Trends In Growth Of The Veteran And Social Security Beneficiary Populations
The overall Social Security beneficiary population more than doubled from 1968 through 2004, whereas the number of veterans receiving Social Security more than quadrupled .7 Consequently, the percentage of Social Security beneficiaries who have served in the military has approximately doubled since the late 1960s.
The percentage of Social Security beneficiaries who are military veterans has remained fairly steady over the past decade, after increasing drastically since 1968. In 2002, an estimated 9,457,000 veterans received Social Security. The estimated number decreased slightly to 9,420,000 in 2004, but this small difference may not be statistically significant. The estimated percentage of Social Security beneficiaries who are veterans has declined slightly from its all-time high of 25.0 percent in 1996.
Understand The Social Security Disability System
When an individual applies for social security disability, the application can be complete three ways an application can be completed at the applicants local social security field office , online at SSA.GOV or over the phone. Once completed, an initial decision takes between 60-120 days. However, if the applicant is a veteran they may file a form known as 1-2-1-95 . This expedited process is for members of the military who served after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurred. A further expedition may be granted for veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100 percent.
After submission of the application the disability claim is then assigned to a member of the disability determination services office a medical examiner. This examiner will compile all the medical documents needed to render a decision and after gathering the documents will consult with a licensed physician or psychologist who works with the SSA. The doctor and medical examiner will complete the evaluation by deciding whether or not the applicant is approved for disability. The SSA statistically shows that 70 percent of first time applicants are initially denied. Hopefully the claim is approved in which the Social Security Administration considered the individual 100 percent disabled and will receive one of the two disability benefit programs SSI or SSDI.
Do I Get Extra Money From Social Security For Being A Veteran
As a veteran, you may receive several different benefits from the Social Security Administration . The exact interplay between VA and SSA benefits depends on the circumstances that are specific to your case, but it is very common for veterans to receive VA disability compensation in addition to Social Security Disability Insurance. Also, veterans who served prior to 2001 get additional social security credit for their military service that is counted towards their SSA retirement benefits.
Ensuring that you are receiving all of the VAand SSA benefits that you might be entitled to can help you and your familyenjoy financial stability for years to come. You gave years of your life toyour country, and you deserve compensation for your service. But sometimes theVA may be reluctant to grant you the benefits you deserve. If you have beendenied your VA benefits, call Jackson and MacNichol today at 800-524-3339 for afree consultation with a veterans disability compensation lawyer.
Extra Social SecurityCredits For Veterans Were Discontinued in 2002
The amount and type of credits you receivedepends on the period in which you served in the military:
Although the SSA automatically takes thesecredits into account when calculating your lifetime earnings, it doesnt hurtto ask for a copy of your work record from SSA to make sure all of your military service has beentaken into account.
What to Do IfYour Benefits Are Denied
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Contact A Kentucky Ssd Attorney For Help With Veterans Benefits Today
Many veterans face enormous challenges in finding employment upon discharge from the military. When a veteran is unable to work because of a disability, they can be entitled to federal benefits.
Both SSD and VA benefits application processes can wear on an individual, and any number of issues can arise that make it difficult for veterans to get the benefits they need and earned.
Do you need help filing an SSD claim in Kentucky? Make sure that you get help from a qualified attorney before submitting your application. Active duty status and receipt of military pay may not prevent payment of SSD benefits, and receipt of military payments should never prevent a veteran from applying for SSD benefits.
Get Help Qualifying For Disability Benefits
The truth is, applying for disability can be a long and sometimes frustrating process. Most first-time applicants are denied, and appeals can take months. However, this doesnt mean you should give up hope. With the help of an experienced Social Security disability lawyer, you can increase your odds of being approved the first time and strengthen your claim should you need to go through the appeals process.
To find out the difference having dedicated representation on your side can make, contact us at Social Security Disability Advocates USA today. Well arrange a free, no obligation consultation with our legal team to review your disability claim and help you make the right decision for you and your family. Get in touch 24/7 by calling , connecting with one of our LiveChat agents, or by filling out this form to request your complimentary case review.
This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.
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What Can A Social Security Disability Lawyer Do For A Veteran Seeking Ssdi Benefits
Veterans seeking approval of SSDI benefits should consult with a lawyer for all of the following reasons:
- Explain all of the rights you have under the Social Security Act
- Represent you in the Administrative Law Judge hearing
- Review testimony from witnesses, expert witnesses, medical experts, and others
- Evaluate your medical condition based on the requirements of the SSA for a disability
- Review all of your medical records
- Inform you of your rights to reopen earlier claims so that you can maximize the benefits you deserve
- Evaluate all documents in your Social Security file
- Review the actions taken against you by the SSA to determine if they are legal and appropriate
- Ensure that any appeal you wish to file is done so prior to any deadlines
- Prepare you for the Administrative Law Judge hearing
- Prepare and submit legal documents to an Appeals Council or an ALJ
- Request that an Appeals Council review an ALJ decision
- Communicate on your behalf with insurance companies, employers, doctors, and other entities to help you obtain the compensation you deserve
How To Stop Social Security Check Payments
The SSA can not pay benefits for the month of a recipients death. That means if the person died in July, the check received in August must be returned. Find out how to return a check to the SSA.
If the payment is by direct deposit, notify the financial institution as soon as possible so it can return any payments received after death. For more about the requirement to return benefits for the month of a beneficiarys death, see the top of page 11 of this SSA publication.
Family members may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits when a person getting benefits dies. Visit the SSAs Survivors Benefits page to learn more.
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Whats The Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance And Supplemental Security Income
While SSDI is an earned benefit based on Social Security taxes youâve paid in during your career, you can receive SSI payments without ever having worked.
Both SSDI and SSI pay benefits to people that the Social Security Administration determines have physical or mental disabilities severe enough to prevent them from engaging in âsubstantial gainful activityâ for at least a year or that are expected to end in their death.
The Social Security Administration generally uses the same medical criteria to determine if a disability entitles an adult to SSDI or SSI and collecting both benefits is allowed.
SSDI is an earned benefit. As with retirement benefits, it comes from paying Social Security taxes during the course of your employment. In 2022, the estimated average monthly SSDI benefit was $1,358.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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Can I Use Military Records To Prove An Impairment For Ssdi
Your medical records play a key role in getting SSDI benefits. The disability examiner who handles your case will request all your related medical records to evaluate your impairment. If you are retired military, or you receive VA disability, many of your records might be from VA hospital care.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
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What Special Social Security Benefits Do Veterans Receive
Its a little-known fact, but earnings for active duty military service or active duty training are covered under Social Security and have been since 1957. One of the special benefits military members receive is that it is possible to receive both Social Security benefits and military retirement benefits.
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According to the Social Security Administration, there is generally no reduction of Social Security benefits because one receives military retirement benefits, as well. This means you can receive two benefit checks at the same time each month. You will receive your Social Security benefit based on your earnings and the age you begin to start receiving benefits just like everyone else.
The SSA states that under certain circumstances, special earnings can be credited to your military pay record for Social Security purposes. Those extra earnings are for periods of active duty or active duty for training. These extra earnings may help you qualify for Social Security or actually increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.
In addition to retirement benefits, the SSA will also pay survivors benefits to veteran families when they pass away. Veterans can also get benefits for themselves and their families if they develop a disability. If you developed a disability while on active military service after October 1, 2001, you can visit Wounded Warriors to find out how to expedite the processing of your disability claim.
Do I Receive Social Security For My Time In The Military
Yes. Earning for active duty military service or active duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957. While you are in military service, you pay Social Security taxes just like civilians.
In 2020, the tax rate was 6.2 percent. This means that your income, up to a maximum of $137,700, is taxed at a rate of 6.2% for social security. If you earn more than $137,700, you continue to pay the Medicare portion of the tax on the rest of your earnings.
Social Security has covered inactive duty service in the armed forces reserves since 1988. If you served in the military before 1957, you did not pay Social Security taxes, but the Social Security Administration gave you special credit for some of your service.
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Do Veterans Get Extra Social Security Benefits
You may be wondering about additional Social Security benefits for veterans that may be available to you. Remember, veterans generally collect similar monthly amounts of SS benefits as civilians do. Depending on when you served, you may qualify to receive special credits that can increase your benefits. However, Congress eliminated this program in 2001. Therefore, if your military service took place after 2001, you cannot collect special credits.
In any case, keep in mind that you can collect Social Security special veterans benefits through the SSA if you are also receiving military retirement funds. You may be eligible to receive additional retirement support because you draw from two sources.
This site is not affiliated with the SSA or any other government services.
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Service From 1978 Through 2001
For every $300 in active duty basic pay, you are credited with an additional $100 in earnings up to a maximum of $1,200 a year. If you enlisted after Sep. 7, 1980, and didn’t complete at least 24 months of active duty or your full tour, you may not be able to receive the additional earnings. Check with Social Security for details.
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Who Is Qualified For Veteran Social Security Disability
The SSA considers a veteran disabled under Social Security rules if they cannot do work that they did before, the SSA decides that the veteran cannot adjust to other work because of their medical condition, and the veterans disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
The SSA uses a five-step process to determine if a veteran qualifies for benefits:
A veteran can receive SSD benefits and remain on active duty. A veteran should contact Social
Security immediately if there is a change in their Military Occupational Specialty code , Air Force Specialty Codes , Navy Enlisted Classification , or a permanent change of station , as changes in a veterans work status can affect their SSD benefits.
Eligibility For Va Pension Benefits And Social Security Benefits For Veterans
VA pension benefits are similar to Social Security Disability benefits. Because of their similar nature, disabled veterans may be unsure whether they can collect Social Security and VA pension benefits simultaneously. Yes, you can. However, the amount you receive in VA pension benefits could be offset by SSD benefits.
The government has strict requirements for its VA pension benefits program. Veterans must have at least 90 days of active duty, including at least one day during wartime. If the period of active duty occurred after Sept. 7, 1980, the veteran generally must have served at least 24 months or the full period he or she was called up for.
Applicants must also meet one of the following requirements:
- Age 65 or older with little or no income
- Total and permanent disability
- A patient in a nursing home receiving professional care
- Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance
- Receiving Supplemental Security Income
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Veterans Retirees Get 87% Social Security Cost
Veterans and retirees will see an 8.7% cost-of-living increase in their Social Security benefits starting in December, thelargest increase in 42 years, federal officials announced on Thursday.
The big boost reflects the rising cost of inflation throughout the last year. In a statement, acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi said the move will give beneficiaries more peace of mind and breathing room.
The move will directly affect about 65 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits. Administration officials said the average beneficiary will see an increase of about $140 in their monthly payouts.
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The announcement also impacts veterans and military retirees, whose benefits increases are tied to the Social Security figure. Last month, Congress approved legislation linking veterans payouts to the Social Security mark, a non-controversial but annual requirement for lawmakers. President Joe Biden signed the measure into law this week.
Although the increase is for 2023, some veterans and retirees will see their first increase in their December checks.
The 2022 cost-of-living adjustment was 5.9%. The 8.7% figure is the highest announced since 1981, when the COLA adjustment was more than 11%.
For a veteran receiving about $1,500 in monthly payouts, the 8.7% increase will mean about $130 extra each month.
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Would Those Changes Fix The Programs Funding Shortfall
Expanding the payroll tax would boost the Social Security Administrations trust fund, ensuring its solvency through 2096, according to DeFazio.
Whether this bill moves forward or not, boosting payroll taxes in some fashion is viewed as a way to guarantee that current and future retirees dont lose benefits after 2035.
For instance, the Congressional Research Service said in a 2021 report that raising or eliminating the cap on wages that are subject to taxes could reduce the long-range deficit in the Social Security trust funds.
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Service From 1940 Through 1956
If you were in the military during this period, including attendance at a service academy, you did not pay Social Security taxes. However, your Social Security record may be credited with $160 a month in earnings for military service from Sep. 16, 1940, through Dec. 31, 1956, under the following circumstances:
- You were honorably discharged after 90 or more days of service, or you were released because of a disability or injury received in the line of duty or
- You are still on active duty or
- You are applying for survivors benefits and the veteran died while on active duty.
Contacting Social Security
- “TTY” 800-325-0778.