Disability Benefits For Wounded Soldiers

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.

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.

How does military pay affect eligibility for disability benefits?

You cannot engage in substantial work activity for pay or profit, also known as substantial gainful activity. Active duty status and receipt of military pay does not, in itself, necessarily prevent payment of 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, they will evaluate your work activity to determine your eligibility for benefits. The actual work activity is the controlling factor and not the amount of pay you receive or your military duty status.

How do I apply?

You may apply for disability benefits at any time while in military status or after discharge, whether you are still hospitalized, in a rehabilitation program or undergoing out-patient treatment in a military or civilian medical facility. We can help with the application process and make getting approved faster and easier. Just fill out the form below or click on Disability Evaluation and someone will contact you to get the process started.

What do I need to apply?

Claimants and their representatives must provide information and documentation about age, employment, proof of citizenship, Social Security coverage and information regarding all impairments and related treatment. Social Security will make every reasonable effort to help you get the necessary medical evidence.

Important: You should file the application for disability benefits as soon as possible with any documents readily available. Do not delay filing because you do not have all the documents mentioned below. Get help now.

     * Original or certified copy of your birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency if foreign
         born;
     * Form DD 214, if discharged from the military service;
     * W-2 Form or income tax return from last year;
     * Military or workers’ compensation to include proof of payment;
     * Social Security numbers of your spouse and minor children;
     * Checking or savings account number, if you have one;
     * Name, address and phone number of a contact person, in case you are unavailable; and
     * Medical records that you have and/or that you can easily obtain from all military and civilian sources.

What can be done to speed the decision process?

You can speed the decision by being prepared for your interview and having information available regarding all the doctors you have seen and your work history. Having a representative or an attorney helping with this process can improve your time considerably. Get a quick Disability Evaluation to determine the best and fastest course of action.

It is very important that you notify Social Security of any address changes that you have while we are working on your claim or any changes in doctors, hospitals or outpatient clinics where you are receiving treatment. This will help to prevent delays.