The Social Security Administration's disability program is an important part of the administration's obligation to wounded warriors and their families.
For military members who return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to, according to a press release from the SSA. Anyone who knows wounded veterans is encouraged to let them know about Social Security's Wounded Warriors website, socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors.
The Wounded Warriors website answers many commonly asked questions and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application.
The expedited process is used for military service members who became 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.