In order to receive benefits, you must prove that you have a condition or a combination of conditions that have kept you from working for 12 months, or are likely to keep you from working for 12 months. Social Security takes into account several factors including age, education, your previous work, and the limitations that you may have relating to your physical or mental condition in order to determine your eligibility. Additionally, the standard for establishing disability changes as an individual gets older. If you are under 50, a younger individual, you must be unable to do any type of job, including a sit down or sedentary job, in order to be found disabled. After age 50 the standard is lowered and again at ages 55 and 60.