Disabled veterans can apply for disability benefits from both the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Social Security Administration. VA benefits for a service-based disability are dispersed according to the extent of the veteran’s disability. Benefits for a non-service-based disability are only awarded to those who: have little income, served during a war, and are entirely disabled. Applying for either kind of VA disability benefits in no way impedes upon the application for social security benefits. Furthermore, a veteran’s application for social security benefits may even be expedited upon verification of the VA determination of complete and total disability.

Like the benefits provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs, the disability benefits available through the Social Security Administration come in two varieties: SSDI and SSI. To successfully apply for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you must have worked for a specified number of years before becoming disabled—a requirement that varies according to the applicant’s age.  The Social Security Administration provides a chart that helps you to determine whether you are eligible for the benefits of this nature.

SSI benefits are needs-based rather than based upon work history. Not surprisingly, SSI is surrounded in strict requirements for eligibility. More specifically, an individual applicant’s resources cannot exceed $2,000 and a couple’s resources cannot exceed $3,000. Unlike SSDI, SSI cannot be filed for online as the application is designed to be completed by telephone or appointment at a Social Security office.

While receiving VA disability benefits does not hinder your chances of obtaining social security disability benefits, applications for social security benefits are often denied. If, for any reason, your application for social security disability benefits is denied by the Social Security Administration, call Ross & Ross at (814) 274-8612 to schedule a consultation. We will work hard to help you to receive the benefits you have earned.

From offices in Coudersport, Potter County, Pennsylvania, the attorneys at Ross and Ross, LLC serve the personal injury, bankruptcy, social security disability, divorce and family law needs of Western, Northwestern, Central and North Central Pennsylvania including the communities of Coudersport, Galeton, Shinglehouse, West Branch, Smethport, Port Allegany, Bradford, Roulette, and Wellsboro, as well as Potter County, McKean County, Tioga County, Cameron County, Bradford County and other areas of Western PA and Central PA.