What is required for an individual to achieve insured status under Social Security?

To achieve insured status under Social Security, an individual must meet specific criteria that include both a definition of disability and a waiting period. The Social Security Administration defines disability in strict terms: a person must have a medical condition that significantly limits their ability to work, and this condition must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

In addition to meeting the definition of disability, a waiting period is involved before benefits can begin, which is typically a five-month period during which a person cannot engage in substantial gainful activity. This approach ensures that only those individuals who have a long-term disabling condition can receive benefits, thereby providing support to those truly in need and maintaining the sustainability of the program.

By combining these two requirements—which emphasize both the severity and duration of the disability alongside the waiting period—Social Security aims to fairly allocate benefits while also ensuring that those who qualify genuinely require assistance due to their condition.