California Life and Health Insurance Practice Exam

A worker is entitled to Social Security disability benefits if all of the following are true, EXCEPT:

1. The worker has a 20-quarter work history

2. The worker cannot perform his or her current job, but is actively seeking other employment

3. The worker has a medically determinable disability

4. The disability is expected to last for more than one year

The correct answer is: The worker cannot perform his or her current job, but is actively seeking other employment

A worker is entitled to Social Security disability benefits based on specific criteria that focus primarily on their medical condition and work history. The correct choice highlights that an essential requirement for receiving these benefits is that the worker must be unable to perform any substantial gainful activity, which includes not being able to undertake their current job or any other work suitable based on their age, education, and work experience. The need for a person to be actively seeking other employment contradicts the fundamental premise of Social Security disability benefits. If a worker is actively seeking other employment, it implies that they believe they can still obtain a job, which does not meet the necessary standards of total disability required for benefits. This situation illustrates that not being able to work at all due to a disability is a more critical requirement for eligibility. On the other hand, having a 20-quarter work history, a medically determinable disability, and a disability that is expected to last for more than one year are all fundamental criteria for qualifying for Social Security disability benefits. These elements ensure that the individual has contributed to the system and has an eligible medical condition that significantly impairs their ability to work.