SOCIAL SECURITY FOR VETERANS: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Sponsored by the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville (256-799-0297), here are frequent questions about Veterans receiving Social Security disability benefits.  We hope these are helpful to vets.  Call us if you have a question.




Q.  May veterans receive both VA disability and Social Security disability at the same time?A.  Yes.  Veterans paid into Social Security and are covered if they become disabled.

Q.  If a veteran is 100% disabled according to the VA, will Social Security automatically recognize that disability?A.  No.  Social Security has its own rules which are not the same as the Veterans Administration.  However, a vet with 100 percent permanent VA disability qualifies for an expedited decision on the Social Security disability claim.  Instead of waiting up to 4 months for a decision, vets may get a decision in a few days.

Q.  Will receiving Social Security disability reduce benefits from the VA?A.  No.  Social Security and VA benefits do not "offset" or reduce each other.  You may receive both.

Q.  Is there an income limit for a veteran who applies for Social Security disability?A.  No.  There is no "means testing" and income does not play a factor in a disability decision.

Q.  Will I have to attend a hearing to get Social Security Disability?A.  Possibly.  If the initial application is denied, then a hearing becomes necessary to appeal the decision and recover benefits.

Q.  Is there a national organization of qualified Social Security disability representatives?A.  We recommend you choose a representative affiliated with NOSSCR - the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, a non-profit organization with thousands of attorneys and other representatives qualified to represent Social Security disability claimants nationwide.


www.ForsytheFirm.com





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