If you are a veteran who got disabled in the line of duty you may already be receiving VA disability benefits. But if you qualify, you are entitled to receive Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits or SSDI as well. There are several vets that don’t even realize they deserve to receive the SSDI. And many from the ones who do know can easily get intimidated by the complicated process of applying for SSDI. Listed below are 5 things that you should know if you are a disabled veteran who is thinking about applying for the SSDI. These will help you better understand the procedure.
1. What is SSDI?
SSDI is a disability insurance program through which a disabled veteran may receive insurance payments as Social Security tax deductions on a monthly basis from the paycheck, assuming that the veteran has worked for a period long enough to be considered for coverage. Veterans who are approved for the SSDI are then automatically covered by Medicare when they have received insurance payments for 24 months by the SSA.
2. When to apply for SSDI
As a military member you can apply for SSDI at any time after your injury that left you disabled. Whether you are an active duty member or a veteran going through treatment currently, are in an outpatient treatment or going through therapy etc. You can apply regardless of the fact that you are undergoing some kind of treatment at a military or a civilian facility.
3. Can SSDI be received while receiving Military Pay?
This is a case-by-case issue and cannot be answered with a definite yes or an absolute no. Receiving Social Security benefits relies on the fact whether you are able to perform substantial work as a result of your injury or not. And drawing an active duty pay does not disqualify you from getting the Social Security benefits. It is better to apply in any case and let the SSA decide whether you are eligible to receive the SSDI or not.
4. Detailed Medical Records must be provided
You must maintain a detailed record of your appointments with the doctor, ant therapy session schedules/routines and as many health records as possible when applying for SSDI benefits. If you don’t do this you are going to face a lot of complications and the process will become a headache. Make sure to avoid any hassle you mention and document every detail since your disability from doctor’s appointments to prescriptions. In worst cases your SSDI can get rejected if you don’t provide the necessary medical records.
5. You have the right to an Attorney
People applying for a Social Security benefit or VA disability benefits have a specified right to hire an attorney. The attorney takes care of the matters regarding filing for a disability benefit and represents their plaintiff in the court in case of an appeal. It is highly recommended that you hire one especially if you had been unsuccessful with a claim in the past.
Learn more at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation Process can be a daunting and time consuming task for Veterans and their families. Our team is made up of disabled Veterans just like you, and we went through the process and understand what you are going through.
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*The following content is presented in good faith and is intended to provide a general overview. Please visit the VA’s website for the latest information.
