Social Security disability benefits can be a financial lifesaver if you have been struck by injury or illness that has led to an inability to work. Whether you suffer from a mental illness or a physical injury, if you fit the definition of disabled, then you may be entitled to benefits to help you cover your medical expenses and lost wages. This can be especially true if you are a Wounded Warrior.
Our country takes pride in its soldiers. When these brave men and women suffer harm as a result of their service, they deserve to be taken care of. Though the Social Security Administration attempts to quickly process claims made by wounded veterans, there are still certain documents that must be filed in order for a claim to succeed.
Amongst these documents are your birth certificate or proof of citizenship, proof of income from the previous year in the form of a W-2 or a tax return, evidence of military pay, and, if you have been discharged from the military, your DD 214 form. Also, you should be prepared to submit the Social Security numbers for your children and your spouse, your bank account numbers, the contact information for another person other than yourself, and all of your medical records. Though the Social Security Administration recommends you file your claim as soon as possible even if you do not have all of these documents on hand, you will still need them eventually.
Gathering the proper documentation is just the start of what can be a long, tiresome, and complicated matter. However, if you are like many of our clients, then you need disability benefits now. Therefore, it is important that you go into the process fully prepared to address the Social Security disability requirements. An experienced attorney can help you do so.
Source: Social Security Administration, “Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors,” accessed on Mar. 16, 2015
