Can I get disability benefits for sciatica?

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Yes, you can get disability benefits for sciatica, but the condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 consecutive months.

 

The Social Security Administration does not approve claims based on a diagnosis alone. You must prove your symptoms prevent you from doing any full-time job.

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To qualify for Social Security Disability, you must meet specific rules:

• Duration: Your pain and limits must last or expect to last for 12 months or longer.

• Work Limits: You cannot perform substantial gainful activity, which means earning above a set income limit.

• Medical Proof: You need objective tests like MRIs, X-rays, and doctor notes showing nerve damage.

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Most people with sciatica do not match a strict medical listing. Instead, the agency looks at your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This assessment measures what you can still do. It tests your ability to:

• Sit, stand, or walk for long periods

• Lift or carry heavy objects

• Bend, push, or pull​

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