Social Security Benefits for Wounded Warriors

(Separate from VA benefits)  

Eligibility 

·  You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and

·  Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or be expected to result in death

·  In some cases, dependents may also be eligible for benefits

·  Active duty status and receipt of military pay does not, in itself, prevent payment of Social Security benefits

Benefits 

·  Amount of payment is based on average lifetime earnings 

o   That is, the length of time the WW has worked and the amount paid into Social Security will determine the amount of monthly benefit paid

o   A portion of payments may be taxable depending on amount of other income

o   Payment is independent of VA compensation 

·  Eligible for Medicare after receiving disability payments for 2 years

Preparation

·  Apply for benefits as soon as possible – need not wait until all documentation is available

· Social Security reps are available at the Walter Reed Soldier Family Assistance Center on Tue and Thur 0930-1430.  Call 202-673-5170 for information

o  Can also apply at any Social Security office or online at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors

·  Needed documentation

o   All medical records you can obtain

o   Certified copy of birth certificate or proof of US citizenship

o   W-2 Form or last years income tax return

o   Social Security numbers of spouse and minor children

o   Checking or saving account number

o   Name, address and phone number of a contact person in case WW is not available

·  Be persistent – try again if turned down

 More detailed information   

·  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html#part6 
(Disability benefits overview)

·  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors/ 
(More detailed information for WWs with Q’s and A’s)

·  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10030.pdf
(More information)