Can Wounded Warriors Get Disability Benefits from the SSA?

Did you know that as a wounded warrior, you can get your disability claim expedited through Social Security? This means that if you were a military service member who became disabled while on active military duty “on or after October 1, 2001,” you are eligible for this expedited service from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is separate from the Department of Veterans Affairs, so that means you must complete a separate application to be considered.

In addition, as of March 17, 2014, veterans who have a VA Compensation rating of 100% can receive expedited processing on their Social Security applications (regardless of when they became disabled).

Applying is no different from anyone else seeking disability benefits: you can get either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both if you qualify. The former is based on work credits and pays you and certain family members, and the latter is benefits “based on financial need.”

Keep reading for some more helpful pointers on how to apply for benefits as a wounded warrior.

The Basics About Military Duty and Benefits From the SSA

Many things are slow-going when it comes to Social Security benefits, so make sure you take advantage of the ability to expedite your application as a military member. This doesn’t mean that you should overlook the eligibility requirements and be thorough when compiling the documents for your application. Denials have happened in the past for simple typos and insufficient records, so don’t fall victim to these commonplace mistakes.

To clarify, as long as you were on active duty when your disability happened, you can get your application expedited. It does not have to be linked to you being on the job.

What Do I Need to Apply?

There are many things you need for your disability application. If you’re unsure of whether you need all of this or not, try contacting a trained disability expert who can assist you through the process.

Here are some things you will need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship/legal residency
• Form DD 214, if discharged
• W-2 form
• Proof of military pay
• Banking information
• Medical records
• Social Security numbers of spouse and underage children

Tips About Submitting Your Application

• Make sure there is proof in your application that you are/were a service member and were on active duty at the time of your injury
• Just because you get disability benefits does not automatically qualify you for veterans benefits
• Even if you’re still getting military pay, you are not automatically prevented from SS disability benefits – if you’re in a therapy program/limited duty, your work activity will be evaluated by the SSA
• Include a Company Alert Roster in case your commanding officer needs to be contacted to detail your work (if you are still working)
• The qualifications for disability benefits are the same—you must pass the SSA’s definition of disability

The Takeaway

There are many details to the SS disability benefits process that we didn’t cover, including what to do if your application gets denied or even how long an application can take. Know that the best thing you can do is compile as much information as possible for your claim, and have a disability advocate review your application and help you. Things like military pay and other supplemental information can get complicated—don’t get your application denied from an oversight.