US military veterans who are disabled, along with their qualified dependents, can receive disability benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The two compensation programs do not affect each other.
However, they must be applied for separately. And the eligibility requirements, definitions of disability and processes are very different notes the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is also possible that you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which also has specific criteria to receive this type of benefit.
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SSI is designed to provide basic financial assistance for older adults and people with disabilities or who are blind and who have very limited income and resources.
In order to receive SSDI, a recipient must meet certain age, education and work history requirements. However, bear in mind that family members (spouse or parent) can also be used to satisfy the work history requirements.
Individuals must be registered as disabled in some way, and the condition must be expected to last at least a year or result in death. As well the impairment must prevent the individual from being able to “work at substantial gainful activity level at the time of application,” states the SSA.
These above criteria for SSDI are not required in order to receive VA benefits. The VA has also expanded the list of presumptive conditions for exposure to toxins during military service.
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Veterans who have a VA disability rating of 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) should inform the SSA of this when applying for benefits in order to have their claim expedited. You can tell the Social Security representative in person or over the phone, or enter “veteran rated100% P&T” in the remarks section of your application online. If you apply by mail, you should provide your VA notification letter.
‘Wounded Warriors’, those who developed a disability while on active military service or after October 1, 2001, may also be eligible to have their claim processed in an expedited manner. Again, you should indicate that your disabling mental or physical condition occurred while on active duty.
The SSA typically identifies veterans automatically when they are applying for benefits and expedite their application, but there are rare occasions when a veteran will need to self-identify. Providing a VA notification letter will serve as proof.
SSA advises veterans that some of them may be eligible for other Social Security benefits like retirement, Medicare and survivors benefits.