What is a common criterion for determining disability?

A common criterion for determining disability is having a medical condition that lasts for 12 months or longer. This timeframe is critical because it helps differentiate between temporary impairments and long-term disabilities that can significantly affect an individual's ability to engage in daily activities and maintain employment. Many disability programs and assessments use this criterion to establish eligibility for benefits, as they primarily aim to support individuals whose conditions are chronic and have a lasting impact on their functional capabilities.

The other options, while they may relate to certain situations, do not serve as standard criteria for assessing disability. For instance, being younger than 65 years is not a determining factor in defining disability, and the same holds true for having a disabled spouse or receiving unemployment benefits, as these do not inherently relate to one’s own health status or functional limitations.