Are Social Security Disability Benefits Available For Soldiers And Veterans?

May 17, 2013

Each day in the United States, soldiers return home from service overseas with injuries and conditions that leave them unable to work. This raises numerous questions as to what benefits they may qualify for through Social Security Disability programs.

According to an article from The Chief Leader, the Social Security Administration (SSA) gives special exceptions to service members through the duration of the approval process of a claim. This means that service members may receive faster processing of a claim than other citizens.

Others wonder, “Can a service members family be eligible for Social Security benefits?” The answer is most certainly yes under certain circumstances.

Service members who have become disabled are encouraged by the SSA to begin the application process as soon as possible. The agency would also like to remind soldiers that active-duty status and continuing to receive military pay does not necessarily eliminate their ability to collect disability benefits if they are unable to work.

It is important to remember that the SSA and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are two separate government entities that offer different programs.

The Social Security Disability Attorneys with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin recognize how confusing the process of receiving benefits as a service member can be for veterans and soldiers. That is why the firm suggests discussing your options with an attorney if you have been in the military, are unable to work, and are considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits.