Helping Veterans and Active Duty Military Members
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 19, 2021
Social Security honors the people who risk their lives to protect our freedom. Our disability program is an important part of our obligation to wounded warriors and their families.
For military members who return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to. If you know any wounded veterans, please let them know about Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website.
The Wounded Warriors website answers many commonly asked questions, and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application.
The expedited process is used for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.
Even active duty military who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they’re unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Although a person can’t receive Social Security disability benefits while engaging in substantial work for pay or profit, receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits from Social Security.
Social Security is proud to support veterans and active duty members of the military. Let these heroes know they can count on us when they need to take advantage of their earned benefits. Our webpages are easy to share on social media and by email.
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About the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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Luis S.
Testing …
Luis
As a Veteran, the SS Administration have rejected me several times, It is maybe because I don’t understand the issue, or what,??..They say I don’t qualify neither for ssa or ssi..
Ann C.
First of all, thank you for your service to our country. If you are receiving benefits from the VA, please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security pays disability benefits to people if they have a medical condition that has prevented them from working or is expected to prevent them from working for at least 12 months. We use the same five-step process to make a decision on each application.
If you are disabled and denied benefits, you should file an appeal. There are four levels in the appeals process. A reconsideration is the first level. Typically, the length of time it takes to receive a decision on your reconsideration is about 60 days but the amount of time could vary from case-to-case. We reevaluate all evidence, plus any additional evidence submitted and make a new decision. If you disagree with the reconsidered decision, you can choose to go to the next level of the appeals process.
You may also be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this information is helpful.
Mr T.
Please issued pay pension on my account holding on bangkok bank in new york brand and they pay to me in Thailand bangkok bank brand by deposit direct transfer to my account,IAT exchange to be thai bath ! Pay after 04/01/2019
Ann C.
Hi. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you are living outside of the U.S. you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.
Don F.
What about Veterans before 2001?
Veronica S.
If you are 100 percent permanently and totally (P&T) disabled and cannot work, submit an application for benefits. If you are partially disabled and can work, submit an application, however veterans whom cannot work and are 100 percent (P&T) applications will be expedited, and their is no gaurantee a benefit will be received in any case, unless you have a disease that will not be cured or reversed and the disease stops you from working.
Veronica S.
Thank you so much for this article. Many active duty members and recently retired disabled veterans are not briefed on this subject when attending Transition Briefings to prepare us for the civilian world. I would like to suggest that someone reach out to all military bases and request to have. Social Security representative attend and speak on the subject. Their presence is needed, just as all of the other reps in attendance present to educate and bring awareness regarding benefits we can apply for and/or receive.
Patricia V.
Thank you to ALL our military past or present and ALL those who have support/supported them every step of the way!??
Joshua R.
Getting the jerk around. Ssdi is a joke. 100% rated and cant work. Will spend 2 years till they finally aprove. THE SYSTEM MAKES YOU GET A LAWYER. NOT RIGHT TO HAVE TO SHARE MONEY I WORKED FOR WHEN THE CASE IS CLEAR AND DRY.
Alvin S.
I have only a 90 percent disability through the VA connected to my 20 years of military service. Do I qualify for SS disability too?
Vonda V.
Hi Alvin. First of all, thank you so much for your service! If you are receiving benefits from the VA, please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security pays disability benefits to people if they have a medical condition that has prevented them from working or is expected to prevent them from working for at least 12 months. We use the same five-step process to make a decision on each application.
You may apply for disability benefits at any time while in military status or after discharge, whether you are still hospitalized, in a rehabilitation program, or undergoing out-patient treatment in a military or civilian medical facility. You may apply right online. If you are unable to file online, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday to make an appointment.
For more information, visit our Veterans web page.
Joshua R.
They told me i had to be discharged first.. nothjng but lies.. my rate went from 1300 to 880 because of the wait
Donald S.
Why does a veteran who gave 12/1/2 years of military service, with 3 years of Vietnam service and served in two branches of the military, have to pay a Medicare charge.
Vonda V.
Thank you for your service, Donald! Enrolling in Medicare is your choice. However, because you can only sign up for Medicare Part B during designated enrollment periods, if you choose not to enroll when first eligible and later change your mind, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage.
Check out the Veterans Administration web page for additional details on VA health care and how it works with Medicare and other health insurance.
Bela G.
When I signed up for ssc brought with me my disability papers and the social security person refused to place my disability for pay. I feel I was misrepresented by social security and many vets feel the same.
Vonda V.
Thank you for your service, Bela! If you’re referring to veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent and total (P&T), they may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits. However, a VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits. To be approved for Social Security benefits, you must meet Social Security’s definition of “disability”. For additional information, check out our Veterans web page.