The Social Security Administration (SSA) has started a program to expedite the processing of disability applications for veterans who have a Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation rating of 100% permanent and total disability. This program went into effect on March 17, 2014.
The SSA typically takes three to six months to process disability applications. For veterans who have been found 100% permanent and totally disabled by the VA, the SSA will do their best to make a decision as quickly as possible.
Even if you have been found 100% disabled by the VA, you are not guaranteed to be found disabled by the SSA. While both are federal programs, they have different definitions of disability. In order to be eligible for disability benefits through the SSA, your disability must have lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
You must also be unable to maintain substantial gainful activity (SGA). The SSA says that SGA is the ability to earn over $1070 gross income per month.
Further, while you were working, you must have earned enough work credits to be insured through the Disability Insurance Benefit program.
If you are interested in filing an application for benefits, you can do so by calling the SSA, going into one of their offices, or by applying online. To schedule a phone or in-office appointment call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Click here for a link to the application on the SSA’s website.
If you meet the VA compensation rating of 100% permanent and totally disabled advise the SSA of this when completing the application. You will also need to provide them with your VA Notification letter to verify your 100% permanent and total rating to Social Security.
For more information about this new program, check of that the SSA’s website.
