes to be eligible for benefits.

The definition of disability is crucial as it outlines the specific medical and functional criteria that must be met for Social Security to recognize an individual as disabled and eligible for benefits. Lastly, there is a waiting period that typically necessitates the person to be disabled for a certain amount of time before benefits begin, ensuring that individuals are indeed in need of assistance over an extended period.

This comprehensive set of requirements reflects the Social Security Administration's focus on ensuring that benefits are allotted to individuals who truly meet the strict criteria for disability based on work history and the severity of their condition.