As we celebrate Memorial Day to honor military service members who have given their lives for our country, Social Security is reminding of the things they do to prioritize veterans and the claims they have with Social Security.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates Social Security disability benefits can help financially if you are unable to return to work. As a thank you for your service, they will expedite disability claims through our Wounded Warrior initiative if you became disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001.

According to Myers, Social Security can also expedite your disability claim if you have a VA Compensation Rating of 100% Permanent & Total. VA Disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits are different, and eligibility for one does not guarantee eligibility for the other.

Myers encourages applying for both.  Learn more about our disability programs and the expedited claims process at www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors.

Check out our new fact sheet “Social Security Disability and Veterans Affairs Disability -How do They Compare?" by visiting www.ssa.gov/pubs then type “Veterans” in the filter box.

Myers also reminds families who have lost loved ones that Social Security benefits may be payable to surviving family members including spouses and children. You can learn more about those benefits at www.ssa.gov/survivors.