Your Guide to Social Security Benefits
https://www.va.gov/disability/
The Social Security Administration provides disability benefits to individuals, including veterans, who have qualifying medical conditions that have rendered them disabled for a period of at least one continuous calendar year or more. The Social Security Administration will typically require medical and employment-related proof to establish that these conditions are met by individuals who are interested in pursuing a claim for either type of benefit. Depending upon your circumstances, you may qualify for one or both types of benefits. Consulting with a certified disability expert is always advised to ensure you fully pursue any benefits to which you may be entitled under the law.
The Two Types of Disability Benefits That Are Offered Include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI benefits are generally intended for individuals who are “insured.” In the eyes of the Social Security Administration, being “insured” means that you worked a qualifying job for a sufficient length of time, through which you regularly paid a portion of your salary into the Social Security system. The number of benefits you receive will be based on various factors, including your work and earning history.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Unlike SSDI benefits, an individual does not need a work history to receive SSI benefits. Instead, those who receive SSI benefits must have income and resources below a certain limit established by the Social Security Administration. This limit may change annually. The amount of income an individual will receive is not typically based on the disabling condition itself but rather on their income and resource level, among other factors.
The Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
For disabled veterans across the country, the Department of Veterans Affairs may also provide benefits and assistance. To receive these benefits, however, the specific medical condition that is the cause of the disability must have been received during military service.
It is important to realize, however, that Social Security Disability benefits and disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs are different and receiving one type of benefit does not render the individual ineligible to receive the other benefit. Indeed, both can be collected simultaneously in most circumstances. However, this is not necessarily the case for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which are more income- and resource-dependent.
Additionally, it should be noted that those who apply for and receive Veteran’s benefits do not need to consider their age, work history, or education level when determining eligibility. Moreover, partial payments may be available depending upon the severity of the disability, and different factors will apply in determining the amount of the payments compared to those that are utilized for Social Security benefits. Veterans who are interested in Veteran’s benefits have several options, including:
Applying online at www.va.gov/disability · Submitting a paper application. Applicants can find and print an application at VA Form 21-526EZ, “Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits,” and can send the application to: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
- Those wishing to submit an application in person can go to a local regional office in person for processing.
Understandably, the lengthy process, uncertain conditions and legal qualifications may seem complicated. It is quite normal to feel overwhelmed. You do not have to feel that way. Instead, you can call the knowledgeable and experienced team at Pinnacle Disability Services. We understand how important disability benefits can be to those who are struggling with a disability and unable to work. We know that from a financial perspective, it can make the difference between stress and stability. Our talented and experienced team of experts are here for you and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits. We are ready to put that collective expert knowledge to work on your behalf. We will help you fight for the benefits you deserve at every step of the way. If you are ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.