SSI Guidelines for Disabled Veterans

By Leslie McClintock

Military veterans who have become disabled often have questions about qualifying for disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income program, administered by the Social Security Administration, or SSA. The SSA has established a number of special programs and provisions for veterans. The extra income can be invaluable in helping the disabled veteran adjust to civilian life with a disability.

The Social Security Administration has a different definition of disability than that used by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify for SSI, you must be totally disabled and unable to perform any kind of work due to your disability, and your disability must be at least a year long or be expected to culminate in your death. SSI does not pay benefits for partial disability.

If you are disabled and a military veteran, the Social Security Administration will expedite your application for Supplemental Security Income. This is important for veterans, because the normal SSI application process can take months. This program is for military veterans who became disabled after October 1, 2001 -- regardless of where the injury or illness that caused he disability took place.

Although SSI benefits are means-tested for civilians, the fact that you draw military pay while on active duty while disabled does not disqualify you for benefits. The Social Security Administration encourages disabled military veterans to apply while still on active duty.

You can apply online at socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors, by telephone at 800-772-1213, or by stopping by the nearest Social Security Administration office. Those who are hearing-impaired may call the Social Security Administration's TTY service at 800-325-0778.

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