Veterans May Qualify For Additional Assistance With SSDI

As the cost of living increases, disabled veterans in Ohio may need additional assistance to make ends meet. They may be unaware that they could qualify for social security disability benefits in addition to the benefits they already receive.

Many military veterans are eligible for and receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Social Security Administration also provides benefits to veterans, but the two departments have different criteria for eligibility. Before approval for benefits, a disabled veteran looking to apply for social security disability insurance must meet the SSA’s definition of disabled.

According to the SSA, eligible disabled veterans must be unable to find or perform meaningful work because of one or more medical conditions. Additionally, the veteran must have had the condition for a year or more or will most likely have the condition for at least a year. A condition that will most likely result in death may also meet the eligibility criteria.

Disabled veterans who have received a 100% Permanent and Total compensation rating for VA benefits may also receive expedited processing of their SSDI benefits. Veterans with a 100% P&T rating are usually automatically identified by the SSA. However, some may need to provide a notification letter from the VA as proof of the rating. Veterans approved for SSDI benefits will also automatically receive Medicare coverage two years after they start receiving benefits.

Veterans suffering from severely disabling mental health conditions may also qualify for SSDI benefits. According to FindLaw, the SSA covers specific mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression, among others.