Can I Receive Partial Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits in the form of SSDI and SSI programs. These programs can be tricky to navigate, and two-thirds of applications for disability benefits tend to be rejected. With representation and careful attention paid to the application or appeals process, however, you may be able to get your application approved by the SSA. Typically, the only type of disability benefit that can be received in part is called “permanent partial disability” (PPD) benefits. Other than this, partial temporary disability doesn’t really exist.
The SSA defines one as fully disabled when a person is unable to work and gain an income that is substantial enough to live on. This also means the person is unable to work at any other type of job or at a previous job. The SSA has to determine if a disability will last longer than 12 months, and if so, that generally deems one able to apply for disability benefits.
PPD claims are most commonly seen in workers compensation claims, as a result of a workplace injury or occupational disease or issue. The important thing to remember with a permanent partial disability is that the person is affected by that disability or impairment permanent, so they may still be able to work, just not at a full, 100% capacity. In contrast, a total disability means the person cannot work their previous job or any other job.
In a workers compensation case, an award of PPD is typically given to compensate the employee or worker for the lasting physical or mental effects of the injury that rendered them disabled or unable to work. Common examples of why a person may be awarded permanent partial disability would be a loss of vision in one eye, loss of hearing, amputation of a body part or extremity, post-traumatic stress disorder, or severe carpal tunnel, among other injuries and illnesses.
At Franco Law Firm, a consultation with one of our expert personal injury attorneys can help you understand if you may qualify for PPD and how to begin an application process to get you the benefits you are entitled to.
