Partial Disability and Social Security Disability SSI   Just one sentence will suffice on the subject of partial disability benefits from the social security administration: they don't exist. I've probably been asked this question a few dozen times over the last few years. And it's really a reasonable question. After all, the military rates individuals on percentages of disability. However, with Social Security Disability and SSI, it doesn't work that way. In the SSA system, an individual is either disabled or not disabled, and, thus, will be approved or denied. The federal system is also different from other systems in that there is no temporary disability (i.e. no distinction between long and short disability status), although administrative law judges will sometimes award closed periods (benefits awarded for definable periods of disability in situations where claimants do not qualify for ongoing SSD or SSI benefits). This page, Does Social Security offer Partial Disability Benefits? answers the following questions: 1: When does SSA consider a person fully disabled?; and 2: How does social security measure a person's ability or inability to work? About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How long to get a Social Security decision letter? How to file for disability in New York Qualifying for disability and the sets of criteria Why does Social Security deny so many disability cases? SSI for an autistic child Appealed my disability denial, what should I expect? Can you receive your SSI disability payment before you get an approval letter? What do you have to do to get disability? How long does it take to get SSI Disability Benefits? When can I expect my first disability check and my back pay check? Can I get Retroactive SSI Disability Benefits? Social Security medical disability determination process How to file for disability in Florida Stroke and filing for disability Social Security Disability, Do Not Take Medication Or Go To Doctor