When Georgia residents are in need of assistance, the sooner they can get help, the better. This is particularly true when individuals are facing serious financial challenges, as is often the case after a person suffers a serious injury that leaves them unable to continue earning an income.
Recently, this blog discussed the different kinds of assistance that may be available to those who have suffered veterans’ injuries. In addition to disability benefits that may be available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, individuals may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
While a person’s eligibility for SSD benefits is a positive thing in and of itself, there are other advantages specifically available to veterans that may not be available to others. The Social Security Administration allows for expedited processing of a veterans’ disability claim that is filed by veterans who have a rating of 100 percent Permanent and Total with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Compensation.
In order to receive expedited processing of the Social Security disability application, individuals should identify themselves as a veteran rated 100 percent P and T at the time of applying. This can be done both over the phone or online.
Veterans then typically have to provide their Veterans Affairs notification letter that identifies the rating. Once this is received, the Social Security Administration will treat the person’s claim with a higher priority than other claims, meaning it can proceed through the application process at a quicker pace. This includes a rush through the application process in the field offices, the state Disability Determination Services and the appeal levels.
The total processing time will still vary from case to case depending on the circumstances involved. However, the expedited process is one more advantage that veterans have when applying for disability benefits.
Source: Social Security Administration, “Expedited processing of veteran’s 100 percent disability claims,” accessed on Oct. 8, 2016
