Does someone need to be injured at work to receive Social Security disability benefits?

No. In fact, many Social Security Disability claimants receive disability benefits because of conditions that are chronic, that have nothing to do with the workplace. For example, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus or post-traumatic stress disorder or hypertension. You really need to contact a Social Security Disability attorney who knows the impairments and the listings that qualify one for Social Security Disability benefits, but in answer to the question, you do not need to be injured on the job or work to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.