Social Security Column
Social Security Supports Veterans
By Erin Thompson
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Toledo, OH
Supporting veterans and
active duty members of the military is a key part of Social
Security’s mission. Our disability program has helped
countless wounded warriors and their loved ones. Every
Veterans Day, the nation collectively honors the brave
people who risk their lives to protect our country. For
those who return home with injuries, Social Security is a
resource they can turn to for disability benefits. Social
Security’s Wounded Warriors website is at
www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors.
The Wounded Warriors
website has answers to many commonly asked questions, and
provides other useful information about disability benefits,
including how veterans can receive expedited processing of
disability claims.
Benefits available through Social Security are different
from those available from the Department of Veterans
Affairs; they require a separate application.
Social Security’s expedited process is available to 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.You
can learn more by visiting our veterans page at
www.socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans.
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