VETERANS DISABILITY INCLUDES SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Disabled veterans may qualify for both VA disability and Social Security disability. (SSDI). These two benefits do not offset each other, meaning, a veteran may collect full VA benefits and full SSDI benefits at the same time.

The applications, procedures and requirements for each program is different, however.  Just because you qualify for VA disability does not automatically mean that you qualify for SSDI benefits.  Social Security must go through a separate process and find that you are disabled under their own rules.

Social Security can be a significant source of additional income for disabled veterans.  The maximum disability benefit for a non-blind individual is $2,633 per month.

Some key points to consider:

• Persons of any age (before full retirement age)  can receive SSDI benefits.
• Benefits are not restricted by your income or financial resources.
• A 100% permanent VA disability rating will expedite your Social Security claim.
• You do not necessarily have to be on VA disability to get Social Security and vice versa.
•  A representative, attorney or advocate will not charge a fee unless you win benefits. 
• Legitimate claims are often denied and must be appealed to receive benefits. 

For a free consultation and review of your claim, please contact an advocate with the Forsythe Firm, located in Research Park, at 7027 Old Madison Pike, Suite 108 (by appointment).  Or phone us at (256) 799-0297.