Can I Qualify for Social Security Disability and VA Benefits?
Social Security Disability (SSD) is one of the longest-standing and most beneficial systems available to American workers. As of 2015, nearly 11 million Americans rely on SSD to provide long-term financial protection while they are out of work. These benefits, or Supplemental Security Income, continue until the individual is able to work again on a regular basis. But what happens if you have already qualified for V.A. benefits? What you want to know is “Can I Qualify for Both Social Security Disability and VA Benefits?”
Applying for Both Social Security Disability and VA Benefits
Even if you have qualified for VA benefits or already receive such benefits, you can still apply for Social Security Disability as well! Eligibility for each program varies, and Social Security’s definition of disability is different from that of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). So even if you have already qualified for VA benefits, unfortunately, this does not guarantee that you qualify for SSD.
The VA disability compensation program pays benefits to veterans who are injured or contract a disease as the result of, or aggravated by, military service. The VA pays cash benefits intended to compensate veterans the average wage loss for someone with a specific impairment. Additional benefits may be paid to dependents – spouses and children. Generally, veterans who receive disability benefits are free to work and are not limited in the amount of earnings they may receive.
Social Security Disability, meanwhile, provides benefits to workers who are disabled and no longer able to work or perform any substantial, profitable activity. In order to qualify for benefits, the condition must be considered a “disability” found under the Social Security Administration’s list of impairments. On top of that, the condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) for at least 12 months.
For approximately 33{163d132be0c33ef527548f598c16a5854f0363fa1b320787bb9017ebc72327da} of beneficiaries, Social Security Disability compensation is their sole source of income.
What to do if Your Social Security Disability Claim is Denied
The shocking reality is that only one-third of all Social Security Disability claims are accepted. In 2013, for example, more than 2.5 million applications were received, but less than 1 million were accepted. Still, this doesn’t mean that you cannot receive SSD benefits! Many disability cases are approved during the appeals process! So, if your claim is denied, don’t hesitate to file an appeal. The lawyers at Jenkins, Block & Associates, P.C. are here to help.
Contact an Attorney Today!
Social Security Disability is a complex and often confusing program. Fortunately, Jenkins, Block & Associates, P.C. is a member of The National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives. Our attorneys have the knowledge and resources available to assist you in getting the benefits you deserve. We also provide assistance with Social Security Disability cases up and down the East Coast!
Please CALL 1-800-243-2439 to be directed to the closest Jenkins Block & Associates location to you. We employ over thirty people in four office locations throughout Maryland and Virginia.