By Kirk Larson Social Security Washington Public Affairs Specialist

Supporting veterans and active duty members of the military is a key part of Social Security’s mission. Our disability program has helped countless wounded warriors and their loved ones. Every Veterans Day, the nation collectively honors the brave people who risk their lives to protect our country.

For those who return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to for disability benefits. Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website is at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors.

The Wounded Warriors website has answers to many commonly asked questions, and provides other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different from those available from the Department of Veterans Affairs; they require a separate application.

Social Security’s expedited process is available to military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.

Even active duty military who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they’re unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Although a person can’t receive Social Security disability benefits while engaging in substantial work for pay or profit, receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits from Social Security.

You can learn more by visiting our veterans page at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans.

Kirk Larson is a Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist located in Seattle and serving Western Washington.

Share this story!
Seattle Man Named 2012 Caregiver of the Year by National Private Duty Association
SEATTLE, Wash. – Seattle resident Lito Gimenez has been selected as the 2012 Caregiver of the Year by the National Private Duty Association. He is...
How to curb your shopping habit to cut spending
A shopping habit can destroy your finances and emotional life. Find out how to easily stop the habit. Use personal budgeting tools and simple tips...

Related

SHARE THE GIFT OF SECURITY – Social Security
We have all received gifts we’ve wanted to return: ugly socks or sweaters that look exactly like the one you got (or gave!) last year....
Merrilee Rush: Seattle’s homegrown rock ‘n’ roll sweetheart
Merrilee Rush gained national fame in 1968 with her breakout hit song, Angel of the Morning, which earned her a Grammy nomination for female vocalist...
SOCIAL SECURITY PROVIDES SUPPORT WITH SURVIVOR BENEFITS
In the unfortunate event of a family member’s death, we want you to know that Social Security is here to help....
‘Here Come the Brides’ debuts on September 25, 1968
The show, loosely based on the arrival in frontier Seattle of the Mercer Girls -- recruited to the new settlement as teachers and to increase...
Creative Couples Add Unique Stories and Diverse Art to the Camano Island Studio Tour
Camano Island will celebrate its many Island artists with the 24th annual Camano Island Studio Tour...
KCLS Celebrates Older Americans Month with Two Events
In May, the King County Library System is hosting two events designed with you in mind....

BE IN THE KNOW

NWPT-Subscribe

Recent Posts

A Rose By Any Other Name Would Be… Shiso, Zisu, Hangul, Perilla?
Hydration: Are you drinking enough water?
AARP Washington Invests in Livable Communities with 2025 Grants
THE PASSAGE OF TIME…IN RHYME
We All Scream for Ice Cream

BE IN THE KNOW

NWPT-Subscribe

Recent Posts

A Rose By Any Other Name Would Be… Shiso, Zisu, Hangul, Perilla?
Hydration: Are you drinking enough water?
AARP Washington Invests in Livable Communities with 2025 Grants
THE PASSAGE OF TIME…IN RHYME
We All Scream for Ice Cream