VA News

Subject: NYS DVA Announcement 3-08: Social Security Benefits for Wounded Warriors

Military service members receive expedited processing of their disability applications from Social Security.  In fact, under an agreement initiated by Social Security, the Department of Defense now transmits information to them that allows them to quickly identify military personnel injured in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The expedited process is available for any military service members who become disabled during active duty on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.

If  someone you know, was wounded while on active duty, find out more by visiting  the  website designed specifically for  Veterans : www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors.  There, you will find answers to a number of commonly asked questions, as well as other useful information about disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Please pay special attention to the fact sheets available on that website titled Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors and Expediting Disability Applications for Wounded Warriors.

You’ll also find links to useful VA websites, such as the “Seamless Transition Home” link, and the “Veterans ONline APPlication” website.

Depending on the situation, some family members of military personnel also may be able to receive benefits, including dependent children and spouses. For the families of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Social Security survivors benefits may be payable.  To learn more about eligibility for survivors benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/survivorplan.