What Is Considered A Permanent Disability?

Imagine waking up every day to pain that never really fades, an injury that won't heal, or a condition that forever changes your lifestyle and quality of life. For millions of Americans, these permanent disabilities aren't imaginary nightmares but realities they face every day. It's hard, and we all know it, especially when your doctor says, "This is as good as it gets" about your condition.

But thanks to SSA, you can get help from programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to help you cope financially.

However, to get this assistance and your claims approved, you'll need to have a clear idea about what a permanent disability actually is and whether you qualify for it. We promise to explain and clear all your confusions about it once and for all through this blog!

Understanding the Meaning of a Permanent Disability

While the specific meaning might vary, we are here to tell you what the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines as a permanent disability. It is one that affects your ability to perform "substantial gainful activity." It might keep a person from returning to work, and the disability can last more than a year, and, in worst-case scenarios, can lead to their death.

This can happen due to any physical or mental injuries that affect your ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Additionally, suppose you're not responding to medical treatment, still suffering from the effects of injury or trauma, and show no sign of improvement. Then, you'll be considered to have a permanent disability.

Examples of a Permanent Disability

The SSA has its own list of medical examples of permanent disabilities. There are other types of disabilities that might also be considered permanent, as per medical terms. However, to get your SSDI or SSI benefits, these are the conditions that the SSA will prioritize more.

Musculoskeletal Disorders,
Special Senses and Speech,
Respiratory Disorders,
Cardiovascular Disorders,
Digestive Disorders,
Genitourinary Disorders,
Hematological Disorders,
Skin Disorders,
Endocrine Disorders,
Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems,
Neurological Disorders,
Mental Disorders,
Cancer,
Immune System Disorders.

If you're 18 or above and have one of these disabilities, it'll be considered a permanent one. Then you'll get financial support from the government via SSDI or SSI benefits.

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How Do You Know If Your Permanent Disability Qualifies for SSDI or SSI?

To make it clear, you can answer a few questions that are often taken into account by the SSA while deciding if your disability is permanent or not, and if you should get government assistance.

Are you currently working or able to work?
Do you have a "severe" condition?
Is your condition on SSA's list of medical conditions?
Can you resume working in your previous job?
Is there any other type of work you can do?

After you've answered these questions, match them with the strict guidelines of SSA. If you don't earn more than $1,620 (or $2,700 if you're blind) in 2025, your disability can be found on the SSA's list, and your impairment keeps you from doing job-related or basic work like standing, lifting, sitting, etc., it means you have a permanent disability.

When you're completely sure about your condition, you can call an SSI lawyer in Sacramento to help you get your SSDI or SSI benefits.

Note: For special cases like blindness and children with disabilities, these rules might vary.

Criteria to Get Compensation for Your Permanent Disability

To apply for financial benefits through SSDI or SSI, you'll need to meet some strict criteria besides just proving your disability. For SSDI, you'll need at least 20 work credits earned in five years of your work history. On the other hand, to get SSI benefits, you'll either have to be 65+ years old, or have blindness (any age), or a disability (any age), and have no or limited monthly income. The monthly compensation will also be different for SSI and SSDI benefits.

Plus, to prove your permanent disability, you'll need to have your documents prepared. This includes everything from laboratory results, doctor's prescriptions, treatment plans, X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging tests. Once you have arranged all the documents, the next step is to apply for the benefits online or through a Social Security lawyer.

How to Apply for SSDI or SSI Benefits When You Have a Permanent Disability?

To take care of all the procedures and get the benefits quickly, getting professional help from an attorney can be quite helpful. They can help you with the following application process!

Initial Application: In this process, you'll provide all your medical evidence to prove your permanent disability and fill out the other necessary details on the SSA form. Having an SSI lawyer by your side during this process can help you answer difficult and confusing questions and get expert legal advice.

They'll also make sure you don't miss out on important points and have all the required documents needed for quick approval.

Denial: In some cases, your initial claim might get rejected. But you'll always have the option to re-appeal for a reconsideration. In such cases, a competent lawyer can help you gather additional documents to strengthen your case.
Court Hearing: If you don't get the benefits you deserve, your attorney can help you take the case to court for a hearing. This can improve your chances of approval!

For a smooth process of approval, effective legal advice, case evaluation, meeting eligibility requirements, and tackling the case in court (if need be), having an SSI lawyer is a must!

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Takeaway

When you have a medical condition (physical or mental, or both) that restricts your daily activities and keeps you from financially providing for yourself, you have a permanent disability. But to get compensation from the government for your disability, it needs to be on the list of medical disorders of the SSA as well.

Plus, you should have an income of less than $1,620 monthly, prove your inability to work via medical records, and have 20 work credits (only if you're applying for SSDI). But you don't need to handle these legal complexities alone. You can get help from a seasoned SSI lawyer in Sacramento!

For Quicker & Stress-Free Approvals of Your SSDI/SSI Benefits, Count On Us at Hadley & Fraulob!

To get the maximum compensation for your SSDI or SSI benefits quickly, you can have faith in Hadley & Fraulob, as we have a 90% success rate. We have top-tier SSI lawyers in Sacramento with over 40 years of experience who'll fight for your best interest!

Our seasoned lawyers are always available to answer your doubts or queries about Social Security law, its guidelines, and procedures. We'll also let you know the eligibility criteria and whether your permanent disability qualifies you for SSDI or SSI benefits.

We're here for you no matter what and will guide you with expert legal advice. Also, you don't have to pay us until we win your case; that's our promise to you. Call us now at (800) 404-4458.