Do you Have to be Permanently Disabled to Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?
No, you do not have to be permanently disabled to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Many people have an injury or illness that makes them disabled for a short period of time after which they experience full recovery and are able to resume their normal work. Social Security benefits for the disabled are only approved if their disability is expected to last at least one year.
The Social Security disability department does not expect people to continue receiving disability benefits. In fact, they expect people to improve and join the workforce again. That is why participants who receive SSDI benefits participate in a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) which looks at their medical conditions that the disability benefits were awarded and the chances of improvement.
While permanent disability is not a qualifying factor to receive SSDI, total disability (even if it is temporary) is. Total disability is not being able to work on your own in anyway. You may be awarded social security for total disability due to a physical or mental impairment, if your condition is not likely to improve for at least a year.
Interested in knowing whether you could qualify for Social Security benefits for disabled people? Get a free evaluation by filling out our form. An SSDI advocate will contact you within 24 hours.