Social Security has two separate programs in place in an effort to get Social Security disability benefits to military personnel who have injuries or impairments that prevent them from maintaining gainful employment. The two programs, the Wounded Warriors and Veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100 percent, which the military classifies as total and permanently disabled, are an effort to expedite Social Security disability cases for these individuals. Below is a description of each initiative from Social Security.
Wounded Warriors
Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. 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.
Below are the answers to the questions most people ask about applying for disability benefits. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you understand the process.
What types of benefits can I receive?
Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program, which pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes; and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which pays benefits based on financial need.
What is Social Security’s definition of disability?
By law, Social Security has a very strict definition. To be found disabled:
- You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death.
While some programs give money to people with partial disability or short-term disability, Social Security does not.
How does military pay affect eligibility for disability benefits?
Active duty status and receipt of military pay does not, in itself, necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Receipt of military payments should never stop you from applying for disability benefits from Social Security. If you are receiving treatment at a military medical facility and working in a designated therapy program or on limited duty, we will evaluate your work activity to determine your eligibility for benefits.
You cannot receive Social Security disability benefits if you engage in substantial work for pay or profit. However, the actual work activity is the controlling factor and not the amount of pay you receive or your military duty status.
VA Rating Total and Permanent
Starting March 17, 2014, veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent and total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits.
What do I need to know about the VA and Social Security programs?
Both Social Security and VA pay disability benefits. However, their programs, processes, and criteria for receiving benefits are very different.
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.” To be found disabled:
- You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death.
If you receive VA compensation, this will not affect your Social Security benefits.
Expedited Processing
First, you must apply for Social Security disability benefits. You can do this in one of three ways:
- Complete your application online;
- Call our toll-free telephone number, 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778; or
- Call or visit your local Social Security office.
