text: i am 57 years old. i was injured in 1996 with a severe head injury.how do i apply for pemanent disability? i filed a workmans comp claim which was settled. i have been taking medication for my injury since 1996 which controls my dizzines and headaches. i am no longer able to perform on jobs that i qualify for. my question is--- how do i apply for permanent disability. do i apply through social security or california edd. which would i qualify for? i have through my settlment life time medical. i am unable to work anymore. go to your social security office; they will have you to fill out a bunch of forms, just make sure you have all medcial records up to date. sometimes they turn you down the first time if they do get a lawyer to take over that will do it for you on a percentage of your back pay disability money and some people get right on it. hope this helps.