Speeding up the Disability Process under the Wounded Warrior Initiatives
The Social Security Administration has introduced a new disability process for Wounded Warriors to expedite or speed up disability claims of disabled veterans. The Wounded Warriors Initiative provides expedited Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for disabled veterans who became disabled while they were on active military duty on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of whether the injury or condition occurred while they were serving in the United States or out of the country.
Disability Benefits offered through Wounded Warrior Initiatives
The SSA provides SSDI and SSI benefits to wounded warriors who meet the qualifications of one of the programs. SSDI is provided to disabled veterans who have a severe health condition which is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months and which does not allow them to perform substantial gainful activity. SSDI is only provided to wounded veterans who have worked and paid enough in payroll taxes to be considered insured by the Social Security Administration.
Disabled veterans who are not insured and have not worked enough to have sufficient work credits for SSDI benefit may instead be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. SSI is for wounded warriors with limited income and resources, but is also provided to disabled veterans who cannot work for at least 12 continuous months.
Can a wounded veteran’s family get disability benefits under the Wounded Warrior Initiative?
Wounded veterans who receive SSDI benefits may, under certain conditions, qualify to receive family benefits (auxiliary benefits). Auxiliary benefits may be paid to an injured veteran’s spouse and children. Supplemental Security Income does not pay auxiliary benefits to wounded warrior’s family.
Spousal benefits are paid to the wounded warrior’s spouse if she is 62 years or older or caring for a child who is less than 16 years of age or who is disabled. Children may receive benefits if they are not married, younger than 18 years of age or 19 if they are attending school full-time. Children who are disabled prior to 22 years of age may continue to receive benefits indefinitely.
How does work activity affect the wounded veteran’s disability?
Although working and making too much money can disqualify a wounded warrior from receiving SSDI and SSI, the Social Security Administration recommends that all wounded warriors apply for disability benefits and allow the SSA to determine how their active duty status or their military salary affects their disability benefits. For example, many wounded warriors who are receiving medical treatment, who are participating in a rehabilitation treatment program or who are performing limited duty may be eligible for either SSI or SSDI benefits.
How can the Wounded Warrior speed up their disability process?
The Social Security Administration has instituted special procedures to expedite the disability evaluation for wounded warriors, but there are steps that the disabled veteran can take to ensure that their disability claim is evaluated as soon as possible. According to the SSA the wounded warrior should:
• Notify the SSA that their application is for a wounded warrior and that their disability occurred while they were on active duty.
• Provide accurate information to the SSA about medical records and what military facilities provided medical service.
• Provide the SSA with updated contact information as soon as possible.
• The wounded veteran should also contact the SSA if they change doctors.
The Wounded Warrior Initiative allows for the wounded veteran’s disability application to be expedited through every step of the disability evaluation process from the initial application review, the DDS evaluation and, if needed, the Administrative Hearing. Although the disability process is not perfect, efforts like the Wounded Warrior Initiative will ensure and our wounded veterans, who have valiantly defended our country, will be protected.
Related articles
- What can I do to speed up my disability claim? (disabilitybenefitshome.com)
- How do I get my SSDI application started? (disabilitybenefitshome.com)
- Can I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? (disabilitybenefitshome.com)
by Beth L.
Beth L. is a content writer for LeadRival. Good content and information is one of many methods we utilize to bring you the answers you need.
