I Am a Veteran Living in Evansville. Can I Receive Disability Benefits?

Like many veterans, Evansville’s very own Roberta, a United States Air Force veteran, found significant hardship when leaving the military. The single mother of three served on active duty in Iraq for seven years. After a downward spiral of events when she returned home, she found herself and her children to be homeless. While attempting to finish college, she got behind on bills and had to become dependent on family, friends, and even the local homeless shelter to support herself when she lost her house.

Unfortunately, this is a sad reality for many United States veterans. Many return home with both physical and mental disabilities and are unable to find job security because of this. The military provides help for these veterans through VA disability benefits, but unfortunately, this does not always cover the cost of living required. At times, veterans need additional coverage through Social Security disability insurance (SSDI).

Does Being Approved for VA Disability Guarantee Approval for SSDI?

While approval for VA Benefits can certainly help your chances of being approved to receive SSDI benefits, it does not guarantee approval. The application and review processes are different for each one. While the VA works off of a rating based on how severe your disability is, the SSA bases your compensation on your condition in addition to the amount you worked during the past ten years.

Can My Spouse and Children Benefit from My SSDI?

A severe disability means that you may be unable to support your family. In some cases, your spouse and children will be able to receive benefits from your disability. Many times, this will be equal to up to one half of what you receive. In most cases, your spouse will need to be over 62 years of age or supporting your minor child.

Will Getting Married Affect My SSI Benefits?

This is largely dependent on how much income your spouse brings in each month. There are strict income limits set for SSI recipients, and when one gets married, their spouse’s income is combined with their own. With this in mind, it is not uncommon for a spouse’s income to set someone over the limit, resulting in a decrease in or elimination of monthly benefits.

Can I Receive SSDI If My Disability Started When I Was Off-Duty?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is less interested in how your disability occurred and more interested in how severe it is and how it will affect your life. With this in mind, you can qualify for SSDI whether you were injured in a convoy in Iraq or a car accident just ten minutes from your home.

Help from an Evansville Social Security Disability Attorney

We understand that life is rarely easy for veterans, and this distress is only multiplied when they are forced to return from war with a physical or mental disability. We also understand that the compensation offered by the military for this disability is not always enough. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve in order to get you back on your feet.

Let one of our experienced Social Security disability attorneys guide you through the terminology and paperwork involved in the application process. Call Hensley Legal Group today for a free consultation, or contact us online.