Ss Disability Or Va Benefits

[teejay53]

i would like your advice on the following.

my leg was removed oct 4, 2009. my hubby suggested i file for ss disability benefits on oct 10, 2009 and i did.

he passed away unexpectedly on oct 15, 2009 and i was instructed to file for veteran widow's benefits even though i had already filed for ss benefits.

i had not heard anything from ss until friday (feb 19, 2010) telling me of a coming one time appointment with their doctor in march 10 - i have forgot about filing ss with all information gathering for the va and other issues that has been going on.

my question is:

should i keep my ss disability appointment in march or not go and wait on the va.

i have sent all information the va required (including his doctor's letter showing what he passed away from was service related and the vcca letter)?

i filed for homebound and dic and pension (st. paul is working claim).

again thank you for the help.

B)

[akwidow]

Sages ~ Why can't she have both?

[Bonzai]

B) A widow receiving DIC can also receive SSDI! :D

*********************

GAO report number GAO-10-62 entitled 'Military and Veterans' Benefits:

Analysis of VA Compensation Levels for Survivors of Veterans and Service

members' which was released on November 13, 2009.

...

Social Security Survivor Benefits:

Survivors may also collect Social Security benefits through the Old

Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program. These benefits are

paid to the surviving spouse, children, and dependent parents of any

worker with a qualifying work history, including military

servicemembers and federal employees under FERS. Survivor benefits may

also be paid to the survivors of veterans and some CSRS-covered federal

employees, if the veteran or federal employee had sufficient Social

Security earnings credits. For the surviving spouse, eligibility for

full benefits may occur at the spouse's normal retirement age, while

partial benefits can be paid as early as age 60.[Footnote 34] Also, a

surviving spouse can receive survivor benefits at any age if caring for

a child who is receiving Social Security benefits and is younger than

age 16 or disabled. Unmarried children may receive benefits if they are

under age 18.[Footnote 35]...

*********************

Hope this helps,

Louis

[LarryJ]

Yes, keep your Social Security appointment.

You are entitled to both.

And, of course, if your husband payed into Social Security, then you would probably (don't know all your particulars) be due SS from that, also. Not saying you could COLLECT for both your Social Security Disability and your Social Security survivor's benefit. But, if they give you hassle, at least you have fall back plan, vis a vis Social Security.

I am so very sorry for what must be an almost overwhelming burden, such personal disaster happening so suddenly.

semper fi!

[teejay53]

my hubby was in the service from 71 to 79 and worked continually from 17 til he went in and after 79 until his death.

let me see if i understand.

i should keep my appointment with ss disability and also wait to see if the veteran's widow's dic, houmebound and death pension is approved.

i was worried if i was approved for ss disability it would cancel my veteran's benefits ... i am hoping to be able to get the veteran insurance (Champ).

please let me know if this correct.

i do thank you for all your help.

have a blessed day.

[LarryJ]

Once more:

Yes, keep your Social Security appointment.

You are entitled to both.

There are a LOT of us here that receive BOTH SS Disability/Retirement and VA compensation......(moi, fer example)............the one does not cancel the other.

Your husband's service and your husband's working life were two different things. He paid. He paid for both, trust me!

Edited February 22, 2010 by LarryJ

[teejay53]

i will.

thank you for your help.