Social Security Supports Veterans & Active-Duty Military Members

Social Security Supports Veterans & Active-Duty Military Members

Social Security & You
By Brandon P. Smith, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Veterans Day was Monday, Nov. 11 but the Social Security Administration’s support for veterans extends throughout the year.

If you know a veteran, please let them know about our Military and Veterans webpage at ssa.gov/people/veterans.

On that page, we have information about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for veterans, including:

  • How SSDI benefits are different from benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. 
  • How we expedite the processing of Social Security disability claims for service members. 
  • Answers to questions asked about Social Security. 

Some active-duty military service members are unable to work due to a disabling condition but continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave. They should consider applying for SSDI. Active-duty status and receipt of military pay don’t necessarily prevent payment of SSDI benefits. 

Our Military and Veterans webpage is easy to share on social media and with your friends and family. Please consider passing this information along to someone who may need it.

About the author

Brandon P. Smith is the author of Northeast Ohio Thrive’s Social Security & You blog. He is a Social Security public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration, based in Cleveland. A Cleveland native, he joined the SSA in 2003. He is the primary contact for media relations, outreach, and presentations for the agency in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, and Geauga counties. In addition to other communications awards, Brandon received a Deputy Commissioner Citation from Social Security’s Office of Communication in 2015 for his outstanding public affairs support of the agency’s national communication initiatives.

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