Disability, SSI

How Social Security Serves Those Who Served

September 21, 2015 • By

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Last Updated: March 17, 2021

A POW/MIA flag on a deskOn September 18, we observed POW/MIA Recognition Day. Social Security remembers those missing in action while defending our country. We want to take the opportunity to highlight our special benefits for wounded warriors.

Social Security takes care of our wounded warriors, because we understand that the effects of military service can be profound and lasting.

Social Security pays disability benefits to veterans through the Social Security disability insurance program, which pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you’ve worked long enough and paid enough Social Security taxes to qualify.

We can also pay disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is based on financial need.

Social Security has a very strict definition of disability. To qualify for disability benefits, you must be unable to work and have a medical condition that’s expected to last one year or more or to result in death.

Veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100 percent permanent and total (P&T) have the opportunity to receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits.

For more information, or to apply, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, or visit www.socialsecurity.gov. You can also get additional information about our benefits and services for veterans at www.socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans.

Please remember that Social Security can help with the emotional, financial, and health issues that result from military service. We will never forget.

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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

Comments

  1. Jose A.

    Why I paid Social Security for 25 years in the Army and Air Force and 35 years in my civilian job and one year in the Postal Services and I only received $1,381.35. Some people work less that my self and the wages are less than my and receive more than me.

    Can you explain to me.

    Thanks;

  2. Margie

    Hei !Ser ut som om du har fått gjort/opplevd såå mye på turene dine !Så jeg lurte på om du synes budsjett på :200 kr pr/dag (asia)300-400 kr pr/dag (Aas4rulia)t00-500 kr pr/dag (USA) synes du det holder ? jeg tenker at jeg vil jo også oppleve ting, og har tenkt til å ta dykkerlappen i Thailand ..

  3. Chelsea

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  4. somy

    I am 100% P & T VA service connected, and I would like to apply for Social Security. And I am not able to work anymore. I quit job 2014, till I am not working. What shall I do… I applied one then they called me medical examination and they just denied. I am totally disabled veteran. Can not do anything, days are counting and moving so Can you please help me to . I am very upset and I was not able to appeal, because I did not received any letter. Can not go outside due to head ache and other severe problem. Please give me some instruction. For apply Social Security

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your service to our country, Somy. 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. Disability Benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. If your appeal was denied or you are past the 60-day point and you feel that you meet our definition of disability, you can apply again, and can do so online.

  5. somy

    please leave a reply

  6. somy

    I am 100% P & T VA service connected, and I would like to apply for Social Security. And I am not able to work anymore. I quit job 2014, till I am not working. What shall I do… I applied one then they called me medical examination and they just denied. I am totally disabled veteran. Can not do anything, days are counting and moving so Can you please help me to . I am very upset and I was not able to appeal, because I did not received any letter. Can not go outside due to head ache and other severe problem. Please give me some instruction

  7. burrell.k.allen

    Veterans we’ve already been used for financial gain and even religious beliefs and disbelief as it appears now. This is the same government we’re being used and the simple fact is that we are being oppressed so that we are so desperate we will not put up a fight because of the delays, denied, terminated, decreased or just simply stolen from, we don’t care what happens. Don’t forget we took a oath and it never said anything about easy or simple never give up on your selves and our fellow veterans.

  8. MJean

    Government is something we all must depend on.
    But it is Never as efficient as private enterprise, where companies compete against each other.
    Example:
    Many thousands of veterans have died while waiting for medical care by the VA!

  9. eliedith

    thank you to all the veteran’s who served the country and fight to preserve freedom. freedom is not free

  10. HM

    I was granted 100% P&T effective Aug 2010 and I got a partial favorable decision from SS which implied ‘Yes, you are disable but you will not received any benefits. I am not satisfied with the decision knowing that some disabled service members just had 50%, 70% but less than 100%.

    • R.F.

      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 only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
      Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death.
      If you disagree with our decision, you have a right to file an appeal. You must make your request within 60 days from the date you received the letter explaining our decision. For further assistance contact your local field office. Or, you can call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to speak with one of our representatives, who are available Monday through Friday between 7:00am and 7:00pm. Hope this information helps.

      • MJean

        Please explain why ‘total disability’ benefits have vastly increased since the economic downturn in 2008.

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