Social Security pays only for total disability – conditions that render you unable to work and have lasted, or are expected to last for at least a year or end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability, including benefits while on maternity leave.
Many question the sense of such a law. While Social Security has made strides in the last decade to help people RETURN to work, that person must first have qualified for benefits under the above rules. Private disability insurance and some state insurance programs pay for temporary disability, but the federal program only provides for 100% disability. AFTER meeting this federal standard, there are work incentive programs available.