Permanent disability
If your health no longer lets you work as before, you may be entitled to a pension. We support you throughout the whole process with the INSS.
What it involves
Permanent disability (incapacidad permanente) is the pension granted by Social Security when an illness or an accident leaves you with after-effects that limit or prevent your work. It has several degrees, from partial disability to severe disability (gran invalidez), and each one gives different rights. It is decided by the INSS after you are assessed by the medical board (tribunal médico), and its decision can be appealed.
Is this your case?
- You have been signed off as fit for work, but you still can't do your job.
- The INSS has refused your disability claim after you went before the medical board.
- You have been granted a degree that does not reflect how you really are.
- Your illness has got worse and you want to ask for a review of your degree.
How we help
We study your medical reports and your occupation to assess which degree fits your situation. We prepare the application or the prior claim to the INSS and, if they don't rule in your favour, we file the claim before the employment court (juzgado de lo social). When needed, we work with a medical expert to strengthen your case. We explain each step in plain words. We can help you in Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight, French and English, at our offices in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Málaga and Barcelona or online, wherever you are in Spain.
If your disability comes from a workplace accident, we review that too, and we advise you on other benefits you may be entitled to.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between sick leave and permanent disability?
- Sick leave (incapacidad temporal) is for when you are expected to recover and go back to work. Permanent disability is recognised when the after-effects are lasting and reduce or remove your ability to work.
- The INSS has refused my disability claim. What can I do?
- You can file a prior claim (reclamación previa) and, if it is rejected, go to the employment court (juzgado de lo social). The time limit is short, so bring us the decision and your medical reports as soon as possible.
- Can I apply for permanent disability if I am a foreign national?
- Yes, if you have worked and paid contributions in Spain and meet the conditions. In some cases, periods worked in other countries can also count, depending on the agreements between those countries and Spain.
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Tell us about your case.
A first conversation — confidential and without obligation — to understand whether we can help, and how.
We speak Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight (Berber), French and English.