Military Service Members and Social Security

The US government has many other programs available that provide benefits and assistance to our Veterans and our wounded Servicemen and women.  Please see www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov/ for a comprehensive list of these services.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) can expedite the process for disability claims for Veterans and Wounded Warriors.  SSA has two disability programs available for Veterans and Service Members injured while on active duty:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to a Veteran or Service Member who has worked and paid in enough Social Security or FICA taxes and

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits based on the Veteran or Service Member’s financial need.

A Service Member’s active duty status or even their receipt of military pay, may not prevent the Service Member from being found disabled by SSA and receive disability payments.  SSA will evaluate the Service Member’s actual work activity such as limited duty or work in a designated therapy program, to determine his or her eligibility for the disability benefits.  Veterans and Service Members, like all other applicants for Social Security disability benefits, cannot receive benefits if they are performing substantial work.   We can help any Service Member or Veteran determine if SSA would consider their work substantial.

Social Security’s application process for disability benefits can take months just for their initial determination.  If a Veteran or Service Member informed SSA that their disability occurred while they were on active duty then SSA will do what it can to expedite the process.  Social Security is also working with the Department of Defense to get military medical records more quickly, see: www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/ssa-dod-hit-pr.html

Applying for Social Security can be a confusing process. It’s important to understand your rights and the steps that need to be taken to file a claim and receive benefits.  Veterans and Service Members have put their lives on the line to help serve and protect our country and Kaplan Morrell understands that we need to help serve and protect our Veterans and Service Members.  If you have questions regarding the process or need help filing or appealing a Social Security Disability Claim in Denver and the surrounding areas, please click HERE or call us at 303-780-7329 for a free consultation.  We will help fight for your rights, as you’ve fought for ours.