Most Paralyzed Veterans of America members qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance and some qualify for the Supplemental Security Income program. Consequently, Paralyzed Veterans is keenly interested in efforts to improve the Social Security benefits system and follows closely any attempts to reform Social Security that could undermine the social insurance nature of the program.
Social Security and Disability Benefits
Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
SSDI: for workers who worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for benefits. Veterans can receive both SSDI benefits and VA disability compensation.
SSI: for people who are 65 or older, as well as people of any age, including children, who are blind or have disabilities. To be considered eligible for SSI, you must also have income and resources below specific financial limits. Since SSI is a needs-based program, additional income from VA benefits will affect the cash benefit amount.
Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through the Social Security Administration are different from those available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. The expedited process is used for military service members whose disability occurred while on active military duty on or after October 1, 2001.
