Permanent Disability

Updated: 11 March 2024

What Does Permanent Disability Mean?

Permanent disability refers to the condition in which a person can no longer work full-time. This is because of an injury, ailment, or a medical condition. This can either be attributed to a physical or mental disease. If this is caused by a condition in the workplace, a person can sue the employer for damages. In the US, Social Security provides financial assistance to people with this condition.

Insuranceopedia Explains Permanent Disability

Permanent disability is established if a condition lasts for a year or if the condition leads to one’s death. This should be pronounced by a physician. Social Security is very clear on this matter: a person is only considered disabled if he or she can no longer work because of a medical condition. If a person can prove this in their application, Social Security gives the person disability payments. Payments start six months after the application. However, even if the person resigns from their work because of a disability, but they can find work elsewhere that can be considered substantive and which pays significantly well (or above the minimum wage), then that person is not eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Permanent disability caused by work or which happened at the place where the person is working can also be a basis for asking damages from the employer in a court of law.

Related Reading

Go back to top