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What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not an entitlement benefit; you must pay into the Social Security system in order to be eligible. Typically, a service member must have either served or worked five of the past ten years to qualify for a disability benefit. SSDI benefits are reserved for individuals who can no longer work full time due to a medical condition that will last at least one year.
Can I collect both Social Security Disability and VA Service Connected benefits?
Yes. VA disability benefits are awarded to those who actively served in the military and were discharged on any grounds except dishonorable. The Social Security Disability program is based upon an individual’s capacity for gainful employment. As long as you meet the requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are eligible for both programs.
How does age affect my SSDI claim?
First, to be eligible for SSDI, a claimant must have worked (or served) 5 of the past 10 years at a job that paid into Social Security.
Veterans over the age of 55 have an advantage when filing a disability claim. In order to determine your eligibility for disability benefits, Social Security uses “GRID” rules. This qualifying system is broken down according to levels of exertion which may be performed in a work environment (sedentary, light, medium, heavy, and very heavy). Amongst these levels are three further categories that contribute to the disability determination: Age, Education, and Previous Work Experience.
This is where age becomes highly beneficial if you are over 55 years old. According to the GRID rules, persons who are 55 years or older are considered “Advanced age”. Qualifying for this label greatly increases your chance of approval for SSDI. This is particularly true for veterans who have a medical condition that is strictly physical. Essentially, once over 50, you must simply prove that you cannot perform your previous work. The consideration of age stems in part from the fact that older veterans may face more difficulty transitioning into a new workplace.
I already receive benefits from the VA, can I still receive Social Security Disability?
Yes. There is no offset between VA service connected benefits and SSDI benefits.
I applied for disability benefits through Social Security and was denied, what is the point in trying again?
Most first time applicants are denied when applying for Social Security Disability benefits. In fact, statistics tend to show that 75% of those applying on their own are denied by Social Security. If you have applied and been denied, the most important thing to do is to appeal the decision. Although there is a substantial amount of paperwork associated with filing an appeal, you can hire a Disability Attorney to assist you at no out of pocket cost.
How long does the process take?
Claims can range from 3 months to over 3 years to be adjudicated. If you are a military Veteran who served after 2001, you may qualify for expedited processing through Social Security’s “Wounded Warrior” program. For more information regarding this program, complete our evaluation to speak with a disability advocate at no charge.
How much will I receive?
Benefit amounts vary; the maximum individual amount is $2,600 per month. If you have children under the age of 18, they can typically qualify for additional benefits up until their 18th birthday.
I want to get started, what do I do?
Complete our fast & free evaluation and we will have a disability advocate from our office reach out to you. Remember, there is no out of pocket cost should you decide to move forward. Our Attorneys are only compensated if they are successful in obtaining you benefits. If you are not awarded, there is no cost whatsoever.
Who are you guys?
Vets Disability Guide is published by Victory Disability, a law firm who specializes in assisting Veterans with Social Security Disability and VA Disability claims. We have been assisting veterans since 2014. With a network of more than 200 Attorneys throughout the nation, we are dedicated to getting benefits for our Veterans. Our office headquarters are located outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There is no need for our clients to ever leave their hometown; our Attorneys will come to you.