Full Disability

Full disability means that your condition is so severe that it prevents you from working altogether. To qualify for full disability under the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must demonstrate that your disability:

• Prevents you from performing any work that earns you a living (called Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA) for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.
• Significantly limits your ability to perform basic work-related tasks, such as standing, walking, or even communicating.
• In many cases, full disability is permanent, although temporary disabilities of the same severity can still qualify if they last for at least 12 months.

If you are found fully disabled, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provide financial assistance based on your inability to work.

Partial Disability

Partial disability, on the other hand, occurs when you have a condition that limits your ability to work but doesn’t completely prevent you from doing so. With partial disability, you may still be able to:

• Work part-time or perform some tasks in a limited capacity.
• Earn a reduced income but are unable to perform certain functions of your job.

In most cases, partial disability doesn’t automatically qualify you for SSDI because the SSA usually considers that you are still able to earn income. However, you might qualify for workers' compensation or private disability insurance that covers partial disabilities. Partial disability may also apply if you can still work, but only at a reduced capacity due to your condition.

Key Differences

• Full disability means you cannot perform any work due to the severity of your condition. It typically qualifies you for SSDI benefits.
• Partial disability means you are still able to work in some capacity but with limitations, which may not qualify for SSDI but could be covered by private disability insurance or workers' compensation.