The first requirement is that you must have paid into the Social Security Administration for a long enough period and in large enough amounts to be considered “Insured.” Next, you must not be “gainfully” employed. You must next be under a “disability” which has lasted or is expected to last 12 months. You must have a “disability” that is severe enough to keep you from doing your past Job, or any other jobs in the local or national economy. All of the words in quotations are legal terms that need to be explained by an attorney familiar with Social Security Regulations.