Memorial Day is a good time to consider certain Social Security disability benefits that people who were wounded during their military service might be eligible for. Missourians who are considered Wounded Warriors should be aware that their qualifying SSD benefits for injury could be affected by military pay and status. It is also important to know what information must be provided to the Social Security Administration when seeking benefits.
Military pay does not have to stop a person from receiving SSD benefits. Those who are still getting pay from the military should not hesitate to apply as they might still meet the benefits’ requirements. A person who is being treated at a medical military facility and is also in a designated therapy program or is on limited duty might be eligible for benefits. The SSA must conduct an evaluation into the work the person is doing to decide whether they meet the federal requirements to get benefits. People who are performing substantial work for profit cannot get SSD benefits. The SSA will calculate the work the person is doing. The amount of pay and the military status are not relevant.
A Wounded Warrior can apply for benefits at any juncture while in the military, after having been discharged, while in rehabilitation, being given outpatient treatment, or in a hospital. The outpatient treatment can be in a civilian or military facility. The claimant should provide the birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, Form DD 214 for someone who was discharged from military service, income tax information, proof of pay from the military or workers’ compensation, Social Security numbers of immediate family members, account numbers for savings and checking accounts, a person to contact and medical records that can easily be acquired from the military or civilian entities.
People who have been injured while in the military can get benefits that are specifically tailored to Wounded Warriors. That does not mean that the basic rules do not need to be followed. Having help from a legal professional who is knowledgeable about all aspects of Social Security disability can be helpful.
Source: Social Security Administration, “Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors, pages 8-10,” accessed on May 29, 2017