If you satisfy the requirements, you may be eligible for disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A 60% VA disability rating enables veterans to obtain monthly compensation payments with a base pay of $1,361.88. Having a spouse, kids, or other dependents may entitle you to additional benefits.

Ratings for compensation are determined as percentages upon the VA’s receipt of a claim. This post will assist you in accurately figuring out how much money you can acquire after obtaining a 60% VA disability rating. We’ll also review additional VA benefits, such as employment, home loans, and health care assistance.

What Is 60% VA Disability?

A 60% VA disability rating is a rate determined by the VA for compensation. Veterans who sustained injuries while serving in the military are eligible to receive disability benefits from the VA. Disability ratings from the VA indicate how much disability aid a qualified veteran can receive.

Eligible veterans must be physically or mentally ill and have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training to qualify for VA disability benefits. Furthermore, one of the following must be accurate:

• You must be able to connect your current condition to an injury or illness that you sustained while in the military (in-service disability claim).
• Your service in the military worsened an existing illness or injury you had before joining (pre-service disability claim).
• After ending service, a related disability or injury appeared (post-service disability claim).

VA disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, increasing in 10% increments. You can benefit from increased compensation rates with a 60% rating, particularly if you have a spouse, dependents, or children.

How Much Can You Get With 60% VA Disability?

Based on 2024 veteran disability compensation rates, an individual with a 60% VA rating can obtain $1,361.88 monthly ($16,342.56 yearly) if they do not have dependents. Compensation figures without dependents are called basic monthly rates. Here are additional VA basic monthly rates:

60% VA Disability With Dependents

You are entitled to additional compensation if you have dependents and a 60% VA disability rating. The rate can go up or down depending on your dependents — children, parents, or a spouse. 

The breakdowns for veterans with varying dependent circumstances and 60% VA disability pay rates are below. Discover your monthly pay rate and how much you can receive based on your living situation.

60% VA Disability Pay Rates Without Children

You can qualify for additional benefits if you are childless and have a 60% VA disability rating. Veterans who have dependent parents or a spouse receive more significant compensation from the VA.

• Veteran with spouse only: $1,486.88
• Veteran with spouse and one parent: $1,586.88
• Veteran with spouse and two parents: $1,686.88
• Veteran with one parent: $1,461.88
• Veteran with two parents: $1,561.88
• Add for a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance: +$114

60% VA Disability Pay Rates With Children

Additional compensation is available if you have children and a 60% VA disability. There are set payments for different types of family situations. If a veteran has more than two children, their compensation may change based on the age of the children and whether they are enrolled in an eligible educational program. 

Find out how much more you could be eligible for and how to add a dependent to your benefits.

• Veteran with spouse and child: $1,577.88
• Veteran with child only: $1,444.88
• Veteran with spouse, one parent, and child: $1,677.88
• Veteran with spouse, two parents, and child: $1,777.8
• Veteran with one parent and child: $1,544.88
• Veteran with two parents and child: $1,644.88
• Add for each additional child under 18: $62
• Add for each additional child 18+ in a qualifying school program: $200
• Add for a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance: +$114

Additional 60% VA Disability Benefits

For those who receive a 60% rating for VA disability, additional benefits are available. In addition to monthly pay, other services include health care, home loans, employment, pension, and disability benefits from Social Security.

VA Health Care Benefits

Veterans can receive basic health care services from the VA. Preventative, inpatient hospital, urgent care, and emergency services are all covered by benefits. In addition, the VA provides the following medical health care services:

• Acute care
• Assisted living and home health
• Audiology
• Blood work
• Genetic disease counseling
• Health education
• Health exams
• Immunization
• Kidney dialysis
• Mental health
• Oncology
• Physical therapy
• Prescriptions
• Prosthetics
• Specialized care
• Surgeries
• X-rays and ultrasounds

The VA can also provide coverage for dental and vision care in addition to previously mentioned treatments. Cosmetic surgery, health club memberships, and medications and medical devices not approved by the FDA are not covered.

LGBTQ+ Services: For those who might need extra assistance, the VA provides an LGBTQ+ health program. Two benefits accessible to veterans include PrEP for those at risk for HIV and gender-affirming hormone therapy. Every VA institution has specialized LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators on staff.

VA Additional Health Care Services

The VA provides additional care services for veterans’ general health and well-being. The Veterans Transportation Service is available to help those who require assistance traveling for appointments. If you need assistance traveling for medical care, you can also receive beneficiary travel benefits. For veterans in need, additional health services include:

• Depression and suicide prevention
• Infertility due to service-connected conditions
• Military sexual trauma (MST)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use treatment
• Women’s health care needs

VA Home Loans

The VA can help service members and veterans find housing. To improve your chances of approval, the VA partners with private lenders, guaranteeing a percentage of the loan. Not only are there no closing costs and no down payment requirements, but private mortgage insurance (PMI) is also unnecessary.

The VA uses a service member’s or veteran’s length of service to determine eligibility. Visit VA.gov to apply for a VA home loan and get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Grants for adaptive housing are also available for people who need to change their current residences.

Veteran Readiness and Employment

Formerly known as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, the Veteran Readiness and Employment program helps eligible veterans connect with possible employers. Benefits also include education and training that raise the desirability of employment.

Several track programs are available to assist veterans in finding new employment, starting a business, or returning to their previous jobs. Long-term service and independent living tracks are offered for disabled veterans to assist them in living their best lives without restrictions.

VA Pension Benefits

Veterans who meet the requirements can benefit from the VA’s Pension program. You might qualify if you meet the specified income and net worth thresholds, are above a particular age, or have a disability. You have to meet these requirements to be eligible for the Veterans Pension program:

Both of these statements must be true:

• You have not been dishonorably discharged.
• You have an income and net worth that falls within limits set by Congress.

One of these statements must be true:

• You began active duty before September 8, 1980, and served at least 90 days with at least one day during wartime.
• You served active duty after September 7, 1980, for at least 24 months or the entire period for which you were called with at least one day during wartime.
• You were an officer on duty after October 16, 1981, and have not been on duty for at least 24 months.

One of these statements must be true:

• You are 65 or older.
• You have a permanent disability.
• You’re in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability.
• You are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.

Social Security Disability Benefits

Two alternatives are available to veterans seeking disability insurance: VA Disability and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Veterans who contracted a disease or sustained an injury while serving in the military may be eligible for VA disability benefits. If you cannot work due to an impairment, you are eligible to apply for SSDI; your military service is not a prerequisite.

You can also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to SSDI. While SSI and SSDI might sound similar, the former was created to assist older adults with low incomes and resources and those with impairments. The goal of the latter (SSDI) is to help people with disabilities based on their employment history and Social Security contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your disability rating is 60% and you would like to receive compensation, you might have more questions about the process. THere are some of the most frequent queries about disability ratings and VA benefits.

What Can I Do If I’m Rated at 60% and Cannot Work? 

If your VA rating is 60% and you cannot work, you can qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). You may then receive pay equivalent to a 100% VA rating.

How Do I Increase My VA Rating From 60% to 100%?

If your condition worsens, your rating could go from 60% to 100%; however, you have to reapply to the VA to determine if your rating needs to be changed. If you cannot work, the VA may provide additional benefits through the TDIU program equal to a 100% rating.

Are Veterans Rated at 60% Eligible for TDIU?

If a veteran’s long-term illness keeps them from working, they may qualify for the TDIU program if their rating is 60%. Veterans whose ailments are expected to become better over time will not be eligible for TDIU because the program is designed for permanent problems only.

Is the 60% Disability Rating Permanent?

A 60% disability rating is not permanent, and you can reevaluate your status anytime with the VA. If your condition worsens, consider submitting a new claim to see if your rating may increase, making additional compensation available.

Learn More About Your VA Disability Eligibility 

To live your best life, you must understand your 60% VA rating and the available benefits. Use our VA disability calculator to find your disability pay and ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table. Take our Veteran Disability Rating quiz to learn more and get started if you’re unsure about your benefits.

You may be able to claim disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if you are a qualifying veteran. Veterans with an 80% VA disability rating can receive substantial annual and monthly payments. You can also acquire additional benefits for having a spouse, children, or other dependents.

Compensation ratings are calculated as percentages after filing a claim with the VA. Once you have a rating, this article will help you determine precisely how much money you can get. We’ll also review additional 80% VA disability benefits, including health care, home loans, and employment opportunities.

What Is 80% VA Disability?

An 80% VA disability rating is a compensation rate determined by the VA. The VA provides disability benefits for veterans who suffered injuries while serving in the military. The VA offers veterans a disability rating, representing the amount of disability assistance they can claim.

To be eligible for VA disability compensation, a veteran must have a current mental or physical illness and have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. Additionally, one of the following statements must be true:

• You must be able to connect your current condition to an injury or illness that you sustained while in the military (in-service disability claim).
• Your service in the military worsened an existing illness or injury you had before joining (pre-service disability claim).
• After ending service, a related disability or injury appeared (post-service disability claim).

An 80% VA disability rating on the compensation chart is relatively high; the VA disability rating ranges from 0% to 100%, increasing by 10% increments. An 80% rating enables you to take advantage of higher compensation rates, particularly concerning having children, dependents, or a spouse.

How Much Can You Get With 80% VA Disability?

Based on 2024 veteran disability compensation rates, an individual with an 80% VA rating can obtain $1,995.01 monthly ($23,940.12 yearly) if they have no dependents. Disability compensation figures without dependents are called basic monthly rates. Here are additional VA basic monthly rates:

80% VA Disability With Dependents

If you have an 80% VA disability rating and dependents, you are eligible for additional compensation. The rate may increase or decrease depending on your dependents, such as children, parents, or a spouse. 

Below are breakdowns for veterans with 80% VA disability pay rates and different dependent situations. Discover your monthly pay rate and see how much compensation you may be entitled to claim.

80% VA Disability Monthly Pay Rates Without Children 

If you have an 80% VA disability rating and no children, you may be eligible for additional compensation. The VA provides veterans with dependent parents or spouse compensation at a higher rate. 

• Veteran with spouse only: $2,161.01
• Veteran with spouse and one parent: $2,294.01
• Veteran with spouse and two parents: $2,427.01
• Veteran with one parent: $2,128.01
• Veteran with two parents: $2,261.01
• Add for a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance: +$153

80% VA Disability Monthly Pay Rates With Children

If you have an 80% VA disability and children, additional compensation is available. Set rates are available for a variety of family scenarios. Compensation for veterans with more than two children may vary depending on whether the child is under or over 18 and in a qualifying school program. 

See how much additional money you may qualify for and learn how to add a dependent to your benefits.

• Veteran with child only: $2,106.01
• Veteran with spouse and child: $2,283.01
• Veteran with spouse, one parent, and child: $2,416.01
• Veteran with spouse, two parents, and child: $2,549.01
• Veteran with one parent and child: $2,239.01
• Veteran with two parents and child: $2,372.01
• Add for each additional child under 18: +$82
• Add for each additional child 18+ in a qualifying school program: +$267
• Add for a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance: +$153

Additional 80% VA Disability Benefits

Additional benefits are available for individuals with an 80% VA disability benefit rating. Beyond monthly compensation, additional services provide health care, home loans, employment, pension, and Social Security disability benefits.

VA Basic Health Care Benefits

The VA provides basic health care services for veterans. Benefits cover preventative, inpatient hospital, urgent care, and emergency services. Here are some of the basic medical health care services covered by the VA:

• Health exams
• Health education
• Immunization
• Genetic disease counseling
• Surgeries
• Kidney dialysis
• Acute care
• Specialized care
• Mental health
• Assisted living and home health
• Prescriptions
• Blood work
• X-rays and ultrasounds
• Physical therapy
• Prosthetics
• Audiology
• Oncology

In addition to the services noted above, the VA may offer coverage for vision and dental care. Services not covered include cosmetic surgery, health club memberships, and medicines and medical devices not approved by the FDA.

LGBTQ+ Services: For those who might need extra assistance, the VA provides an LGBTQ+ health program. Two benefits accessible to veterans include PrEP for those at risk for HIV and gender-affirming hormone therapy. Every VA institution has specialized LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators on staff.

VA Additional Health Care Services

The VA offers veterans additional care services for their overall health and well-being. If you need assistance getting to appointments, the Veterans Transportation Service can assist. Beneficiary travel benefits are also available if you require help traveling for treatment. Other health services available to veterans in need include:

• Substance use treatment
• Military sexual trauma (MST)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression and suicide prevention
• Infertility due to service-connected conditions
• Women’s health care needs

VA Home Loans

The VA can assist veterans and service members in obtaining homes. The VA works with private lenders, guaranteeing a portion of the loan to help increase your odds of approval. You won’t require a down payment on your home, and there are limited closing costs; additionally, you will not need private mortgage insurance (PMI).

The VA determines eligibility by a service member or veteran’s length of service. Apply for a VA home loan at VA.gov, where you can obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Adapted housing grants are also available for those needing modifications to their existing homes.

Veteran Readiness and Employment

The Veteran Readiness and Employment program, formerly known as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, can help eligible veterans connect with potential employment opportunities. Benefits also cover education and training needs that increase employment desirability.

Multiple track programs are available, helping veterans return to former jobs, find new careers, or start a business. For veterans with disabilities, long-term service and independent living tracks are available to help you live your best life without limitations.  

VA Pension Benefits

Eligible veterans can take advantage of the VA’s Pension program. If you are over a certain age or have a disability and fall within the outlined income and net worth limits, you may qualify. To qualify for the Veterans Pension program, you must pass these requirements:

Both of these statements must be true:

• You have not been dishonorably discharged.
• You have an income and net worth that falls within limits set by Congress.

One of these statements must be true:

• You began active duty before September 8, 1980, and served at least 90 days with at least one day during wartime.
• You served active duty after September 7, 1980, for at least 24 months or the entire period for which you were called with at least one day during wartime.
• You were an officer on duty after October 16, 1981, and have not been on duty for at least 24 months.

One of these statements must be true:

• You are 65 years old or older.
• You have a permanent disability.
• You’re in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability.
• You receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.

Social Security Disability Benefits

For veterans seeking disability insurance, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and VA Disability are two options. Veterans can qualify for VA Disability if they acquired an injury or illness from military service. You can acquire SSDI if you have an impairment that prevents your ability to work; it does not need to be related to your military service.

In addition to SSDI, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Comparing SSI vs. SSDI, the former was designed to help individuals with disabilities and older persons with limited income and resources. The latter was intended to support those with disabilities based on their work history and Social Security contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have an 80% disability rating and want compensation, you may have additional questions about the process. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions concerning disability ratings and VA compensation.

What Can I Do if I’m Rated at 80% and Cannot Work? 

If you have an 80% VA rating and cannot work, you may be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits. As a result, your compensation may increase to that of a 100% VA rating.

Is It Easy To Go From 80% to 100% VA Disability?

A rating may increase from 80% to 100% if your condition worsens; however, you must reapply to the VA to see if your rating needs to be adjusted. The VA may offer additional benefits equivalent to a 100% equivalent level if you cannot work via the TDIU program.

Are Veterans Rated at 80% Eligible for TDIU?

Veterans rated at 80% may be eligible for the TDIU program if they have a long-lasting condition that prevents them from working. Veterans with conditions likely to improve over time will not qualify for TDIU, as the program focuses on permanent conditions.

Learn More About Your VA Disability Eligibility

Learning about the VA benefits available to you and understanding your percentage rating is critical to living your best life. If you have an 80% VA rating, use our VA disability calculator to determine your disability pay and ensure you aren’t leaving any money behind. 
If you’re unsure of your benefits, take our Veteran Disability Rating quiz to learn more and get started. You fought for our freedom; let us take care of your benefits.

The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program (AKA Ticket to Work) is a branch of Social Security that helps beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) find employment opportunities, increasing self-sufficiency and fulfillment. For Social Security beneficiaries who a) have disabilities, and b) are aged 18 to 64. The program was created under the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-170). Under the program, disabled beneficiaries can access employment and career-building services from authorized service providers known as Employment Networks.

SSI/SSDI beneficiaries are usually eligible until increased earnings phase out their Social Security benefits, or until their health improves and they’re no longer disabled under Social Security guidelines. Eligibility may also end if they fail to make timely progress in pursuing the return to work goal.

How Does the Ticket to Work Program Work?

The step-by-step process looks like this:

1. You receive a “Ticket” in the mail once the Social Security Administration determines that you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. You choose an Employment Network that serves your area and provides services suited to your employment goals.
3. You and your Employment Network complete an Individual Work Plan that maps out your return to work path.
4. You begin receiving employment services and support according to the Individual Work Plan.
5. Once you start working and earning wages, you notify the SSA, and your disability benefits are adjusted accordingly.
6. You continue working with your Employment Network and the SSA to manage your Social Security benefits as your earnings fluctuate.

The Social Security Administration handles eligibility determinations, issues Tickets, adjusts disability benefits, tracks beneficiaries’ progress, and also recruits, trains, and supports the Employment Networks.

Advantages of the Ticket to Work Program

The Ticket to Work program offers several invaluable advantages to disabled Social Security beneficiaries seeking employment opportunities:

More Control Over the Return to Work Process

The Ticket program empowers beneficiaries to choose their own Employment Networks, set their own career goals, and get personalized services tailored to their individual needs. This gives disabled individuals much more control over their job placement and return to work process.

Wide Range of Vocational Services

Depending on the Employment Network you choose, beneficiaries can access a whole range of employment resources including vocational evaluation, skills training, education, job coaching, resume writing, and interview preparation.

Continued Healthcare Support

Even when earnings are high enough to phase out cash benefit payments, most beneficiaries who participate in the Ticket program retain eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid health insurance coverage. This continued health protection makes career advancement less risky.

Gradually Transition Off Benefits

As wages and other earned income rise, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income payments gradually decline through a carefully calculated formula, creating a smooth transition period instead of an abrupt loss of income.

No Time Limit

There is no time limit on using a Ticket and returning to work at your own pace. Tickets remain valid until employment and earned income are high enough to completely eliminate disability services and payments. 

Possible Challenges with the Ticket to Work Program

While the many advantages are numerous, some beneficiaries do face challenges when using a ticket to return to work. Understanding these obstacles is essential so they can be properly addressed and overcome.

Health Issues Resurfacing

For some disabled individuals trying to return to work, existing medical issues may recur or new ones may arise. Flare-ups can force them to take time off and/or reduce hours, making substantial gainful activity harder to achieve.

Overpayments

Another complication happens if you don’t record or report changes in work status. This can sometimes result in benefit overpayments that must later be repaid. Knowledge of the reporting rules and maintaining frequent contact with SSA caseworkers greatly reduces overpayment occurrences.

Work Incentives Expiring

Disabled beneficiaries who participate in the Ticket program take advantage of various work incentives that allow them to retain cash benefit and healthcare coverage while working. However, some of these incentives do expire after several years. Losing these protections can increase anxiety about losing benefits altogether. Proper planning for when incentives run out is key to a smooth transition period.

Here are some solutions and advice for dealing with the above challenges:

• Maintain comprehensive health insurance through private carriers or public options even when Medicare/Medicaid coverage expires
• Build up a cash safety net by saving a portion of each paycheck as rainy-day reserves
• Check in regularly with SSA caseworkers and Employment Network counselors about work incentive timelines
• Research state and local service programs that assist disabled citizens in transitioning to independence

FAQ

What are the program’s income limits?

There are technically no income limits. Beneficiaries at all earning levels can use a Ticket to obtain service. Even very high earners receiving just $1 per month in SSI cash benefits retain full Ticket eligibility.

Can I lose my healthcare benefits because of the Ticket program?

In most cases, participation in the Ticket program guarantees the continuation of your healthcare coverage through Medicare or Medicaid, even if your cash benefits phase down to $0 because your work earnings increased substantially.

Is there a time limit for using my Ticket?

No, your Ticket remains active and valid for as long as you receive Social Security disability benefits and are making timely progress in pursuing your personalized return to work plan.

Can I receive other vocational rehabilitation services in my state in addition to the Ticket program?

Yes, using your Ticket does not impact eligibility for other rehabilitation and employment support programs and disability services offered through state agencies, nonprofit organizations, or even private service provider companies. The services simply need to complement each other.

What if an Employment Network no longer wishes to work with me?

You have the right to take your Ticket and assign it to another Employment Network more suited to your needs. As long as you still meet the disability criteria under Social Security guidelines, your Ticket always remains valid.

Can family members use my Ticket if I’m medically unable to work?

No, Tickets are only issued directly to eligible Social Security disability beneficiaries. The services are tailored specifically for assisting the disabled individual participant in finding employment opportunities.

How to Apply for the Ticket to Work Program

Applying for the Ticket to Work program is straightforward. Here is an outline of the application process:

1. Confirm your eligibility by verifying that you receive SSI or SSDI benefits, are between the ages of 18 and 64, and meet Social Security’s disability criteria
2. Notify a Social Security Administration representative that you wish to participate in the Ticket program
3. Complete any necessary application forms or questionnaires about your work goals
4. Submit medical records or physician reports if requested to establish current health status
5. Provide updated contact information including mailing address and phone number
6. Wait 4-6 weeks to receive your Ticket by mail with instructions on next steps

Remember, participation is completely voluntary but does provide valuable incentives and protections. Once active in the program, you must make timely progress on your return to work plan or risk Ticket suspension. Tickets can be easily reactivated however by simply notifying the SSA.

Role of Employment Networks in the Ticket to Work Program

Authorized Employment Networks (ENs) play a pivotal role in guiding beneficiaries through their return to work journey under the Ticket program.

Employment Networks have extensive knowledge regarding Social Security disability benefits rules. They understand how increases in wages impact your cash payments and healthcare coverage. Most importantly, ENs provide access to vocational rehabilitation experts, career counselors, skills trainers, and job developers.

Your Authorized Employment Network helps assess your current skills and interests, find good employment goals, and then map out steps to reach those goals. This guidance combined with ongoing employment support and job placement assistance has proven invaluable for hundreds of thousands of Social Security beneficiaries working towards financial independence.

As your earnings grow over time and reliance on disability benefits slowly declines, your EN will continue to check in on your progress. They will help ensure that incentives are used properly, healthcare coverage continues, and any potential issues with benefits or payments are addressed promptly. Using your EN will smooth out the process and get you on the right path.

Veterans who have a 70 percent VA disability might be eligible for certain benefits. A special system is used to calculate a veteran’s disability rating and takes combined disabilities into account. Read on to find out more about 70 percent VA disability benefits.

Overview of the VA Disability Rating System

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assesses disabilities and determines disability ratings through the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The VASRD is a comprehensive set of guidelines that assigns disability ratings based on the severity of a veteran’s service-connected disabilities. Here are the key factors that contribute to the overall disability rating:

Service connection

To receive VA disability benefits, a veteran must establish a connection between their current condition and an injury, illness, or event that occurred during their military service.

Impairment rating

Each service connected disability is assigned an impairment rating on the Veterans Affairs disability scale. These ratings fall between 0 to 100, in increments of 10. More severe disabilities receive higher ratings.

Combined ratings

If a veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA uses a formula to calculate the overall disability rating and benefit amount.

Severity of symptoms

The severity of symptoms associated with a particular disability is a critical factor in determining the disability rating. Medical evidence, including examination reports and relevant medical records, is used to assess the impact of the disability on the veteran’s daily life and ability to work.

Occupational and social impairment

The VASRD considers how a disability affects a veteran’s ability to perform activities of daily living, including work. This assessment takes into account the impact on occupational and social functioning.

Periodic re-evaluation

Disability ratings are not necessarily permanent. In some cases, the VA may schedule periodic re-evaluations to assess whether a veteran’s condition has improved, worsened, or remained stable.

Extra-schedular ratings

In certain cases where the VASRD does not adequately account for the impact of a disability on an individual veteran, the VA may assign an extra-schedular rating. This is an additional or higher rating determined based on the unique circumstances of the case.

Special considerations

Certain disabilities, such as those related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), may have specific criteria and assessment processes to determine the appropriate disability rating.

Decoding the 70 Percent Disability Rating

The criteria for a 70 percent VA disability rating and any potential VA disability compensation may vary based on the specific medical conditions and impairments assessed by Veterans Affairs. Please note that these disability criteria may be subject to change, so it’s essential to refer to the latest VA guidelines or consult with a VA representative for the most up-to-date information.

Here are some general principles that could contribute to a 70 percent VA disability rating:

·         Individual disabilities.

·         Impairment in occupational functioning.

·         Specific medical conditions.

·         Functional limitations.

·         Treatment requirements.

·         Social and occupational impairment.

It’s important to note that the specific criteria for a 70 percent VA disability rating can vary based on the nature of the medical conditions and the individual circumstances of the veteran. Additionally, the VA periodically updates its rating criteria, so it’s advisable to consult the latest resources or seek guidance from a VA representative for the most accurate and current information.

Understanding Combined Disability Ratings

The VA’s rating system takes into account the impact of multiple disabilities on a veteran’s overall ability to work and function. The process involves several steps and considerations:

Individual disabilities evaluation

Veterans undergo medical examinations to assess the severity of each service connected disability.

The results of these examinations, along with supporting medical evidence, are used to establish the initial disability ratings for each condition.

Combined ratings table

The VA uses a Combined Ratings Table to combine individual disability ratings. This table considers the degree of disability for each condition and provides a single, overall disability rating.

The combination is not a simple sum of percentages but follows a formula designed to account for diminishing returns as disability levels increase.

Consideration of the ‘Bilateral Factor’

In cases where a veteran has disabilities affecting paired organs or extremities (e.g., both eyes, both knees), the VA may apply a “bilateral factor” to account for the interdependence of these conditions. This can result in a higher combined disability rating.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Veterans may be eligible for a Special Monthly Compensation rate in addition to their regular disability compensation if they have specific, more severe disabilities. SMC is intended to provide additional compensation for exceptional circumstances, such as the loss of use of a limb or organ.

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

Veterans who are unable to secure and keep substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected disabilities may be eligible for a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating.

TDIU allows veterans to receive compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if their combined disability rating is less than 100%.

Impact of a 70 Percent Disability Rating on Benefits

The practical implications of a 70 percent disability rating for veterans can have significant effects on their lives, providing them with various benefits and support. Here are some practical implications and benefits associated with a 70 percent disability rating:

Compensation benefits

Veterans with a 70 percent disability rating are entitled to receive VA disability compensation for disabilities. The compensation amount is determined by the VA and is intended to provide financial support to veterans who are unable to work or face challenges due to their service-connected disabilities.

Healthcare benefits

Veterans with a 70 percent disability rating are eligible for comprehensive healthcare benefits through the VA. This includes access to medical services, prescription medications, and specialized care for their service-connected disabilities.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services

The VA’s VR&E program assists veterans with service connected disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining suitable employment. Veterans rated at 70 percent or higher may qualify for these services to help them re-enter the workforce or pursue new career paths.

Dependents’ benefits

Veterans with a 70 percent disability rating may be eligible for additional compensation if they have qualifying dependents, such as a spouse, children, or dependent parents. The amount can vary based on the number of dependents and their specific circumstances.

Educational benefits

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational benefits to veterans. Veterans with a 70 percent disability rating or higher may qualify for additional financial support, including a higher monthly housing allowance.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Veterans with severe disabilities may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation, an additional benefit to address the unique challenges associated with certain disabilities. This compensation is in addition to the standard disability compensation.

Housing assistance

Some veterans with a 70 percent disability rating may qualify for adapted housing grants to help them purchase or modify a home to accommodate their disabilities. The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) programs are designed for this purpose.

Automobile allowance

Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities may be eligible for an automobile allowance to assist with the purchase of an adaptive vehicle or to cover the cost of modifying an existing vehicle.

Common Misconceptions about 70 Percent VA Disability

Misconceptions and misunderstandings about a 70 percent disability rating can lead to confusion and misinformation. Here are some prevalent VA disability myths, along with clarifications:

Misconception:

A 70 percent disability rating means the individual is 70 percent physically disabled.

Clarification:

The disability rating assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not directly correlate with the percentage of physical ability. Instead, it represents the extent to which a service-connected condition affects overall employability and daily life. A 70 percent disability rating indicates significant impairment but does not imply a specific level of physical capability.

Misconception:

A 70 percent disability rating is only for visible or physical injuries.

Clarification:

Disability ratings consider both visible and invisible conditions. Mental health issues, chronic illnesses, and other non-apparent disabilities can contribute to a 70 percent rating. The VA assesses the impact of all service-connected conditions on an individual’s ability to work and function in daily life.

Misconception:

70 percent disability meant receiving 70 percent of a veteran’s salary.

Clarification:

Disability ratings do not directly determine the monetary compensation a veteran receives. The compensation amount is based on the specific disability rating, the number of dependents, and other factors. A 70 percent disability rating has a different compensation rate than a 50 percent or 100 percent rating, but it is not a percentage of the veteran’s salary during active duty.

Misconception:

A 70 percent rating is not a significant disability.

Clarification:

A 70 percent disability rating is considered a substantial level of impairment. It reflects a serious impact on the individual’s ability to work and engage in daily activities. Veterans with a 70 percent rating may experience challenges that affect their quality of life, and they are eligible for higher compensation to address those difficulties.

Misconception:

A 70 percent rating is the highest possible disability rating.

Clarification:

Disability ratings can go up to 100 percent, with increments of 10 percent. A 70 percent rating is significant, but there are higher levels of disability that reflect more severe impairment. Veterans with a 100 percent disability rating may receive additional benefits, including eligibility for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

Misconception:

Once assigned, a disability rating is permanent and cannot be changed.

Clarification:

Disability ratings can be re-evaluated by the VA, especially if there are changes in the veteran’s medical condition or if new information becomes available. Veterans can request a re-evaluation if they believe their condition has worsened, and the VA may adjust the rating accordingly.

Navigating the VA Disability Appeal Process

If a veteran disagrees with their disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs, they have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can be complex, so it’s essential to understand the steps involved. Here is a general guide on what veterans can do if they disagree with their disability rating:

Review the Decision Letter

Carefully read the decision letter sent by the VA explaining the reasons for the assigned disability rating.

Pay close attention to the evidence and reasoning provided by the VA.

Ask for a debriefing

Request a debriefing with the VA regional office to discuss the decision and get a better understanding of the basis for the rating.

This can provide insights into the specific evidence considered and the VA’s interpretation of the facts.

Consult with a Veterans Service Officer (VSC)

Contact a Veterans Service Officer, who can assist with the appeal process. VSOs are trained advocates who work with veterans to navigate the VA rating system.

Organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion often have accredited representatives who can help.

Gather supporting evidence

Collect additional medical records, treatment notes, and other evidence that supports your claim for a higher disability rating.

Obtain expert opinions from healthcare professionals if necessary.

File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD)

To initiate the appeals process, file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with the VA. This is a formal statement indicating your disagreement with the decision.

Be sure to include specific reasons for the disagreement and any additional evidence you have.

Choose the Appeals Process

The VA offers several options for the appeals process, including the Supplemental Claim Lane, Higher-Level Review Lane, and Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Choose the option that best suits your situation and preferences.

Submit supporting documents

If pursuing the Supplemental Claim Lane, submit any new and relevant evidence to support your case.

For the Higher-Level Review Lane, request that a more experienced adjudicator review your existing evidence.

If opting for an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, submit a substantive appeal and any additional evidence.

Attend a board hearing (optional)

If you choose to appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, you have the option to request a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

Wait for a decision

The appeal process can take time, so be patient. You will receive a decision from the VA once your case has been reviewed.

Consider further appeals if necessary

If still dissatisfied with the decision, there are additional avenues for appeal, including the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Understanding the nuances of disability ratings is crucial for veterans to navigate the benefits system accurately. Veterans should seek guidance from VA representatives, veterans organizations (like benefits.com and Trajector), or legal professionals for personalized assistance based on their specific circumstances.

Picture this: one day an old friend asks to borrow your car. Would you let them based on the request alone? If they don’t offer any more information, then there’s a good chance. 

Now imagine that you’re the old friend and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has something that you or a loved one needs. If you send in a VA claim with very few details, you might not get approved. Here’s where the VA form 21-4138, or the “Statement in Support of Claim,” comes in. This form is like a blank canvas that allows you to paint a picture of your situation to better support your veteran’s claim for disability compensation, pension, or a different VA benefit. With it, you can provide context, clarification, or additional information that may assist the VA in deciding your eligibility for veterans benefits.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing VA Form 21-4138

Completing VA Form 21-4138 is a pretty straightforward process in the United States. Remember that the goal of the form is to provide additional information or statements that support your claim for VA benefits. Be clear, honest, and thorough in your statement, and make sure that all required information is provided accurately. Here are the general steps to complete the form.

1. Download the Form: Obtain a copy of VA Form 21-4138 from the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or a local VA office.
2. Provide Personal Information: Fill in your personal information at the top of the form, including your name, Social Security Number, and contact details.
3. Specify the Type of Veterans Claim: Write down the type of claim you want to support  (e.g., compensation, pension, health care, disability, or other VA benefits). 
4. Complete the Statement: Use the provided space to write a clear and concise statement supporting your VA claim. Include relevant details, explanations, or additional information that can strengthen your case.
5. Attach Supporting Documents: If you have any supporting documents or additional evidence, attach them to the form. This may include medical records for disability benefits, letters (or buddy statements), or other relevant materials.
6. Sign and Date: Sign and date the form at the bottom to certify that the information provided is accurate and complete.
7. Submit the Form: Submit the completed VA Form 21-4138 and any supporting documents to the appropriate state veterans affairs offices. You can typically submit it through mail or in person.
8. Keep a Copy: It’s advisable to make a copy of the completed form and any attached documents for your records before submitting it.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Completing the VA Form 21-4138

When you go to fill out the VA Form 21-4138, keep the following common mistakes in mind so your form is submitted accurately.

• Incomplete Information: Ensure that all required fields on the form are filled out. Incomplete information may lead to delays or complications in processing your veteran’s claim.
• Vague or Ambiguous Statements: Be clear and specific in your statements. Avoid vague or ambiguous language that may not effectively communicate the details of your situation.
• Providing Unnecessary Information: While it’s important to provide relevant details, avoid including unnecessary information that may distract from the main points. For example, if you submit a claim for compensation due to a medical disability, you only need to include health care information that is relevant, not your entire life history.
• Failure to Sign and Date: Always sign and date the form. A missing signature or date can invalidate the submission.
• Not Including Supporting Documents: If you have supporting documents, such as medical records or a buddy statement, make sure to attach them to the form. These documents can strengthen your case.
• Inconsistencies with Other Claims or Records: Ensure that the information on your form aligns with other claims you may have submitted or other existing records. Inconsistencies may raise questions and impact the credibility of your submission.
• Waiting Too Long to Submit: Timeliness is crucial. Submit the form and supporting documents as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing. This is especially important if submitting a claim for accrued benefits that your deceased loved one was eligible for.
• Ignoring Instructions: Follow the instructions provided on the form. Each section may have specific guidance, and failure to follow instructions could lead to errors.
• Not Keeping a Copy: Before submitting the form, make a copy for your records. This ensures that you have a copy of the information provided and any supporting documents.
• Not Seeking Assistance if Needed: If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the VA or seek guidance from a veterans service organization. Getting help from a VA claims insider can ensure that you complete the form accurately.

Common Issues and FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to VA Form 21-4138. These FAQs provide general guidance, but if you have specific questions based on your unique circumstances, it’s recommended to consult with the VA or seek assistance from knowledgeable sources.

What is VA Form 21-4138 used for?

VA Form 21-4138, the “Statement in Support of Claim,” is used by veterans or their loved ones to provide additional information or statements supporting their claims for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

When should I use VA Form 21-4138?

You should use the form when you need to provide extra information, context, or statements to support your claim for VA benefits. It’s commonly used to clarify details, offer explanations, or submit additional evidence.

Where can I get VA Form 21-4138?

You can download VA Form 21-4138 from the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or obtain a copy from a local VA office.

What types of claims can be supported with this form?

VA Form 21-4138 can be used to support various claims including claims for compensation, pension, VA disability claims, or other VA benefits.

Is there a deadline for submitting the form?

While there may not be a strict deadline, it’s advisable to submit the form and supporting documents as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing, especially if you’re trying to claim accrued benefits.

Can I submit the form electronically?

The preferred methods for submitting VA Form 21-4138 are typically through mail or in-person submission. Check with your VA regional office for specific submission instructions.

What information should I include in the statement section?

In the statement section, provide clear and concise information that supports your VA claim. Include relevant details, explanations, and any additional information that may be crucial for making decisions about your eligibility. For example, if your claim involves a medical condition, consider describing the nature and severity of your health issues and include information about the diagnosis, treatments, and its impact on your daily life and activities.

Can I attach supporting documents?

Yes, you can and should attach supporting documents, such as medical records, letters, or other relevant materials, to strengthen your case. Form 21-4138 and buddy letters (character references) go hand in hand and can greatly support your case.

Do I need to fill out the form on my own, or can someone assist me?

You can fill out the form on your own, but if you need assistance, you may consult VA outreach materials or seek help from the VA or a veterans service organization. It’s important to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.

How long does it take for the VA to process a claim after submitting the form?

Processing times can vary. For information on the status of your claim, you can contact the VA or check the status online through the VA’s official website.

Exploring Related VA Forms

Several forms are closely associated with VA Form 21-4138, and individuals may need to use them depending on their specific circumstances. Here are some related forms and explanations of when and why individuals might use them.

VA Form 21-526

Veteran’s Application for Compensation and/or Pension

• When to Use: Veterans use this form to apply for compensation and/or pension benefits.
• Why: This form initiates the process of claiming compensation or pension benefits. VA Form 21-4138 may be used in conjunction with this form to provide additional statements or information supporting the claim.

VA Form 21-4142

Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• When to Use: This form is used to authorize the release of medical and non-medical information to the VA.
• Why: Veterans may need to use this form to grant permission for the VA to obtain necessary records and information relevant to their claim.

VA Form 21-2680

Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance

• When to Use: Veterans may use this form to apply for benefits related to housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance.
• Why: This form is used when individuals are seeking additional benefits based on their need for assistance or housebound status. Supporting statements on VA Form 21-4138 can be included to provide further context.

VA Form 21-0958

Notice of Disagreement

• When to Use: Veterans use this form to initiate an appeal when they disagree with a VA decision.
• Why: If a veteran disagrees with a decision regarding their benefits claim, they may use VA Form 21-0958 to start the appeals process. VA Form 21-4138 can be used to provide additional statements or information supporting the appeal.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Navigating the VA claims process can be complex and overwhelming, but there are several tips and insights that can help veterans streamline the process and increase the efficiency of their claims. Below are some valuable tips for you to consider.

• Understand the Process: Familiarize yourself with the overall claims process. Understanding the larger picture as well as the individual steps involved can help you anticipate what’s required and reduce confusion.
• Gather Documentation Early: Collect all relevant documentation, including military records, medical records, and service treatment records, before initiating your claim.
• Use the Right Forms: Be sure you are using the correct forms for your specific claim. Different benefits may require different forms.
• Seek Assistance: Consider seeking assistance from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), accredited agents, or attorneys. They can provide guidance, help fill out forms, and advocate on your behalf.
• Be Thorough and Accurate: Provide complete and accurate information on all forms to avoid delays in processing.
• Include Supporting Statements: Use VA Form 21-4138 to provide supporting statements or additional information that can strengthen your VA claim. Clearly explain the circumstances and provide context.
• Keep Copies of Everything: Make copies of all forms, supporting documents, and correspondence. Having a complete record can be helpful in case of any discrepancies or if you need to appeal a decision.
• Utilize Technology: Take advantage of online tools and resources provided by the VA. Online submission of forms and tracking systems can simplify the process.
• Consider Filing Online: Some claims can be filed online through the VA’s eBenefits portal. This can speed up the submission process and provide a faster response.
• Respond Promptly: If the VA requests additional information or clarification, respond promptly. Delays in responding can slow down the overall process.
• Know Your Rights: Understand your rights within the claims process. If you disagree with a decision, familiarize yourself with the appeals process.

By following these tips and staying organized throughout the claims process, you’ll be able to navigate the bureaucracy more efficiently and have a smoother experience. So if you find yourself filling out VA form 21-4138, remember that this is your opportunity to infuse a little life into your claim. Provide concise, relevant information, fill out the form completely, and watch out for common mistakes. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone familiar with and qualified to help you with the VA claims process.

Family members of a disabled veteran often face a myriad of challenges, and navigating the complex landscape of veteran disability benefits can be one of them. Understanding the rules and regulations, especially concerning the duration of marriage for eligibility, is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricacies of veteran’s dependents benefits, offering clarity on eligibility, application processes, financial assistance programs, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you are a surviving spouse or a child of a disabled veteran, this article is tailored to provide essential information and practical advice to help you access the financial support and VA benefits you deserve.

Understanding Dependent Benefits for Veterans: Exploring a Wealth of Support

To truly comprehend the array of dependent benefits available to veterans and their families, it’s essential to delve deeper into the support systems provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Dependents, primarily spouses and children, stand to gain access to a variety of vital resources that go beyond mere healthcare, education, and financial assistance programs. Let’s explore these benefits in detail, shedding light on the holistic aid that the VA extends to the families of our brave veterans.

Health Care Benefit

Veterans’ spouses and children can access comprehensive health care services through VA medical facilities. This includes preventive care, mental health services, specialized treatments, and emergency medical services. These benefits ensure that the families of veterans receive the medical attention they need, promoting their overall well-being.

Education Benefit

The VA offers an array of VA education benefits and educational assistance programs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, for instance, provides educational benefits to eligible veteran dependents, covering tuition, fees, and even a monthly housing allowance. Additionally, the VA’s Survivors’ And Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service connected disability or condition, or who have died in service.

Home Loan Guarantee

Dependents of veterans may qualify for the VA’s home loan guarantee benefit. This program allows eligible spouses to secure a VA-backed home loan with competitive interest rates and no requirement for private mortgage insurance. This benefit supports families in achieving the dream of homeownership, providing financial aid, stability and security.

Life Insurance Programs

The VA offers life insurance programs such as Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI). These programs provide life insurance coverage to an eligible veteran and their surviving spouse and other dependents, ensuring financial security in the face of unexpected events.

Pension and Compensation

Surviving spouses and children of a deceased veteran, as well as dependents of a veteran with a service connected disability, may be eligible for a VA survivors pension and compensation benefit. These financial aid resources provide critical support, helping families maintain their quality of life.

Career Counseling and Employment Services

The VA extends career counseling services to dependents of veterans. These services assist individuals in identifying career goals, exploring education and training opportunities, and securing employment. By empowering dependents with the right skills and resources, the VA contributes to their financial independence.

Caregiver Support

Caregivers play a vital role in the lives of veterans. The VA recognizes this and offers support programs for caregivers, providing training, counseling, and financial assistance. These caregiver support programs not only benefit the caregivers but also contribute to the overall well-being of the veteran’s family.

In essence, the VA benefit provided to dependents of veterans are far-reaching and multifaceted. From healthcare and education to financial support and career counseling, these VA benefits and resources aim to enhance the lives of the families who have sacrificed alongside their loved ones in service to the nation. By understanding the full scope of available veterans benefits, veterans’ families can make informed decisions, ensuring they access the support they rightly deserve.

Why Marriage Duration Matters in Veterans Benefits Eligibility

The requirement of a specific duration of marriage for a military spouse to qualify for veterans benefits serves as a cornerstone of the VA’s support system. These rules, while seemingly stringent, are in place to maintain the integrity and fairness of the VA disability benefits program.

Ensuring Genuine Support

By mandating a minimum duration of marriage, the VA ensures that benefits are directed towards genuine dependents who have committed to a long-term relationship with the veteran. This regulation safeguards against potential misuse or fraudulent claims, preserving resources for families in genuine need.

Stability for Dependents

Marriage signifies stability and commitment. Requiring a certain duration of marriage helps guarantee that dependents have a stable environment and are less likely to suddenly withdraw from the veteran’s life after securing benefits. This stability is crucial for the well-being of both the veteran and the family.

Reflecting the Challenges of Military Life

Military life is often marked by extended deployments and frequent relocations. Requiring a minimum duration of marriage acknowledges the unique challenges faced by military families. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by a military spouse who endures separations and disruptions, ensuring they receive the support they need.

Exceptions for Special Cases

The presence of exceptions in cases of injury or death during military service showcases the VA’s compassion and flexibility. It recognizes the unpredictable nature of military service, where unfortunate events can occur, leading to shorter marriages. These exceptions provide a safety net, ensuring that deserving families facing exceptional circumstances are not denied the assistance they require.

Maintaining Resource Allocation

VA disability benefits are a vital resource, and the VA must allocate them efficiently to assist as many deserving families as possible. By implementing rules related to marriage duration, the VA can distribute resources judiciously, focusing on families that have demonstrated long-term commitment and need consistent support.

Understanding the rationale behind the rules regarding marriage duration is essential for spouses seeking benefits. While these regulations may seem stringent, they are designed to ensure fairness, prevent abuse, and provide stability for the families of veterans. By comprehending the underlying principles, applicants can navigate the process with clarity and appreciate the significance of these requirements in the context of veterans’ support programs.

Navigating Financial Assistance Programs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various financial assistance programs designed to support families of disabled veterans. These programs can help cover living expenses, educational costs, and healthcare needs. To access these benefits, families need to navigate the application process efficiently. It involves gathering the necessary documentation, understanding the specific requirements for each program, and submitting applications within stipulated timelines.

Financial assistance programs offered by the VA include dependency indemnity compensation (DIC), which provides monthly benefits to eligible survivors of deceased veterans, and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, which offers education and training opportunities to dependents. Understanding the intricacies of these programs can significantly impact the financial well-being of veterans’ families.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Benefits

Maximizing veterans’ benefits requires proactive efforts and an understanding of the system. One crucial aspect is ensuring that all required documentation is accurate and up-to-date. Keeping records organized and readily accessible can expedite the application process. Additionally, families should be aware of their rights, including the right to appeal decisions if benefits are denied or not provided in full. Seeking assistance from veterans’ service organizations or legal experts can be invaluable in these situations.

Understanding the complexities of paperwork and procedures is another essential aspect of maximizing your disability benefit. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of forms and documents involved. Seeking guidance from VA representatives, attending workshops, or utilizing online resources can simplify the process.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

While applying for veterans’ benefits, families often encounter common pitfalls that can delay or jeopardize their applications. One frequent mistake is incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. Providing all necessary documents and ensuring they are filled out correctly is paramount. Missing deadlines is another common error. Each benefit program has specific timelines for application submission, and missing these deadlines can lead to delays or denials.

Misunderstanding eligibility criteria is another pitfall. It’s crucial to be aware of the specific requirements for each benefit type. For example, certain programs might have age restrictions for dependent children. Keeping abreast of any policy changes and updates from the VA can prevent misunderstandings and ensure families don’t miss out on available benefits.

In conclusion, understanding veterans’ benefits for dependents involves careful research, attention to detail, and persistence. Families of disabled veterans are entitled to essential support, and by navigating the system with knowledge and confidence, they can access the assistance they deserve. By comprehensively exploring the eligibility criteria, application processes, available financial assistance programs, and common pitfalls, this guide aims to empower families to make informed decisions and secure the benefits they are entitled to receive. Remember, you are not alone—there are resources and organizations dedicated to assisting veterans’ families throughout this journey. By utilizing these resources and staying informed, you can successfully unlock the benefits meant to support you and your loved ones.

Here at Benefits.com, we are dedicated to helping veterans get the best benefits they deserve! If you have any more questions about what benefits are available to you and your loved ones and how to get them, contact us today! 

When dealing with the complexities of depression after military service, understanding how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approaches disability ratings is crucial. Your VA rating for depression reflects the degree to which your condition affects your work and daily life.

It’s more than just a measure of your health—it directly influences the benefits and compensation you’re eligible to receive. The VA considers various factors, including the severity of symptoms and their impact on occupational and social functioning.

If you’re pursuing a VA claim, it’s important to recognize that depression is acknowledged by the VA as a service-connected mental health issue. Symptoms might range from mild to severe and can manifest in different ways, influencing your ability to perform occupational tasks or engage in social activities.

The VA disability benefits rating system starts at 0% – meaning your depression is acknowledged by the VA but isn’t considered disabling – and can go as high as 100% for total occupational and social impairment due to your symptoms. Since depression is a common VA disability claim, it’s important to know if you qualify.

Overview of Depression VA Rating

The Veterans Affairs (VA) depression rating process evaluates how this mental health condition affects your daily life and work abilities, assigning a percentage that impacts your disability benefits for depression.

What is the VA Rating System?

The VA rating system for mental health is designed to assess the extent of a veteran’s service-connected disability. For mental disorders like depression, ratings vary from 0% to 100%. These VA rating percentages reflect the severity of symptoms and the degree to which depression impacts your occupational and social functioning. The system is nuanced and takes into account factors such as frequency, duration, and the severity of psychiatric symptoms.

Common VA Rating Myths & the Reality

VA Rating Myth #1: A diagnosis guarantees a high rating.

·       Reality: Ratings are based on symptom severity and impact, not just a diagnosis.

VA Rating Myth #2: You can’t work if you receive a high rating.

·       Reality: Even with ratings as high as 70% or higher, some veterans may still be able to work, depending on individual circumstances.

Understanding the Criteria for the Depression Rating Process

To obtain a VA rating for depression, you must meet certain criteria centered on service connection, provide medical evidence, and display symptoms that the VA assesses for severity and frequency. It’s important to understand the VA rating criteria for mental illness when trying to gain compensation.

Service Connection

Your depression must be linked to your military service to qualify for a VA disability rating. This means the onset or aggravation of your depression was due to your service. The VA requires a clear nexus between your depression and an in-service event, injury, or illness.

Medical Evidence Requirements

For the VA to evaluate your claim, you need to provide medical evidence of your depression. This includes a formal diagnosis from a healthcare provider, typically a psychiatrist or psychologist. Additionally, you must present medical records detailing your treatment history, including appointments and medications.

Severity and Frequency of Symptoms

The severity and frequency of your depressive symptoms heavily influence the VA rating scale for depression. For instance, mild symptoms that occasionally affect work might result in a lower rating, whereas symptoms that significantly impair your ability to work and socialize could lead to a higher rating. The VA rates depression under the same criteria as other mental disorders, considering factors such as:

·       Mild (0-10% rating): If symptoms are managed successfully with continuous medication.

·       Moderate (30-50% rating): If there is reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms like depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, or disturbances of motivation and mood.

·       Severe (70-100% rating): When there is a total occupational and social impairment evidenced by deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

Rating Levels Defined

The VA rates depression based on the severity of depressive symptoms and their impact on occupational and social functioning. Your rating can range from 0% to 100%, reflecting the level of disability associated with your condition.

0% Noncompensable

At the 0% rating level, your depression is recognized by the VA but is deemed to not significantly impair your functioning or require continuous medication.

10% to 30% Disability

If you’re rated between 10% and 30%, this signifies that your depression produces occupational and social impairment due to mild or intermittent symptoms, such as mild depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or affective disturbances. An anxiety disability might be overlooked, but it can be rather serious.

50% to 70% Disability

A rating of 50% to 70% indicates more severe symptoms that result in deficiencies in most areas, like work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. Symptoms might include more frequent episodes or a chronic depressed mood.

100% Disability

100% disability is given when your depression results in total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as persistent delusions or hallucinations, inappropriate behavior, or the inability to perform any occupational tasks.

Navigating the VA Rating Process for Mental Health Conditions

This section breaks down the process you will encounter when pursuing a VA disability rating for a mental health disorder, focusing on what is required at each step.

Initial Evaluation

When you begin, you will go through a mental health evaluation for veterans. You’ll need to provide all relevant medical records and possibly take part in a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. Documentation is critical, as it establishes the presence and severity of your condition. Ensure that you detail all symptoms and their impact on your daily life.

Claim Decision

After the evaluation, the VA will review your claim based on the evidence provided. Your medical records, C&P exam results, and any additional information will be considered to issue a rating. This rating is articulated as a percentage, reflecting the degree to which the condition affects your functionality and ability to work, and will help determine your VA disability compensation amount. For more insights into how depression is rated, visit Understanding Mental Health VA Disability Ratings.

Reevaluation Scheduling

The VA may schedule future examinations to reevaluate the status of your mental health condition. Keep in mind that conditions can change over time, which means so can your disability rating. It’s important to attend all reevaluations and continue to provide up-to-date medical information to ensure that your rating accurately reflects your current level of depression disability.

Impact on Veterans’ Lives

Veterans’ lives can be markedly affected by the severity of their depression, which their VA rating will indicate. This rating reflects your ability to work, engage socially, perform everyday tasks, and may necessitate ongoing medication.

Employment Challenges

Your VA rating for depression can reflect challenges in maintaining employment. A higher rating may indicate a debilitating impact on work performance and consistency. For instance, a 30% rating suggests that your ability to work may be hampered by your symptoms but not entirely precluded, while a higher 80% rating points towards a substantial difficulty that impairs your ability to work almost entirely.

Social Functioning

A VA rating measures how depression affects your social interactions. For example, a 50% rating suggests moderate difficulty in social situations, which may include challenges in forming and maintaining relationships. These difficulties are not just confined to personal relationships but can extend to interactions in workplace settings.

Routine Activities Limitations

Regarding daily living, a VA rating reflects the extent to which depression limits your routine activities. A high percentage points towards significant hindrances in performing daily tasks, which might include anything from self-care to household chores, potentially requiring assistance or frequent disruptions to manage these tasks effectively.

Need for Continuous Medication

The need for continuous medication is often a part of managing your service-connected depression. A higher VA rating is likely to correlate with a more intensive treatment regimen, which may include multiple medications to manage your symptoms. It’s important to understand that medication adherence might be essential to maintain a certain level of functioning and stability.

Appealing a Depression VA Rating Decision

If you believe that your VA rating for major depressive disorder does not accurately reflect your condition, you have the right to file an appeal. Sometimes, the VA rating accuracy isn’t correct and an appeal can help correct your situation. Understanding the appeals process and knowing your options for legal representation can provide a clearer path forward.

Filing an Appeal

To initiate an appeal, submit a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with the VA. You must file your NOD within one year from the date on your decision letter. It’s important to include any new evidence that supports your claim and to specify whether you seek a review from a Decision Review Officer or the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

The Process to Appeal VA Rating Decision

Once you’ve submitted your NOD for a VA decision, there are three main options for review:

·       Supplemental Claim: You can submit new and relevant evidence that was not considered in the original decision.

·       Higher-Level Review: A senior VA official will review your case without considering new evidence.

·       Board Appeal: You can appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, opting for a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge.

It’s important to understand the VA rating reconsideration process so that there are no surprises.

Legal Representation

While you can appeal your rating decision independently, seeking the assistance of a VA-accredited attorney or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can help. Experts in VA law can provide advice and represent your interests during the appeals process. Remember, representation can at times influence the outcome of your appeal by ensuring all critical supporting evidence is effectively presented.

Veteran Mental Health Resources for Depression

Navigating the challenging territory of depression requires understanding the support structures in place. You have access to a variety of services that provide veterans with mental health support, including counseling, support groups, and federal benefits.

VA Counselling Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides counseling services specifically designed for veterans with depression. You may take advantage of these veteran mental health resources regardless of your discharge status. The VA offers treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, and support to manage and alleviate symptoms.

Support Groups

Engaging with peers who share similar experiences can be highly beneficial. The VA facilitates access to support groups where you can connect with other veterans grappling with depression. These groups offer a space for sharing experiences, coping strategies, and mutual encouragement in a confidential setting.

Federal Benefits for Veterans

In recognition of the impact of service on mental health, the VA provides federal benefits for veterans with depression, including disability compensation. Eligibility for these benefits is predicated on the severity of your depression and its link to your service. Understanding your rating and the associated benefits is crucial for accessing the support you need.

Understanding the VA disability rating for depression is critical for receiving the appropriate level of benefits. Depression, or major depressive disorder, can severely impact various facets of your life, including work and relationships. The VA categorizes the severity of symptoms and assigns disability ratings from 0% to 100%.

If you need help figuring out if you qualify for VA benefits for depression, Trajector is here to assist you. Fill out our short mental health evaluation for veterans and we will be happy to help ensure you are receiving the maximum benefits available to you.

Understanding insurance can be tricky, especially when preparing for unexpected things like long-term disability. Long-term disability (LTD) is a type of insurance for people who can’t work for a long time due to serious health issues or injuries. 

But exactly how long does long-term disability last? In this post, we’ll get answers to important questions about how long this type of insurance lasts, what long-term disability is, and how it works, plus helpful tips on how to choose the right LTD insurance for you.

What Is Long-Term Disability?

Long-term disability is a type of insurance that supports people financially when they can’t work for an extended period of time due to a serious health issue or injury. The insurance protects a percentage of your pre-disability earnings, which can help cover living costs if you cannot work.

You may be able to obtain long-term disability insurance through employment benefits or by purchasing it as a private policy. The coverage is intended to last over an extended period—until you can resume work, reach a specific age, or for a set duration outlined in the policy. Depending on the policy, this period could be two, five, or ten years, until age 65, or even for life.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Disability

To better understand disability insurance, it’s important to know the difference between long-term and short-term disability, as they serve specific purposes in providing financial support when health issues impact your ability to work.

Long-term disability offers extended financial support for people unable to work due to serious health conditions or injuries. It offers a percentage of your pre-disability income after a waiting period, providing financial support for an extended time. 

Short-term disability (STD) provides temporary financial assistance for shorter periods, typically around three to six months, covering a portion of income during temporary disability. STD bridges the financial gap during short-term health challenges before potential long-term disability benefits take effect.

How Does Long-Term Disability Work?

Now that you know long-term disability, let’s walk through how the LTD process works. 

Application Process

When you apply for LTD benefits, you have two primary options: join through your employer’s benefits program or purchase a private policy. Applying through an employer often involves navigating the company’s established procedures, while purchasing a private policy can be done independently through insurance providers.

When you apply for LTD, you must be able to provide medical documentation that shows the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work. This documentation is a key factor in the approval process, helping insurance companies assess your eligibility for long-term disability benefits.

Approval Criteria

To qualify for LTD, you must meet specific criteria outlined by your insurance provider. Some policies may require you to meet a certain definition of disability, including:

• Own-occupation disability: You’re considered disabled if you cannot perform the specific duties of your own occupation, even if you can work in a different capacity or field.
• Any-occupation disability: You’re considered disabled only if you cannot perform any job you’re qualified for through education, training, or experience.

For instance, imagine a concert pianist who sustains a severe hand injury, limiting their ability to perform. The pianist qualifies for benefits with an insurance policy featuring an own-occupation disability definition, as they can no longer fulfill the requirements to play the piano.

Conversely, if the policy used an any-occupation definition, the pianist may not qualify, as they could potentially work in a different field.

Elimination Period

The elimination period, also known as the waiting period, is the time you must wait after becoming disabled before you’re eligible to receive benefits. If you’re still disabled according to the policy’s definition of disability at the end of the elimination period, you can start receiving benefits. 

Most policies have a 90-day elimination period, but the exact duration depends on the specifics of the insurance policy. Some could be as short as 30 days, while others could last a full year.

During this period, people usually depend on short-term disability or sick leave to get financial help. The length of the elimination period is a major factor to consider when selecting a disability insurance policy. 

Shorter elimination periods may result in higher premiums but quicker access to benefits, while longer elimination periods may offer lower premiums but a delayed initiation of financial support. 

Benefit Calculation

LTD benefits are typically calculated as a percentage of your pre-disability income. While varying between insurance policies, this percentage generally falls between 50% and 70%. 

For instance, if your pre-disability income was $4,000 monthly and the LTD policy provides 60% coverage, the monthly benefit would amount to $2,400. This calculated percentage is a key factor in determining the level of financial assistance you’ll receive while you cannot work.

It’s important to carefully review the benefit calculation details in your specific policy, as variations exist among insurance providers. 

Ongoing Updates

Getting LTD benefits is an ongoing process that may require you to regularly share health updates with your employer or insurance company. These updates are important to keep getting benefits, ensuring the insurance provider knows about your health and if you can return to work.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Long-Term Disability Insurance

Long-term disability insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Check out these top tips to help you choose the best LTD insurance:.

1. Assess Your Needs

To pick the right LTD insurance, evaluate your finances by assessing your monthly expenses, debts, and savings.

Think about how much income you’d need if you couldn’t work due to a disability.  Determine the percentage of your income the policy will replace (usually between 50% and 70%).

2. Understand Your Employer’s Coverage

Check if your job includes long-term disability coverage. Know what your employer’s plan covers, the limits, and how long the benefits last. Understanding these details helps you decide if you need extra coverage and ensures you know the support available if you face a disability.

If your employer’s coverage doesn’t align with your financial needs, you can always supplement your coverage with a private policy. Coverage offered through an employer is often more cost-effective than purchasing a private policy, but you can acquire both if needed.

3. Evaluate Elimination Periods

When considering LTD insurance, it’s important to evaluate the elimination period before benefits kick in. 

Shorter waiting periods mean you can access benefits sooner, but they usually come with higher premiums. This may be a better option if you don’t have short-term disability coverage, savings, or other resources to cover your expenses while waiting for LTD to kick in. 

Longer waiting periods may result in lower premiums but mean a longer time without benefits. This choice could be preferable if you have short-term disability coverage, a working spouse, or sufficient savings to support you during the waiting period. In such cases, selecting an LTD plan with a longer elimination period can help lower premiums or make a longer benefit period financially manageable.

Ensure the waiting period you choose aligns with your financial situation and preferences.

4. Be Aware of How the Policy Defines Disability

When choosing LTD insurance, check how the policy defines disability. Some use “own-occupation,” considering you disabled if you can’t do your specific job, offering broad coverage. Others use “any-occupation,” where you’re considered disabled if you can’t do any job you’re qualified for, making it harder to qualify for disability benefits. 

Choosing a policy based on your own occupation ensures comprehensive protection that matches your work, increasing the chances of getting benefits when needed.

5. Check the Renewability

Understanding the renewability provision in your LTD insurance policy is crucial, as it outlines when and under what conditions the insurance company can modify, cancel, or increase premiums. 

Here are the four different renewability provisions commonly found in disability income insurance policies:

• Noncancelable and guaranteed renewable: This is the most favorable provision. It means the insurance company cannot cancel the policy, change the terms, or increase premiums as long as the policyholder continues to pay premiums. This offers the highest level of security and consistency.
• Guaranteed renewable: The insurance company guarantees to renew the policy as long as the policyholder pays premiums. However, the company can increase premiums for an entire group of policyholders, not just individuals.
• Conditionally renewable: The insurance company commits to renew the policy under certain conditions. These conditions could include changes in health, occupation, or other specified factors. This provision provides less certainty for policyholders.
• Optionally renewable: This provision allows the insurance company to decide whether or not to renew the policy at the end of each policy period. It provides the least assurance for policyholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about long-term disability insurance? Keep reading to find the answers to common questions about LTD.

1. How Much Does Long-Term Disability Pay?

The amount LTD pays varies, typically calculated as a percentage of pre-disability income, often ranging from 50% to 70%. For instance, if your pre-disability income was $10,000 monthly and the policy provides 70% coverage, the monthly benefit would be $7,000. 

2. Is Long-Term Disability Taxable?

Whether LTD benefits are taxable depends on how you pay the insurance policy premiums. If the premiums were paid with after-tax dollars (meaning you paid for the coverage with your own money already taxed), then the LTD benefits are generally not taxable. In this case, the benefits provide tax-free income.

On the other hand, if the premiums were paid with pre-tax dollars (meaning you paid for the coverage with money that hasn’t been taxed yet, like through a workplace benefit plan), then the LTD benefits are usually considered taxable income. In such cases, you may need to report and pay taxes on the received benefits.

3. What Qualifies for Long-Term Disability?

What qualifies you for long-term disability depends on how your policy defines disability. If your provider defines disability as own-occupation, you can qualify for benefits if your disability prohibits you from performing your specific job.

However, if your coverage defines disability as any-occupation, then you can only qualify for benefits if your disability prohibits you from performing any job you’re qualified for. 

4. What Does Long-Term Disability Cover?

Long-term disability covers a percentage of your monthly income if a disabling condition, such as an illness or injury, prevents you from working. The specific percentage is defined by your insurance provider but is generally around 50% to 70% of your monthly income.

5. How Long Does Long-Term Disability Last Through an Employer?

The duration of LTD through an employer varies based on the specific policy. It can last for a set number of years, until age 65, or for a lifetime, depending on the terms outlined in the policy.

Employees should review their employer-sponsored LTD policy details provided in their benefits package to understand how long the long-term benefits last. For precise information, contact your employer’s benefits administrator or human resources department.

Benefits.com Can Help You Find the Right Long-Term Disability Insurance

Understanding how long long-term disability lasts is crucial for making informed decisions about your financial security in the face of unexpected challenges. Whether it lasts for two years, five years, until retirement, or a lifetime, the terms outlined in your policy play a pivotal role. 
At Benefits.com, our commitment is to empower every U.S. resident in navigating the complexities of disability programs, ensuring you find the optimal benefit plan tailored to your needs. Explore your eligibility through our Benefits Quiz to unlock the full potential of the benefits available.

Many federal benefit programs provide financial assistance to people with disabilities — two of the most common are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

While SSI and SSDI both provide benefits designed to help people with disabilities and are run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they differ significantly.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at each program, breaking down the key differences between SSI vs. SSDI, who qualifies for them, and how to apply. 

What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

SSI is a needs-based federal program designed to provide financial support to older people or people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. It aims to ensure a basic income level for people who may not qualify for SSDI based on work history.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities based on their work history and contributions to the Social Security system. It offers support to those who become disabled and cannot work, providing them with a source of income derived from their prior employment.

What Is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?

Now that you know what SSI and SSDI are, let’s break down the key differences between them.

Eligibility Criteria

SSI is a need-based benefit, meaning you can qualify if you are over 65 or disabled and have limited income and resources. You don’t need a work history or to have paid Social Security taxes to qualify; however, your income and other financial resources must not exceed certain thresholds.

To qualify for SSI, you must:

• Have a disability, blindness, or be 65 or older
• Have a disability that prevents substantial gainful activity
• Have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death
• Earn no more than $1,971 from work each month
• Have resources (bank accounts, vehicles, etc.) below $2,000
• Be a U.S. citizen or fall into a qualified non-citizen category

SSDI is an earned benefit, which means you can qualify if you are disabled, have a work history, and have paid Social Security taxes, accumulating work credits. The length of work needed to qualify depends on how old you were when your disability occurred. If you’ve had a disability since childhood, you might still get SSDI on a parent’s record, even without personal work credits. Work credits are units earned through work and income, an important factor in determining SSDI eligibility.

To qualify for SSDI, you must:

• Have enough recent work credits from employment with Social Security taxes
• Have a qualifying disability that prevents substantial gainful activity
• Not earn above $1,550 ($2,590 if blind) per month in substantial gainful activity
• Be below the full retirement age of 62
• Be a U.S. citizen or fall into a qualified non-citizen category

Funding Source

SSI is funded through general tax revenues. Your SSI eligibility is based on your income and resources, not your work history. 

SSDI is funded through your Social Security payroll taxes, known as the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). You contribute to the SSDI fund through these payroll taxes during your working years. 

Benefit Amount

For SSI, the monthly maximum federal amounts for 2024 are:

• $943 for an eligible person
• $1,415 for an eligible person with an eligible spouse
• $472 for an essential person

As for SSDI, the benefit amount is based on your average lifetime earnings before becoming disabled. So, the more you contribute to Social Security through payroll taxes, the higher your SSDI benefit. As of 2024, the average monthly SSDI benefit is around $1,537, but amounts can vary based on your earning history. 

Work History Implications

SSI is not tied to work history but centers on financial need, limited income, and resources. It serves as a safety net for those lacking sufficient work credits or facing financial hardship due to a disability.

SSDI is linked to work history and depends on accumulating work credits through employment and payment of Social Security taxes. More work credits mean higher potential SSDI benefits. SSDI is meant to support people who’ve been active in the workforce but can no longer work due to a disability. 

Key Benefits

SSI offers monthly paid benefits determined by the federal benefit rate (FBR), which some states can supplement. In most states, if you receive SSI, you’re also automatically eligible for Medicaid.

SSDI tends to offer a higher monthly payment amount based on work history. You can also become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period from the onset of your disability. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn more about SSI vs. SSDI? We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about each program.

Can I Receive Both SSI and SSDI? 

Yes, it’s possible to receive both SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs. You can qualify for both if you have limited income and resources as well as a recent and sufficient work history.  

Which Is Better: SSI or SSDI?

Determining whether SSI or SSDI is “better” depends on which program you qualify for. SSDI may give you more money based on your work history, but you must’ve paid into the system. On the other hand, you don’t need a specific work history for SSI, but you can’t qualify if you make more than a certain amount of money or have enough financial resources. 

How Do I Apply for SSI or SSDI?

You can apply for SSI or SSDI benefits online or by calling the toll-free SSA number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use the toll-free “TTY” number, 1-800-325-0778, available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Visit the SSA website to learn more about the disability determination process.

Why Am I on SSI and Not SSDI?

If you’re on SSI and not SSDI, it may be due to a lack of sufficient or recent work credits. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a disability that prevents substantial gainful activity and have enough recent work credits from employment with Social Security taxes. 

Why Is SSDI So Hard To Get?

SSDI is often considered hard to get due to the strict eligibility requirements and lengthy approval process. The SSA rejects many applicants’ initial claims due to a lack of medical evidence or missing information, which can lead to a significant backlog in processing claims. It’s essential to submit your application the right way the first time to speed up your approval rate.

How Much Can You Get From SSI and SSDI?

In 2024, the maximum monthly SSI payment is $943 for one person and $1,415 for a couple. 

Payments from SSDI may fluctuate based on your average lifetime earnings before becoming disabled. The typical SSDI monthly payment has varied between $800 and $1,800 in the last five years. The average for 2024 is around $1,537.

Benefits.com Can Help Find the Right Program for You

Although these programs are often confused, the differences between SSI vs. SSDI are substantial. At Benefits.com, our goal is to assist every U.S. resident in understanding government programs so you can find the optimal benefit plan for you. Explore your eligibility through our Benefits Quiz to maximize your potential benefits.

If you support adult children between 18 and 23 attending school, unmarried children below 18, a spouse, or a dependent parent, you can claim VA compensation by filling out VA form-21-686c.

Veterans who have a disability rating of 30% or more who recently had a child, got married, got divorced, or had significant income changes should fill out VA form 21-686c.

This form is also known as the Declaration of Status of Dependents or the VA form to add Dependents. 

Understanding VA Form 21-686C: A Comprehensive Overview

Again, VA Form 21-686c is also known as the Declaration of Status of Dependents. It allows you to provide information about your dependents to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This form is vital when applying for VA benefits because it determines the dependency benefits you qualify to receive. 

Also, it’s crucial to remove or add dependents if your family situation changes after you file for VA compensation. By completing this form, veterans can receive additional monthly benefits for qualifying dependents. To be eligible for these benefits, you must have a combined disability rating of 30% or higher. 

The Declaration of Status of Dependents form is a 12-page form that requests extensive information concerning a veteran’s dependents. 

Who Should Fill Out VA Form 21-686C?

Veterans with a disability rating of 30% or more can fill out VA form 21-686c if they’re:

• Claiming additional VA benefits for an unmarried child under 18 or children aged between 18 and 23 who are attending school. 
• Claiming additional VA compensation for a spouse
• Claiming additional benefits for more than four children
• Claiming additional benefits for dependent parents living with them and for whom they offer financial support. The dependent parent’s income must be below the federal poverty guidelines, which the VA determines once you complete VA form 21p-509.
• Reporting that a stepchild is no longer a member of their household
• Reporting a divorce
• Reporting the death of a child, spouse, or dependent parent
• Reporting that a schoolchild aged over 18 stopped attending school.
• Reporting the marriage of a child

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out VA Form 21-686C

Thankfully, filling out VA form 21-686c is pretty straightforward; however, what you need to include will depend on the dependents you want to add to your VA compensation.

To start filling out this form, fill in your first and last name, date of birth, Social Security number, VA file number, and mailing address in Section I.

Removing or Adding a Spouse

If you want to remove or add a spouse from your VA compensation package, provide the following details in Section II.

• Their name
• Their Social Security number
• Their date of birth
• The place and date of your marriage
• Whether your spouse is a Veteran, too
• Whether you were married through a common-law marriage
• Whether you were married by a justice of the peace or a religious officiant

Also, accurately state if you and your partner were previously married to other people. If that is the case, include information like:

• The name of your former spouse
• The place and date of the former marriage
• The place and date of the marriage’s termination
• The reason for the termination of the previous marriage (e.g., annulment, divorce, or death)

Make sure you attach a copy of your marriage certificate with your current partner and death certificate or divorce decree related to a former marriage, if applicable.

Section IV

If you want to report a divorce and remove your previous spouse from your VA benefits, you’ll have to complete this section. Complete this section as soon as possible following your divorce so you don’t receive an overpayment of VA compensation, which you’ll need to return.

Section VI

If your spouse passed away, complete this section. You’ll need to provide the name of your spouse who passed recently and the place and date of their demise. Report the demise of your spouse as soon as possible to avoid receiving VA compensation overpayments.

Removing or Adding a Child

Most veterans want to add their kids to their VA compensation packages. To do that, complete Section III of the VA Form 21-686c. This section allows you to add up to four dependents; thus, you might have to use the addendum section to add more than four children to your VA benefits.

For each child, include their:

• Name 
• Place and date of birth
• Social Security number
• Child status, including whether they’re adopted, biological, or stepchild.
• Address and name of the person the child lives with; if they don’t live with you.

Further, the VA requires you to provide a copy of each child’s adoption paperwork or birth certificate and a copy of the child’s Social Security card. If you want to add a stepchild, be sure to include a copy of your marriage certificate to the child’s biological parent. 

Section IV

Complete this section to report the demise of a dependent child. You’ll have to include their child’s name, place, and date of death.

Section VII

To report the marriage of a child, complete Section VII. Don’t forget that married children are ineligible for VA compensation, no matter how old they are. Add the child’s name and the place and date of marriage.

Adding a Dependent Parent

To add a dependent parent to your VA compensation, you’ll need to complete VA Form 21p-509. Also, you need to be a Veteran with a disability rating of 30% or more or receive VA education compensation.

A Veteran can add an adopted, biological, stepparent, or foster parent. Once you download VA Form 21p-509, complete crucial sections. You’ll also need to provide your parents’ Social Security numbers, date of birth, and full name. 

Some sections require you to provide information about your parent’s financial situation, like the property they own. Also, you’ll need your parent’s encumbrance and present value and the name of your parent’s current spouse if they’re still married.

Because that’s a lot of information, meet with your parents before you fill out this form or have them complete VA Form 21p-509 with you. That’s the best way to ensure the details you provide to the VA are accurate.

When you complete your VA Form 21-686c, you can submit it to the VA in multiple ways.

First, you can mail it using this address:

• Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
• Evidence Intake Center
• P.O BOX 4444
• Janesville, WI 53547

Second, you can submit your VA Form 21-686c online by visiting the VA website. Also, you can sign in to VA.gov to view or change your dependent status. You can also submit your completed form in person by taking it to the nearest VA Regional Office. Or you can have a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) or attorney submit a completed form on your behalf. 

Adding a dependent to your VA disability benefits helps make managing the economic aspects of caring for a dependent easier. If you feel you qualify for dependents benefits, visit a qualified Veterans disability lawyer or a VSO. Either one can help you through the pros of your claim and guide you through what’s often a laborious process. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing VA Form 21-686C

Potential mistakes individuals make when filling out this form include:

Not Filing Early

Once you’re assigned a disability rating of 30% or more, you’re eligible to receive VA dependency benefits. Filling out VA Form 21-686c as early as possible ensures that you’ll receive dependency benefits as soon as possible because the VA already has everything on file.

Being Vague

When filling out this form, it’s crucial to include as much information as possible. That’s because the VA may deny you veteran dependency benefits if you omit essential details or sections of the form that aren’t filled out. To hasten the process, you must fill out all sections of the form as exhaustively as possible.

Not Gathering All Documents

Before submitting the form, you should gather all documents that you may have to submit to the VA. That includes any divorce degrees, marriage certificates, birth certificates, death certificates, or school documents. It’s vital to gather all those documents before filing so that you can submit them with the form. If you don’t have access to these documents, you can submit your form without them; however, that may cause delays in receiving VA dependency benefits. If for some reason you can’t access any of these documents, for instance, if the only surviving copy of a marriage certificate burned in a house fire, you can write a statement to the VA explaining why you can’t get access to a copy of a document or the original document.

Understanding the Impact of VA Form 21-686C on Benefits

You can use VA Form 21-686c to request additional VA benefits for a dependent or to request the removal of a dependent from your VA benefits.

Suppose you’re a separated or retired military member who has had a change in family size, marital status, or similar situations. In that case, you must update VA records to add information about those changes.

Not doing so can affect your and your dependents’/spouse’s ability to claim some VA education benefits like Chapter 35 DEA benefits or the Fry Scholarship.

Thus, if you’re a veteran with a spouse or dependents, you should complete VA Form 21-686c, the form used to add or remove dependents from your veteran compensation package. 

If you have a child, get married, divorced, or start financially supporting a parent, you should complete and submit VA Form 21-686c to add the new child, spouse, and parent. This may increase your VA benefits package, allowing you to support all your dependents financially.

On the other hand, if you experience a death in your family and that person was listed as a dependent, you need to submit an updated copy of VA Form 21-686c with that information. 

Not reporting changes that result in the VA overpaying you result in the VA contacting you to pay back the overpayment. You’ll be required to pay all the benefits arriving after the death of a dependent or spouse, and this is also true if a dependent child reaches age 24 or gets married and is still receiving VA compensation. 

FAQs: Your Top VA Form 21-686C Questions Answered

To guide you on how to fill out VA Form 21-686c, we’ve answered a few of the most asked questions about the Declaration of Status of Dependents form.

Why Do I Need VA Form 21-686c?

After retiring or separating from the military, you can file a claim with the VA for service-related medical conditions and other veteran benefits. Also, you can add your spouse, dependents, or financially dependent parents for consideration for some VA benefits.

Furthermore, the VA offers added considerations to veterans with a disability rating of 30% or more or those with dependents.

If you get divorced, married, start supporting a financially dependent parent, or have a child, you can fill out this form to claim VA dependency benefits.

On the other hand, if the person you listed as a dependent dies, you must submit an updated form with that information to avoid receiving overpayment, which you have to return later.

When Can I Not Use VA Form 21-686c?

Don’t complete VA Form 21-686c to add dependents older than 24. You’ll need to complete this form to remove children who have aged out (older than 24) or who have gotten married. Further, don’t fill out this form to add a dependent; the VA doesn’t consider a spouse or a qualifying dependent.

Who does the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs deem a qualifying dependent?

• Spouse
• A disabled adult child who became disabled before the age of 18
• Unmarried children under the age of 18 or who are between 18 and 23 years and go to school full-time
• Dependent parents who you live with and rely on you financially.

VA guidelines don’t focus on the “status” of a child or parent. Foster children, stepparents, and adopted kids are all considered.

When Should I Add Dependents to My VA Compensation?

You can add dependents to your VA compensation when you file your initial claim for service-related benefits. The VA will automatically consider additional benefits for your dependents if you have a disability rating of 30% or higher.

Also, you can remove or add dependents later if your family circumstances change after you’ve filed for VA benefits. The VA will make dependency benefits retroactive to the date you were initially approved for VA compensation if you submit your VA Form 21-686c within the next year.

What Supporting Documentation Do I Have to Submit with VA Form 21-686c?

When submitting your VA Form 21-686c, you must attach the following documents to prove your relationships with your dependents.

You’ll need to submit social security cards and birth certificates for children who are still enrolled in school. Further, you’ll have to submit a Request for Approval of School Attendance for children still enrolled in school. This form gathers information like the student’s class schedule, expected graduation date, transcripts, and other school-related information.

For dependent parents, you’ll have to complete VA Form 21p-509. You can also use this form if you’re a parent of a veteran who passed away on active duty or due to service-related illness.

The VA often requests a marriage certificate for spouses to determine how long a veteran has been married. If you were married previously, you’ll need to submit a divorce decree from your previous marriage. And if you’re recently widowed, you’ll have to submit a death certificate for your deceased spouse.

Wrapping Things Up

VA Form 21-686c is a vital form that can help you secure additional VA compensation for qualified dependents aside from the benefits associated with your service-related disability. However, to qualify for those benefits, you must have a combined disability rating of 30% or more. This form is also vital for adding or removing dependents if your family circumstances change when you file for VA compensation.

With this form, you can provide your dependents with a broad range of VA benefits, from health care to education assistance. Thus, completing VA Form 21-686c is a great idea. 

If you need help filling out VA Form 21-686c, the qualified staff at Benefits.com can help you gather as many documents as you need and fill out your form correctly to ensure you receive the dependency benefits you and your dependents deserve. 

If you’re a veteran who is looking for a job in the federal government, you may have heard of the 10-point veterans preference. This is a system that gives eligible veterans an advantage when applying for federal jobs. Essentially, if a qualified veteran is eligible for the 10-point preference, they will be placed ahead of other applicants in the hiring process.

So, what exactly is the 10-point veterans’ preference? It’s a system that awards additional points to veterans applying for federal jobs. These points are added to a veteran’s score on a civil service exam or application, giving them a higher ranking than non-veteran applicants. The preference can be used for both competitive and accepted service positions, and it can provide major federal employment advantages.

Origins and Purpose

If you are a veteran seeking employment in the federal government, you may be entitled to veterans preference. Veterans preference is a system that gives those eligible an advantage in the federal hiring process for veterans. The origins of veteran’s preference date back to the Civil War, when soldiers returning from the war faced significant difficulties in finding employment.

In 1864, Congress passed the first law granting veterans’ preference, which gave veterans a hiring preference for federal jobs. The law was intended to reward veterans for their service and to help them find employment after their military service. Since then, the law has been amended several times, and veteran preference has become an important part of federal hiring practices.

Veterans preference is divided into two categories: 5-point preference and 10-point preference. Veterans who served on active duty during certain periods and who were discharged under honorable conditions are entitled to a 5-point preference. Veterans who have a service-connected disability or who received a Purple Heart are entitled to a 10-point preference.

The purpose of veteran’s preference is to recognize the sacrifices that veterans have made for their country and to give them an advantage when it comes to government job opportunities for veterans. By giving veterans an advantage in hiring, the federal government can repay veterans for their service and ensure that they have access to stable, well-paying jobs. Additionally, veterans’ preference helps to ensure that the federal government has a diverse and talented workforce.

Qualifying Criteria

If you are a veteran or an eligible family member of a veteran, you may be able to receive a 10-point preference when going through the federal hiring process for veterans. To qualify for this preference, you must meet specific criteria and conditions.

Service Requirements

To qualify for 10-point preference, you must have served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during a war, campaign, or expedition for which a campaign badge or service medal was awarded. This includes service during the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Discharge Status

You must have been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. If you were discharged under other than honorable conditions, you may still be eligible for a 10-point preference if you have a compensable service-connected disability or if you were discharged or released from active duty because of a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Disability Rating

You must have a compensable service-connected disability or receive compensation, VA disability benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you have a present service-connected disability, you may also be eligible for a 10-point preference.

Eligibility Requirements

Spouses, widows, widowers, and parents of veterans may also be eligible for a 10-point preference if the veteran is permanently disabled, or if the veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability. Children of veterans are not eligible for a 10-point preference.

Applying for 10-Point Preference

When applying for federal employment, you must submit documentation to verify your eligibility for 10-point preference. This may include your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other acceptable documentation.

It is important to note that a 10-point preference does not guarantee an appointment to a federal position. It is simply a way to give eligible veterans and their family members an advantage in the hiring process and acts as a form of veteran employment assistance.

Advantages and Impact

Having a 10-point veterans preference can be a significant advantage when it comes to applying for federal employment opportunities. It can increase your chances of being selected for a job, especially if you meet the qualifications for the position. The preference gives you an additional 10 points on top of your regular score, which can make a big difference in a highly competitive hiring process.

The preference also allows veterans to receive additional military service points, which are added to their overall score. This means that veterans who served in the armed forces can receive extra credit for their service, making them more competitive candidates for federal jobs. Additionally, disabled veterans receive even more points, making them even more competitive.

The impact of having a 10-point veterans preference can be significant. It can open up doors to federal job opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. It can also provide a sense of security and stability, as federal jobs often come with excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Furthermore, the preference can help veterans transition back into civilian life after their military service. It provides them with a clear path to federal employment and helps them to continue serving their country in a different capacity. The preference also recognizes the sacrifices that veterans have made and gives them the recognition they deserve.

Overall, having a 10-point veterans preference can be a valuable asset for veterans seeking federal employment advantages. It can provide them with a competitive advantage, additional military service points, and excellent benefits. The preference also recognizes the sacrifices that veterans have made and gives them the recognition they deserve.

Application Process

If you are a veteran seeking a federal job, you may be eligible for a 10-point preference. This preference can give you an advantage during the hiring process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for this preference.

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

Before you apply for the 10-point preference, you must gather the required documentation. This includes your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214) and the 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15) application form. If you have a disability rating from the VA, you may also need to provide a letter from the VA Regional Office stating your percentage of disability.

Step 2: Apply for a Federal Job

Once you have your documentation, you can start applying for federal jobs. You can find government job opportunities for veterans on the USAJOBS website. When you apply for a job, make sure to indicate that you are a veteran and that you are claiming the 10-point preference.

Step 3: Submit Your Application for the 10-Point Preference

After you apply for a federal job, you will need to submit your Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15). You can submit this form online through the USAJOBS website or by mail to the agency where you applied for the job. If you are submitting the form by mail, make sure to include a copy of your DD-214 and any other required documentation.

Common Misconceptions

As a veteran, you are entitled to a 10-point preference when going through the federal hiring process for veterans. However, there are many misconceptions about this preference that can lead to confusion or missed opportunities. In this section, we will address and debunk some of the most common myths surrounding the 10-point veterans preference.

Myth: You automatically get the job if you have a 10-point preference

This is not true. While having a 10-point preference can give you an advantage in the hiring process, it does not guarantee that you will get the job. You still need to meet the qualifications for the position and compete with other applicants. However, having the preference can increase your chances of being selected for an interview or being hired.

Myth: The 10-point preference applies to all federal jobs

This is also false. The 10-point preference only applies to competitive service positions, which are jobs that are filled through a competitive hiring process. Some federal jobs, such as those in the excepted service or Senior Executive Service, are not subject to competitive hiring and therefore do not offer the preference.

Myth: You can only use the preference once

This is not accurate. You can use the 10-point preference for any eligible federal job application. However, you can only use it once per job announcement. If you apply for multiple positions under the same announcement, you can only claim the preference for one of them.

Myth: You can only claim the preference if you have a service-connected disability

While having a service-connected disability can give you a 10-point preference, it is not the only way to qualify. You can also claim the preference if you are a Purple Heart recipient, a spouse or widow(er) of a disabled veteran, or the mother of a deceased veteran. Additionally, if you served during certain periods of war or national emergency, you may be eligible for the preference even without a disability.

Remember that for preference eligibility in the United States, you must be a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces and was discharged or released under honorable conditions. You must also have a compensable service-connected disability, be receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs, or be the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran.

When you apply for a federal job, make sure to indicate that you are preference-eligible and provide the required documentation, such as your DD-214 and VA disability letter.

It’s important to note that while the 10-point preference can give you an advantage in the hiring process, your preference eligibility does not guarantee that you will be selected for the job. You still need to meet the qualifications and requirements for the position and compete with other applicants.

If you’re looking for more information when it comes to your military service benefits and the 10-point veterans’ preference, visit Benefits.com.

While claims can turn around in a few months, many disability applicants must wait 12 or more months to get a disability hearing to overturn a denied claim.

Every day is difficult when you struggle with your health because you may also be under financial pressure. As a result, trying to maintain a reasonable semblance of your life is a constant challenge.

To help people in need, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has two programs that will provide financial assistance to ease the burdens placed upon those with debilitating physical and mental issues.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provide critical assistance for those who need it most.

But because each day is magnified when you are experiencing severe health issues, aside from qualifying for these programs, the most important question you are likely to have is how long it will take to be approved for benefits and when you will actually start seeing them.

What Are SSI and SSDI?

SSI and SSDI are sometimes confused with each other. However, while both provide much-needed benefits, each has a different set of criteria for approval and a different set of timelines regarding how long it will take before those benefits kick in.

Supplemental Security Income pays benefits to people who are disabled but who do not qualify for SSDI benefits because they have not worked and paid into the system or are very young students who have not yet entered the workforce. SSI is based strictly on need and for people 65 or older with very low incomes.

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits for people who have worked and paid into Social Security, and who have a disability that is expected to last at least one year or until they die.

Aside from qualifying for benefits, the biggest difference between the two programs is how long a recipient must wait before benefit payments start. SSI has no waiting period, and recipients can start getting benefits the same month they file a claim. On the other hand, SSDI has a five-month waiting period from when a person becomes disabled until they start getting benefits.

The other big difference between the two programs is health insurance. SSDI recipients must wait two years from the month they became eligible for Medicare coverage. On the other hand, SSI recipients can get Medicaid coverage as soon as they are approved for SSI benefits.

Steps of the Approval Process

To better understand how long it might take to approve your claim, you should know how Social Security uses to determine if a disability is severe enough to qualify for benefits.

SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process for an initial review of disability applications, and this generally takes about three to five months for either program, assuming there are no red flags that can cause a delay. However, for both programs, exceptions to this process can expedite approval.

• SSA will review your current work status. Your claim will be rejected before your medical conditions are even considered if you work and earn more than a specified monthly amount. Social Security calls this substantial gainful activity (SGA). As of 2018, that amount is $1,180 per month, but it’s recalculated every year. If you are earning less than the specified monthly amount or not working at all, SSA will move on to the next steps.
• Determining the severity of your condition. To be considered severe, the disability must significantly limit the ability to perform basic work activities such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, or remembering for a minimum of 12 months. For evaluation, SSA will turn your case over to Disability Determination Services (DDS).
• Is your medical condition listed in the Blue Book of Impairments? SSA publishes a list of disabling conditions and circumstances that automatically meet the criteria for being considered disabled. Suppose your condition is in the Blue Book, and you document it sufficiently with medical records. In that case, your application will move quickly through the approval process, minimizing the time it will take for approval.
• If your condition is not listed, DDS must establish whether or not your condition prevents you from performing any of your past work. If it can be shown that you cannot perform this type of work, then DDS will move on to the next step.
• Can you perform other kinds of work? DDS will consider your age, education, past work experience and any special skills you have to determine if you are qualified to do other work. You will be denied benefits if you can transition to other kinds of work. If you cannot transition, you have a better chance of getting your claim approved.

Speeding Up the Approval Process

It’s critical to understand the steps in the approval process because if you can meet these steps initially, you could save months and possibly a year or more in getting approved for benefits. Unfortunately, about 70% of applicants do not meet all the requirements, and their initial claims are rejected. So the best way to cut your approval time down is to submit your application the right way the first time.

However, you can also take circumstances and steps to speed up the approval process. For example, not all disability applicants have to go through the entire disability process the first time they file because Social Security streamlines cases to make decisions on claims that involve the most serious medical conditions.

Patients who have a terminal condition can have their claim expedited through the Terminal Illness Program (TERI). Field office representatives or a medical examiner at Disability Determination Services can submit a claim to the TERI program when a doctor or family member states the illness is expected to result in death or an applicant is in hospice care. TERI cases are usually processed in less than 30 days.

Some of the medical conditions that qualify for the TERI program include:

• Stage IV cancer, or cancer that is inoperable or has metastasized
• Cancer of the esophagus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, or brain
• Small cell or oat cell lung cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Some forms of leukemia
• Chronic heart or pulmonary failure
• Comatose for more than 30 days
• A newborn with a congenital or fatal genetic defect
• Waiting on a liver, lung, heart, or bone marrow transplant
• AIDS
• ALS

The Quick Disability Determination (QDD) process allows SSA to process SSDI and SSI claims using a sophisticated computer modeling program. It analyzes an applicant’s electronic files for factors that show a high probability that they will be determined to be disabled. When a claim is chosen for QDD, a medical consultant does not need to look at your file, which is normally the case, and you could be approved for benefits in as little as 20 days. If your QDD claim is denied, then your claim will have to go through a longer approval process.

The Compassionate Allowance program allows for benefits to be decided upon in as little as 10 days. It is based on applicants with serious medical conditions that obviously qualify for benefits based on listings in the Blue Book of Impairments. This program is reserved for the most seriously disabled applicants. SSA has compiled a Compassionate Allowance List (CAL), and if your disability or condition is on this list, you will be fast-tracked for approval. The key is ensuring that SSA has enough medical records in hand as quickly as possible to support the CAL claim. Typically, Compassionate Allowances include several types of cancer, ALS, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other similar health issues. (You can see the full CAL here).

For SSI benefits, Social Security can make temporary benefits available for some disabilities through the Presumptive Disability (PD) process. Benefits are available for the first six months while SSA reviews and processes a claim. Presumptive disability payments are not available for SSDI claims. For these cases, SSA looks at conditions where it is easy to assume a person has a qualifying disability and is therefore “presumed” to be disabled. This can include conditions such as cerebral palsy, total blindness or deafness, a spinal cord injury, amputation of two or more limbs, severe mental retardation, ALS, or terminal illness with less than six months or less to live. Other similar serious conditions are also considered, as long as reliable source medical information is provided.

If the SSA has not made a PD decision within six months, the presumptive disability payments will stop. If the SSA denies the disability claim, you are not responsible for repaying money received because of the presumptive disability.

Waiting on The Appeals Process

Just like no two applications are exactly alike, no two appeals are exactly alike either. Unfortunately, because as many as 70% of initial applications are rejected, appeals are quite common. Unfortunately, as you work through the various levels of appeal, it could add many months before your claim is finally approved.

The first level of appeal is known as a Reconsideration. Because a reconsideration looks at much of the same information already gathered during an initial application process, plus any new evidence or medical records you want to submit to bolster your claim, the average time for a decision on a Reconsideration is about 60 days. This length of time can vary, depending on the case, what files are requested, and the complexity of the files to review.

You have 65 days from the time of your initial denial to start the appeal process. To do so, you must submit a Request for Reconsideration, Form SSA 561, an Appeal Disability Report, Form SSA 3441, and a Medical Release, Form SSA 827. Social Security will forward these forms to your particular state disability agency, most times known as Disability Determination Services, or DDS. However, each state may have a slightly different name for its agency.

If a Reconsideration is denied, the next step in the appeal process is a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

In a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge a claimant and their attorney (if they have one) are responsible for gathering medical files to further support the claim for benefits. Much like a trial, there is an opportunity to present arguments and evidence supporting the claim and why it should be approved. Prior to the hearing, most judges will already be familiar with your case because they have reviewed case materials, so expect that the questions will be targeted and informed.

The good news is that about 60% of the time, hearing in front of ALJs result in approval. Unfortunately, it can take several months to get a hearing scheduled. For most disability applicants, this level of the disability process is the longest and most frustrating. 

Due to large hearing backlogs, many disability applicants must wait 12 months or more to get a disability hearing. The exact length of time will depend on the backlog of cases in your area. There are ~1,300 ALJs in the United States, and they rule on an average of ~700,000 cases annually. After a judge makes a ruling, which typically takes 30 to 60 days, it must be submitted for a quality review before being mailed to the applicant.

Claimants who are denied in a hearing with an ALJ can file to have their case heard with an Appeals Council review. Applicants who take their claim to the Appeals Council for review may experience a wait time of two years. If you are going to this level, you should also file a new initial claim, as there are few reversals of ALJ decisions at the hearing level. To improve your slim chances, you should definitely retain an attorney to assist you at this level.

The final level of appeal is to take your case to Federal court. Appealing to a Federal court may take more than a year after the Appeals Council process has been completed.

How Long Does it Take to Receive Back Pay After Approval?

Social Security disability claimants typically have to wait one to two months after approval before seeing their first SSDI monthly payment. After that, it may take even longer to receive back pay.

If you haven’t started receiving your benefits within 90 days of approval, contact the SSA. If you have a lawyer, have them contact the SSA for faster results. A Social Security disability lawyer can often navigate the red tape much faster than a claimant.

The good news is that even if your approval process takes a long time, you can be eligible for back pay once your claim is approved. While this does little to ease your financial pressures if you are going through a long and drawn-out approval process, if you can hold on long enough, you can get back pay benefits dating back up to 12 months before the date of your application, assuming you meet all requirements.

In most cases, you should be able to receive back pay, or an installment of back pay, within 60 days of being approved for benefits.

In some cases, SSA will begin current monthly payments for SSDI benefits you have been awarded, but not back payments, because they will need to investigate to see if you received any SSI benefits when your application was under review.

Most recipients receive their benefits “check” through direct deposit into their bank account. SSA is switching over and is in the process of requiring all benefit payments to be delivered electronically. Those who don’t want to receive their benefits through direct deposit, the SSA offers a debit card as an alternative form of payment.

Other Reasons For Delay

You want to be approved for benefits as quickly as possible, but in many cases, you may be the reason why there is a delay, sometimes a lengthy one, in having your benefits approved. Here are several things you can do to help speed your approval process along:

Submit ALL pertinent documents with your initial application. Ensure you are thorough by including a birth certificate, a complete medical history, establishing records, a work history, asset and income records, and any other important information that will help your case.

Make sure you meet non-medical requirements. Essentially this means you are limited in the income you can earn. If you go over this amount ($1,180 in 2018), you will be denied.

Meet the definitions for a medical disability. Your condition must prevent you from working, and it must be permanent enough that you will not be able to work for a year or more, or it will result in your death.

Cooperate with Social Security. If they ask for more documents, provide them. If you move, give them your new address. If you are asked to come in for an interview or consultative exam, do so as soon as possible.

Cooperate with your doctor. If you do not follow the treatment your doctor has prescribed for you, this will be a major red flag for your disability application. Work with your doctor instead of ignoring him or fighting against him.

Complete all of your submission forms. Be patient. There are a lot of them. And every one of them needs to be completed.

Make sure your disability is not primarily due to alcohol or drug use. If you are suffering from alcohol or drug abuse, which is the primary reason that prevents you from working, you will not be able to collect benefits. However, you can still receive benefits for conditions caused by alcohol or drugs, but it just can’t be the main contributing factor to your illness.

Make sure you were not previously denied SSDI benefits. Some applicants believe they can wipe the slate clean and fill out a new disability claim, and that it is a better route to go than appealing a currently denied claim. Unfortunately, this may raise a red flag for a claims rep who sees that you applied for an SSDI claim and were denied benefits before.

Supply enough medical evidence to back your claim. Collect every bit of medical evidence that you can to support your claim. SSA relies heavily on medical records; the more you submit, the more you enhance the likelihood of approval.

Do not commit fraud. If you get caught trying to cheat the government, you will be denied benefits, and you might also face criminal charges.

If you are denied benefits, file an appeal as soon as possible. An appeal will take some time to work through, and the sooner you file for an appeal, the quicker you will be to ultimately winning benefits.

Retain an attorney. Statistics show that you stand a much greater chance of approval if you hire an attorney to help you with your case. Many attorneys handle SSDI cases and can help you with several parts of the process. For example, an attorney can help you apply, gather paperwork, respond to requests by SSA along the way, and, if needed, represent you at your hearing.

How do I apply for disability benefits?

• You can apply Online. As part of this process, you will need to print and review SSA’s Adult Disability Checklist. It will help you gather the necessary information to complete the Disability Benefit Application.
• Over the phone by calling 800-772-1213.
• In person at your local Social Security office. Find your local office.

How To Determine Your Social Security Disability Benefits Amount

Several sources you can access will provide you with a Social Security Disability Insurance benefits calculator. In addition, you can get an overview of the process of how SSDI benefits are calculated by going here.

The VA guaranteed loan is one of the most valuable benefits that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers to eligible veterans. This guaranteed home loan comes with more benefits than a conventional loan, including no down payment and a competitive interest rate. Additionally, a veteran may use their loan to buy various types of properties, including a farm residence or an empty lot to build a home.

7 Ways To Use a VA Guaranteed Loan

1. Purchase a Home or Condominium
2. Build a Home on an Existing Lot
3. Purchase a Lot for New Home Construction
4. Refinance an Existing Home Loan
5. Repair or Improve a Veteran-Owned Residence
6. Simultaneously Purchase and Renovate a Home
7. Purchase a Farm Residence

VA guaranteed loans are a part of a benefits package that an eligible veteran may receive after leaving the service. However, these loans are often misunderstood as being only for purchasing a home. In fact, veterans can use the VA guaranteed loan program to buy their first home, purchase land to build a home, refinance their home, or repair or renovate a home.

Still, some situations do not allow the use of a VA home loan. For example, some combined business and residential properties and newly-constructed or purchased investment properties won’t be eligible. A VA borrower must ensure that their property meets the mortgage loan eligibility requirements set by the VA guaranteed loan program before applying.

What Is a VA Guaranteed Loan?

The VA offers a few different types of home loan programs for veterans to use for specific situations as part of a suite of veterans benefits. VA guaranteed loans are among the most used types, allowing veterans to purchase, refinance, or renovate a home with perks that traditional loans don’t have. A VA guaranteed home loan includes benefits like a lower interest rate, simple qualification, and zero down payments.

The VA loan program does not provide funds to a borrower for their home. Instead, it guarantees a purchase loan with a private lender. The veteran borrower will still need to go through an approval process to determine their eligibility and borrowing power, but their status as a former service member with a VA home loan benefit can speed up and streamline the process.

Unlike traditional loans, the VA guaranteed loan does not require private mortgage insurance (PMI), which adds extra costs to a borrower’s monthly payment. However, the VA adds its own form of PMI, known as the VA funding fee, which decreases as a veteran puts more money down on their home.

Veterans interested in applying for a VA guaranteed loan must first receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document proves that a veteran is eligible to apply for a VA home loan based on meeting the minimum service requirements for the VA benefit.

What Is the Maximum Limit of a VA Guaranteed Loan?

When determining how much you can borrow with a VA guaranteed loan, you need to consider loan entitlements. A VA loan entitlement is the maximum amount of the loan that the VA will guarantee paying back to the lender. The VA grants veterans either full entitlement or remaining entitlement.

Full entitlement is for veterans who have never used their VA home loan benefit before, have fully paid off any previous VA home loan, or have sold the property the loan covered. Veterans with full entitlement do not have a VA loan limit on how much they can borrow with a VA guaranteed loan. The VA will guarantee your lender up to 25% of the loan amount, regardless of how much it is. So, if you have a $400,000 loan, the VA guarantees up to $100,000 if you default on that loan.

Remaining entitlement is for veterans who already have a VA home loan in use in some way, whether they’re paying one back or they refinanced their VA loan. These veterans do have a loan limit, which is based on the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) conforming loan limits for your county and how much of your loan entitlement you’ve used. The VA guarantees up to 25% of the conforming loan limit minus your used loan entitlement in these situations.

7 Ways To Use a VA Guaranteed Loan

Veterans can use their VA guaranteed loan benefit in one of the following seven ways.

1. Purchase a Home or Condominium

Most commonly, a veteran uses the VA guaranteed loan to buy a home to use as their primary residence. However, veterans may also use the funds to purchase a condominium that fits within the VA’s eligibility guidelines. Additionally, the funds can be used to purchase the lot on which the home sits, if necessary, as well as the home.

Before a loan gets approved, the VA will order an appraisal to determine whether it’s in a safe and sanitary condition. This appraisal does not replace a traditional inspection. Instead, it helps the VA ensure that its loan guarantee is worthwhile and meets the VA loan eligibility criteria.

2. Build a Home on an Existing Lot

Veterans who prefer to build a home may use their VA home loan for construction on their own lot. However, a few stipulations exist. First, the builder must be registered through the VA with a valid builder identification number. In most cases, the builder will also need to provide a home warranty for the build to the VA.

The VA also requires a new build to have an appraisal, just as it would if a veteran purchased an existing home. The builder will need to meet local VA requirements for a build, which varies by state.

3. Purchase a Lot for New Home Construction

Veterans who do not already own a lot for a new home construction may use the VA guaranteed loan to buy a lot and complete a new build. However, these two purchases must happen simultaneously with the loan rather than using the funds to buy a lot now and construct a home later.

Also, the VA outlines a few rules for these purchases, including that the land must not be in a flood zone or within areas that are prone to natural disasters. Veterans using their funds for a lot purchase and new construction must also build no more than four units on the property and use one of them as their primary residence.

4. Refinance an Existing Home Loan

Sometimes, refinancing a home loan can save a homeowner money by paying lower interest rates. In some cases, homeowners can cut several years off the life of their loan by refinancing. The VA allows veterans to refinance a VA guaranteed loan to lower their interest rate. In turn, veterans may be eligible for a shorter loan or lower monthly mortgage payments.

This is not the same as the VA cash-out refinance loan, which allows veterans to refinance their mortgage and trade-in equity on their home for cash, which they can use to pay off other debts or improve their home.

5. Repair or Improve a Veteran-Owned Residence

One benefit of veteran home loans is that the homeowner can use their funds to repair or improve their home. Some of the ways veterans may use their home loan funds in this way include:

• Making necessary adaptations to the home to accommodate a person with a disability
• Improving the home’s energy consumption by adding solar panels or upgrading the heating and cooling system
• Repairing run-down and potentially unsafe parts of the home, like the foundation or roof
• Replacing siding and windows
• Treating mold, insect infestations, and other things that could damage the home

6. Simultaneously Purchase and Renovate a Home

Veterans might prefer to purchase a fixer-upper home to renovate. The VA allows this as an option with the VA guaranteed loan. With this type of loan, the veteran borrows the amount they’ll need for the home plus renovations. Therefore, the loan approval process may take a bit longer, as the veteran will likely need to get a few estimates from builders to project the costs for the lender.

When veterans use their home loan funds in this way, they’re still entitled to the same benefits as those purchasing a ready-to-move-into home, including no private mortgage insurance and a $0 down payment.

7. Purchase a Farm Residence

Veterans may use a VA guaranteed loan to purchase farmland with a home that will become their permanent residence. Like in other situations, the veteran may not use their loan funds to buy a business property. Therefore, some farmland properties will not be eligible for the loan.

However, income generated on the farm can go toward mortgage payments. To qualify, the veteran must be able to prove that they have farming experience and can sustain farming operations. The property’s value will not include any farm equipment, livestock, supplies, or other items that come along with it. Additionally, any farmland purchased with a home will be appraised only at its residential value.

What the VA Guaranty Doesn’t Cover

The VA guaranteed loan can make it easier for veterans to buy or build a home. However, the loan isn’t guaranteed in the sense you might think. Veterans do not automatically become eligible for a loan because they’re veterans. Instead, they must go through the application process with a mortgage lender to qualify for their loan.

The VA also won’t back loans that don’t meet its eligibility guidelines. In many cases, a veteran cannot get money back from their loan unless they’re refinancing an existing VA loan. The VA also won’t guarantee loans for investment properties, combined residential and investment properties, or land that’s not part of a construction loan.

VA home loans will not cover more than the purchase price or appraised value – whichever is lesser – of a home. However, veterans can roll the VA funding fee into their loan, if desired.

Your Guide to the VA Guaranteed Loan

The VA guaranteed loan is an exceptional benefit for veterans to get an affordable mortgage payment for their new home purchase. With no down payment requirements and lowered risk for lenders thanks to VA backing, this loan is helpful for veterans that may not qualify for traditional loans due to their credit score or higher interest rates.

VA loan limits vary by location, so you’ll need to check with your local VA office to determine how much you can borrow. Once you find a lender, you’ll need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility on VA.gov or by mailing VA Form 26-1880 to prove to your lender that you’re eligible for one. Once confirmed, your mortgage lender will walk you through the next steps with the VA to schedule your appraisal and get your purchase approved.

If you run into any problems or have questions throughout the loan process, you can contact your VA regional office for assistance.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides an array of benefits to veterans and their dependents, one being the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program. DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit you can get as a surviving spouse, child, or parent of servicemembers who died while on active duty (including active/inactive duty training or vets who later died from their service-related disabilities).

Unfortunately, many people don’t end up receiving the benefits they deserve. Because the system is so complex and information is scare, navigating DIC and other VA benefits can feel like wading through murky water. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to increase understanding about the mechanics of DIC and its importance, along with the benefits that can help veterans’ families long after their sacrifice.

Understanding VA DIC

The VA’s DIC is a survivor benefit plan for eligible dependents of military service members who have died as a result of service connected disability or disease. These benefits are delivered in regular tax-free payments; they’re meant to help offset family loss of income that comes with the death of a veteran.

Eligibility and amounts depend on the relationship to the deceased veteran, marital status, and the presence of dependent children or disabled adult children within the family.

In addition to the monthly tax-free payments, DIC may also provide additional benefits such as educational assistance for dependent children, healthcare benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), and access to the VA’s home loan program. These benefits aim to provide support and resources to the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased servicemember or veteran.

Eligibility for VA DIC

In addition to the servicemember dying while on active duty or as a result of service-related injuries or diseases, here are requirements that each type of beneficiary should meet:

Spouse: A surviving spouse must have been married to the servicemember at the time of death and not be remarried. Currently, a spouse’s monthly payment rate starts at $1562.74, with several hundred more dollars available based on service connected disability, number of children, and other factors. The number’s is subject to change annually, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest requirements.

Also, some expenses, such as medical expenses, can be deducted from the spouse’s income, potentially allowing them to meet the eligibility criteria for disability benefits even if their total income exceeds the maximum threshold.

Children: In the case of a surviving child, they need to be under the age of 18, or a full-time student between ages 18 and 23 at a VA-approved school. Also, a surviving child must be financially dependent on the veteran at the time of death (see also spouse’s income limit above).

Parents: Parents’ qualifications include being the biological or adoptive parent(s) of the veteran, not having remarried, and meeting income limitations.

The maximum monthly income for parents to qualify for DIC is based on a sliding scale that increases if income is lower, and decreases if it’s higher. There are also separate measurements depending on how many surviving parents the veteran has. However, like the spouse’s income limit, this threshold is subject to change annually, so check VA.gov for the most up-to-date amounts and requirements.

Parents also must fill out form 21P-535 instead. It serves the same purpose as the 543a and 534EZ, except it’s specifically for parents.

Applying for VA DIC

Applying for DIC benefits requires meticulous preparation. When applying, you should furnish required documents, including proof of the servicemember’s military service and death, and marriage and birth certificates for spouses and dependent children, respectively.

With those documents, you can then fill out and submit VA Form 21P-534a, where you’ll list information that’s necessary to qualify.

VA Form 21P-534a

VA Form 21P-534a is an essential document required during the application process for VA DIC. This form, officially known as Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by a Surviving Spouse or Child, captures detailed information about the applicant and deceased servicemember. It is a crucial document that assists the VA in determining eligibility and calculating payable disability benefits.

Filling Out VA Form 21P-534a

To fill out VA Form 21P-534a, you will need to provide detailed information about yourself and the deceased servicemember. This includes personal information such as your name, address, and contact information, as well as information about the servicemember’s military service, including their branch, rank, and service number. You will also need to provide documentation such as marriage and birth certificates, as well as any relevant medical records or evidence of the servicemember’s cause of death. It is important to be thorough and accurate when filling out the form to ensure a smooth processing of your application.

Differences between 21P-534a and 21P-534EZ

Form 21P-534a is a more comprehensive application form used by surviving spouses and children to apply for DIC benefits. It requires detailed information about the applicant and the deceased service member. Be ready to include personal information, military service details, and supporting documentation.

Form 21P-534EZ is a simplified version to streamline the process. It may be used for a broader range of benefits, including DIC, death pension, and accrued benefits.

When deciding whether to use Form 21P-534a or Form 21P-534EZ, consider the complexity of your situation. If you’re a surviving spouse or a dependent child and have detailed information and supporting documents, 21P-534a is recommended. However, if your situation is straightforward and you’re applying for multiple benefits, 21P-534EZ may be more suitable.

But overall, both forms serve the same purpose—to establish eligibility for DIC benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What documents are required to apply for DIC benefits?
A: Required documents for DIC benefits include proof of military service and death, marriage and birth certificates for spouses and dependent children.

Q: How long does the application process take?
A: The application process for VA DIC benefits can vary in duration, but it often takes several months. The timeline depends on the individual circumstances and the complexity of the case.

Q: Can I check the status of my DIC claim?
A: Yes, you can check claim status at any time. Either visit the eBenefits portal, call their number, or contact your local VA office.

Q: What should I do if my claim is denied?
A: f your claim for DIC benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can seek assistance from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or an attorney specializing in VA benefits to navigate the appeals process. It’s crucial to gather any additional evidence or documentation that may support your claim and present a strong case for reconsideration. Remember to review the denial letter thoroughly to understand the specific reasons for the denial and address them effectively in your appeal.

Find Help With Benefits.com

The VA Dependency Indemnity Compensation program is a great support to families of veterans who give their lives. Seek out benefits available to you, and let the VA help you through your adjustment period. Benefits.com has information about all the benefits you deserve, and we can set you up for the most successful application, starting now. Check your eligibility on our site, and begin your journey to receiving the help to which you are entitled!

When veterans return from service, their well-being becomes a top priority for the nation they serve. For those veterans who face significant disabilities due to their service, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a vital lifeline through its VA disability benefits programs. One of the most critical aspects of these VA benefit programs is the concept of 100% permanent and total disability. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of 100% permanent and total disability, outlining the eligibility criteria, exploring the benefits it entails, addressing concerns about potential reevaluation, and providing valuable advice on how a disabled veteran can secure their assistance effectively.

1. Decoding 100% Permanent and Total Disability:

At the heart of the VA’s disability benefits system lies the concept of disability ratings. These ratings, often expressed as percentages, represent the extent of a veteran’s disability as determined by the VA. When a veteran is classified as having a 100% permanent and total disability, it signifies that their service-connected disabilities prevent them from engaging in gainful employment and are expected to be permanent. Understanding the complex rating process, including the criteria for a 100% VA disability rating, is essential for disabled veterans to navigate the VA benefit system effectively.

The VA evaluates disabilities based on the severity of limitations they impose on a veteran’s daily life and employability. To achieve a 100% VA disability rating, a veteran typically needs to have multiple severe service-connected conditions or a single condition significantly impacting their overall health and functioning. It’s crucial for veterans to provide comprehensive medical evidence and documentation to support their disability claims, ensuring accurate assessment and fair benefit allocation.

2. Benefits and Financial Assistance:

Receiving a 100% permanent and total disability rating opens the door to a wide range of benefits designed to provide comprehensive support to a disabled veteran. Financial assistance is a cornerstone of these benefits, ensuring veterans have the financial stability necessary to lead a fulfilling life despite their disabilities. These benefits often include monthly disability compensation payments, which vary based on the veteran’s marital status and dependents.

Additionally, veterans with a 100% disability rating often qualify for Concurrent Military Retired Pay and VA Disability Compensation (CRDP) or Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) if they are retired military members. These programs allow veterans to receive both military retirement pay and disability compensation simultaneously, enhancing their overall income and financial security.

Healthcare benefits are another vital aspect of 100% permanent and total disability VA rating. Veterans with this rating are eligible for comprehensive healthcare coverage through the VA, ensuring access to medical treatments, prescriptions, mental health services, and specialized care tailored to their needs. Moreover, these veterans are often prioritized for medical appointments, ensuring timely access to healthcare services.

3. Can the VA Take Away 100% Disability?:

A common concern among disabled veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating is the fear of potential reevaluation that could lead to a reduction in VA benefits. While the VA does have the authority to conduct reevaluations in certain circumstances, it’s essential for veterans to understand the rules and regulations surrounding these reviews.

The VA may conduct a reevaluation if there is evidence suggesting a veteran’s condition has improved. However, conditions that are considered permanent, such as the loss of a limb or certain severe illnesses, are typically not subject to routine reevaluations. Veterans receiving a total and permanent disability VA rating due to conditions expected to remain stable or worsen over time generally do not face regular reevaluations.

Additionally, veterans can take proactive steps to ensure their disability status and veterans benefits remain secure. Maintaining regular medical appointments and keeping detailed records of their medical conditions and treatments are crucial. If a reevaluation is initiated, having comprehensive medical evidence can significantly strengthen a veteran’s case and prevent a reduction in benefits.

4. Navigating VA Appeals and Assistance:

Navigating the VA system can be complex, especially when facing a potential reevaluation. Veterans have the right to appeal any decisions made by the VA regarding their VA disability claim. To initiate an appeal, veterans should carefully follow the VA’s guidelines and deadlines, ensuring they submit all necessary documentation and evidence to support their case.

Seeking assistance from veterans’ service organizations, legal experts, or disability advocates can significantly enhance a veteran’s chances of a successful appeal. These professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of the VA system and can provide valuable guidance, helping each veteran present their case effectively.

Legal representation can be particularly beneficial during the appeals process. Experienced attorneys specializing in veterans’ law can navigate the complex legal procedures, gather relevant evidence, and present compelling arguments on behalf of the veteran. While legal representation is not mandatory, it can greatly improve the odds of a favorable outcome.

5. Expert Insights and Success Stories:

To offer veterans a broader perspective and valuable insights, this section will feature interviews with veterans’ advocates, legal experts, and individuals who have successfully navigated challenges related to their 100% permanent and total disability status. These interviews will provide real-life examples of how proactive measures, proper documentation, and expert assistance can make a significant difference in securing and maintaining disability benefits.

Through these interviews, readers will gain inspiration, guidance, and actionable advice based on the experiences of others who have faced similar challenges. Understanding the journeys of fellow veterans can instill confidence and empower disabled veterans to advocate for their rights effectively.

In conclusion, a 100% permanent and total disability rating is a significant milestone that opens the door to comprehensive veterans benefits and support for disabled veterans. By understanding the criteria, potential reevaluations, and avenues for appeals for VA disability benefits, veterans can navigate the system with confidence. Armed with knowledge, proper documentation, and expert assistance when needed, disabled veterans can secure their disability benefits, ensuring financial stability, access to healthcare, and a higher quality of life despite their service-connected disabilities. Remember, these benefits are not just entitlements; they are the nation’s way of expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by our veterans.

If you have more questions on 100 percent permanent and total disability, or on any benefits for veterans, please reach out to us here at Benefits.com! We are here to help you have the easiest experience submitting your VA disability claim and getting your VA benefits!

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is recalculated every year to account for changes in the housing market, utility costs, and other factors that influence the cost of housing in the United States. This ensures that service members receive an accurate and fair allowance that expands to meet market conditions. Additionally, BAH eligibility is based on personal factors such as rank, dependency status, and location, as well as economic factors like current market rates, average utility costs, type of house, and required number of rooms.

What Are the Military BAH Rates in 2024?

The 2024 BAH increase is 3.9%. In comparison, the BAH only had a 2.5% average increase in 2010 officer rates (~$37 per month). These new rates will take effect January 1st, 2024.

At the NSA Washington base—whose BAH rates rank among the highest of all U.S. Navy bases—warrant officer rates for those with dependents can go up to $3,740 this 2024. In comparison, in 2003 officer rates only reached up to $2,156.

Individual Variations in BAH

Not all service members receive the same BAH amount. Individual allotments can vary based on factors such as time in service or rank, pay grade increases, assigned duty station or geographical location, and dependents. Warrant officer rates are generally lower than those for commissioned officers, and variations can occur based on service duration and rank.

Regional Variation in BAH Rates

Service members in different states or regions may receive different BAH amounts, even if they have similar ranks or dependency statuses. Not only do captain and warrant officer rates differ, but BAH allotment can also vary significantly from state to state. Military BAH rates are based on average housing market rates and costs specific to each area. While the average 2023 officer rates increased by 12.1%, some areas may experience threefold increases in warrant officer rates, while others may see decreases.

**Some cities within a state may have different rates.
**Rental data, rather than mortgage data, is used to calculate the basic allowance for both major and warrant officer rates, allowing a more accurate assessment of the current housing market conditions and ensures that service members are provided with a fair and appropriate housing allowance.

Applying for BAH

Applying for BAH typically involves the following steps:

1. Gather any required documentation, such as lease agreements or utility bills, proof of dependency status (such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for dependents), proof of rank and pay grade (military ID or pay stubs), and proof of duty station with orders or a letter from the commanding officer.
2. Submit the application through the appropriate channels, such as your unit’s administrative office or online with the VA.
3. Be prepared for potential wait times, as processing times can vary.
4. Follow up with the relevant personnel if there are any delays or issues with your application.
5. Once approved, ensure that the BAH is reflected correctly in your pay and review it for accuracy.
6. Keep track of any changes in your personal or financial circumstances that may affect your BAH eligibility.
7. Once approved, review BAH for accuracy and ensure it’s reflected correctly in your pay.

Veterans can apply for BAH while applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill online, providing required documents and information about education, military history, Social Security number, bank account details, and school information.

Not all veterans are eligible for monthly BAH, since VA off-post housing doesn’t apply, but veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill can receive BAH based on the zip code of the school they enroll in. In 2023, VA BAH rates for eligible veterans increased by an average of 12.1%.

How Do I Receive My BAH?

Military BAH is included in the members’ salary and split between their two monthly paychecks. And since the BAH is a stipend, it is not considered part of active members’ actual pay. As such, the BAH is non-taxable, and members can receive it in full (though you should still include it in your tax filings as an income source). If there are any inaccuracies with how much you’re receiving, or any changes in your circumstances, let the VA know immediately so they can account for them.

Other Housing Assistance for Discharged Military Members

Once discharged, military members and their spouses no longer receive base housing allowance. However, there are other affordable housing assistance programs available. Discharged veterans can apply for Section 8 rental assistance and additional support through the Section 8 Florida grant. The proposed Caring for Survivors Act 2023 may offer monthly benefits to family members who lost their lives while serving in the military, helping with housing costs.

Other Assistance programs are available to help service members who may need additional support with their housing expenses. Some of these include:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS): offers financial counseling and support to service members who may need help managing housing costs.
• Army Emergency Relief (AER): provides emergency financial assistance to service members who find themselves in unexpected financial situations related to their housing expenses.
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): offers interest-free loans and grants to service members needing additional support with their housing expenses.
• Air Force Aid Society (AFAS): provides various forms of assistance to service members, including emergency financial support, to help with their housing expenses.
• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA): offers assistance programs to service members who may need additional support with their housing expenses, including emergency financial assistance and interest-free loans.
• Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH): provides housing assistance to eligible veterans, including financial support, to help them secure stable and affordable housing options.

If you need assistance understanding your benefits or how to access them, our team is here to help. We’ve helped hundreds of thousands of veterans unlock greater government benefits by helping them understand application and eligibility requirements.

Starting January this year, the troops’ food allowance increase of 5.2% will raise the monthly benefits military members receive as follows:

—Enlisted officer rates: $476.09

—Warrant officer rates: $328.10

BAS 2024 enlisted rates increased by $23.53 per month compared to 2023, while the warrant officer rates increased by $16.22. The rates are significantly higher than the 2010 officer rates, which were less than $220.

Meanwhile, BAS II rates will go up to $952.18 this 2024, compared to $905.12 in 2023.

What is BAS?

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is a monthly stipend available to United States military personnel who’ve completed basic training. BAS is separate from military pay because it offsets the costs of meals, groceries, and other food-related expenses. It’s provided to service members in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and even Space Force.

Unlike the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which can be shared with military families, BAS is not intended to cover the costs of family members’ meals. It’s set aside to assist active duty members and troops not deployed (or on temporary duty) to pay for base resources by dining at the mess hall daily.

Remember: BAS is for individuals, but not veterans, and you receive it automatically.

BAH is for families (including veterans) and must be applied for (See more about BAH here.)

Will There Be a BAS Increase in 2024?

In January 2024, BAS increased by 5.2%—not as big as the 11% increase for 2023, but is still a substantial increase.

This BAS rate is also paired with a 3.9% increase in military BAH rates for 2024.

How is BAS Determined?

BAS is based on inflation and food costs and is determined by the Department of Defense (DoD) each year. Similar to how the DoD sets housing allowances, BAS rates are generally announced before the end or at the start of the calendar year.

The DoD adjusts the BAS rates annually, considering increases in food prices or the food cost index compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They’re also calculated based on costs in a specific zip code, so financial compensation is applicable no matter where you are.

Is BAS Different in Each State?

While food prices and BAS calculations are based on costs in a given zip code, the rates do not vary from state to state. However, they do vary between enlisted members and officers, with officers receiving slightly less than enlisted members.

BAS vs. BAS II

Both BAS and BAS II serve the same purpose but are different in two ways: Amount and eligibility. Only active duty service members can qualify for BAS II (not just anyone who’s received basic training), and the amount is double that of regular BAS.

How Do You Apply for BAS?

You don’t have to—members automatically receive BAS based on their eligibility. 

How Do Service Members Receive BAS Payments?

There are two ways for active duty military members to receive their BAS stipend. You can have it paid directly at the same time as other military pay, or you could receive it separately through the meal card management system.

Do Veterans Get BAS Benefits?

Unlike BAH (which some vets may qualify for through the Post-9/11 GI Bill), veterans cannot receive BAS because it’s specifically designed to supplement active duty members’ meal costs while they are on base.

However, veterans have access to other government programs for financial assistance, like the Veterans Readiness program, which also offers monthly subsistence allowances based on student attendance rates and dependents.

For family members who have lost a loved one during active duty, the Caring for Survivors Act 2023 may provide additional monthly benefits to help supplement food costs. There are also options for housing or rent assistance, such as applying for Section 8 rental assistance or using BAH through the GI Bill. Veterans can also access several disability benefits to ensure they and their loved ones get much-needed care. Check local information for more details about how your local Veterans Service Office can help.

We help veterans understand their eligibility for government compensation and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve. We can also help determine your eligibility for other benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.

The VA Caregiver Program’s goal is to support those caring for a disabled veteran in their life. The VA hopes to support those by providing care for both the disabled veteran and their family.

What Are the Requirements for the Veteran and Caregiver?

To be eligible for the caregiver program, the veteran must:

• Be enrolled in the VA health care system
• Have a qualifying injury or illness—one that’s serious enough to require part- or full-time care services
• Have someone who meets the caregiver requirements (The caregiver must be 18 or older, be either a family member or someone who lives with the veteran, and be willing and able to provide care)
• Additionally, both the veteran and caregiver must agree to participate in the caregiver program and cooperate with all required assessments

This is subject to change, so please consult the official VA website or contact a VA representative for more information. 

Is It Hard to Get Approved for the VA Caregiver Program?

Getting approved for the VA caregiver program can be challenging because you need to meet several eligibility criteria. These criteria include a wide range of factors regarding you/your caregiver’s lives and experience. Factors such as the veteran’s service-connected disability, the need for personal care services, and the caregiver’s ability to assist are all taken into account during the approval process.

Being well-informed, organized, and responsive throughout the application process can increase the chances of approval. Be patient and consider asking for assistance from veterans service organizations to help with the application process. This program provides support for both veterans and caregivers with resources and assistance that can improve their lives. Seeking guidance from a VA representative or contacting the VA caregiver support line can provide valuable information and assistance. There are also veterans’ service organizations and support networks that offer guidance, understanding, and advocacy.

Who’s Eligible for the VA’s Caregiver Stipend?

The VA’s caregiver program provides financial aid to caregivers of disabled veterans. To be eligible for the stipend, caregivers must be approved for the caregiver program, complete the required training, and meet the requirements for the level of care the veteran needs. Their PCAFC program includes a monthly stipend for Primary Family Caregivers.

There are two levels of stipend payments:

• Level One, calculated by multiplying the monthly stipend rate by 0.625
• Level Two is calculated by multiplying the rate by 1.00 if the eligible veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community.

VA facilities also employ CSP (Cooperative Studies Program) teams to provide information and referrals to anyone with questions related to the caregiver program.

The stipend amount changes by year and location, and is based on the OPM GS Annual Rate (*grade 4, step 1, divided by 12). This amount may also be adjusted annually based on updates to the GS pay tables by OPM. Adjustments take effect the first of the month following OPM’s announcement.

(*The VHA Caregiver Stipend Team handles stipend payments and updates.)

How Much Does the VA Pay Your Spouse to Be Your Caregiver?

Spouses and others living with the veteran may be eligible to become caregivers. The amount the VA pays your caregiver depends on the severity of your disability and the amount of care needed. The VA uses a tiered system to determine payment rates. It’s best to consult the official VA website or contact a VA representative for specific information regarding caregiver compensation.

What About Overpayments?

Overpayments (payments you received in error and/or exceed the amount due) are subject to collection. The Primary Family Caregiver will receive a letter from the VA’s Financial Services Center with instructions on how to dispute or request a waiver for the overpayment. Primary Family Caregivers for Legacy Participants and Legacy Applicants have different rules for stipend payments.

Is the VA Caregiver Stipend Considered Income?

Yes, the VA caregiver stipend is considered income because it’s a financial benefit. Therefore, it must be reported as income for tax purposes. However, it’s important to consult with a tax professional or the official VA website for specific information and guidance regarding the tax implications of the caregiver stipend in your situation.

Tax laws may also vary depending on your location in the United States or its territories.

Training and Support for VA Caregivers

The Caregiver Support Program provides various resources and services to support caregivers of Veterans. These include group support and coaching, caregiver self-care courses, the Caregivers FIRST skills training program, the REACH VA program for enhancing caregiver health, the Peer Support Mentoring program, VA Caregiver Connect for virtual care, respite care, and connection/referrals to VA and community resources.

Additionally, the VA offers the Peer Support Mentoring program, VA Caregiver Connect for virtual care, respite care, and connection/referrals to VA and community resources. These opportunities help caregivers manage their stress and find support networks. 

When you become a veteran, you gain access to many benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that are not only for yourself but for your family too. One of those is educational benefits for your children. To get those benefits, you’ll need to fill out VA Form 21-674. In this article, we’re going to cover what exactly VA Form 21-674 is, how to fill it out, and what documentation you’ll need to get benefits.

What is VA Form 21-674 and its Purpose? 

To start, it’s important to understand what exactly VA Form 21-674 is. Va Form 21-674 is also known as the “Request for Approval of School Attendance” form. So, it’s exactly what it sounds like. This document is used by the VA to collect information from individuals who are eligible for the education VA benefit and who want their dependent children’s school enrollment certified. It’s typically used in the context of the GI Bill and other Veterans Affairs education assistance programs. 

What’s the Purpose? 

The purpose of the form is to verify that a dependent child is enrolled and attending an educational institution. The veteran will typically fill out and submit the completed form to the VA along with documentation from the school that confirms the child is actually enrolled. 

The VA will then use the information provided on the document to determine if the dependent children are eligible for educational benefits and to process the payments needed for assistance. 

What are the Eligibility Criteria for VA Form 21-674

Veterans must ensure that the criteria are met for VA dependent benefits. Here are the criteria for educational assistance that must be met for eligible dependents. 

Parent’s Military Service: The parent needs to be eligible for and receiving VA benefits. 

Dependent Child: Being a dependent child means that they must be a biological child, stepchild, or adopted child of the qualifying veteran. A dependent spouse may also be eligible depending on the circumstances. 

Age Limit: Typically, the age limit is between 18 and 26 years old. This can vary depending on the educational program.

Enrollment in a Qualifying Educational Institution: The dependent needs to already be enrolled in a qualifying institution such as a college, university, vocational school, or high school. 

Full-Time or Part-Time Enrollment: Depending on the program and specific circumstances, the dependent child may need to be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student to be eligible for benefits.

Compliance with School Attendance Requirements: To maintain benefits, they must maintain school attendance and be making progress towards their educational goals. 

Submission of Required Documentation: You’ll need to submit VA Form 21-674 to confirm eligibility along with supporting documents such as enrollment certification, transcripts, or other relevant records.

It’s important to note that eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific VA educational benefit program and can change over time. You should always do your research, or consult with Benefits.com to ensure that your children will meet the criteria.

How to Fill Out VA Form 21-674 Correctly

Once you’ve gathered the documents needed, you’ll have to fill out the form. Here’s how:

Obtain the Form

The first thing you’ll need to do is get the VA Form 21-674. You can hop online and get it from the VA website, or by visiting your regional VA office. 

Review the Instructions

Before you start filling it out, make sure you carefully review the instructions. They will guide you on how to complete every section accurately. 

Provide Your Information

In Section I, you’ll provide your personal contact information. Make sure everything is accurate and up to date. 

Provide Dependent Child’s Information

In Section II, you will need to provide information about your dependent child. This should include the child’s full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. 

Indicate the Educational Program

Next, you will indicate the educational program that you are seeking benefits for in Section III. Make sure you specify whether you are applying under the GI Bill or another VA education program. 

School Attendance Information

In Section IV, provide details about the school the dependent child is attending. Include the school’s name, address, and the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time).

Sign and Date the Form

In Section V you will sign and date the form to certify the accuracy of the information you’ve provided. 

Gather Supporting Documentation

You may also need to provide supporting documentation depending on the VA program. This can include proof of your service, proof of child’s dependency, and certification of school enrollment. The instructions on VA Form 21-674 should tell you which documents you’ll need. 

Submit the Form

Lastly, you’ll need to submit the form. When submitted, make sure you include all supporting documents. The form should have the address for the VA office that you should drop it off at, or you can reference the VA’s website. 

Follow Up

After you submit the form, it’s a good rule of thumb to keep your own records of the submission and follow up with the VA office. That way, you can ensure that the claim is processed correctly and quickly. If you have questions, you can contact the VA office. 

Understanding the Documentation Required for VA Form 21-674

As previously mentioned, to get VA benefits for dependents, you’ll need the proper documentation. If you don’t have it, your claim could be denied. Here is an overview of the documentation that may be required. 

Proof of Relationship: You will need to provide documentation that establishes your relationship with the eligible veteran. This may include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers, depending on your specific situation.

Social Security Number: You should include your Social Security Number as it is essential for processing your application.

School Information: You will need to provide information about the educational institution you plan to attend, including its name, address, and the program or course you intend to enroll in.

Cost of Education: You’ll need to provide information regarding the cost of the program such as tuition and other expenses. This will help the VA determine the amount of assistance your dependent is eligible for.

Bank Account Information: To receive payments, you will need to provide your bank account details, including the bank’s name, your account number, and the routing number.

Military Service Documentation: You may need to provide documents related to the veteran’s military service, such as a copy of the veteran’s DD-214 form, which shows their period of service and character of discharge. If the veteran is currently serving, you may need to provide their military status.

Death Certificate: If the veteran is deceased and you are applying as a surviving spouse or dependent, you will need to provide a copy of the veteran’s death certificate.

Marriage Certificate: If you are a spouse, you may be required to provide a marriage certificate to prove your legal relationship with the veteran.

School Attendance Certification: After you are enrolled in an educational program, the school’s certifying official may need to complete a school attendance report form to verify your enrollment and report it to the VA before receiving compensation.

Proof of Total and Permanent Disability: If you have total and permanent disability, you may qualify for further financial assistance, as well.  

Other Documents: Depending on your specific circumstances and eligibility, you may need to provide additional documentation. It’s essential to carefully read the instructions provided with VA Form 21-674 and follow any specific guidance for your situation.

Common Issues and Challenges with VA Form 21-674 

In this section, we’ll cover common issues and challenges that veterans may face when filing VA Form 21-674. 

Eligibility Confusion

Navigating the landscape of VA Form 21-674 can be complex. There can be veteran eligibility, age restrictions, and disability ratings that come into play. For instance, can the VA take away 100 permanent and total disability? Do you have the right documentation?

A solution to this issue is to make sure you’re familiar with the criteria on the VA website, and don’t hesitate to contact the VA directly or other veteran services such as Benefits.com. You should also start the process as early as possible to give yourself enough time to gather everything you need. 

Deadlines

Missing the deadline can result in a delay in receiving benefits, especially if you need to provide more documentation.

Make sure you are aware of submission deadlines and set yourself a personal one ahead of the real deadline. This will help you plan for unexpected delays. 

Changes in Circumstances

Things change over time, it happens. That’s why it’s crucial to continue updating dependents with the VA as well as status and disability rating. This can cause overpayments or underpayments if things change. 

To avoid any delays, make sure to update the VA on changes ASAP. 

Communication Challenges

Contacting the VA and receiving timely responses can be difficult, particularly when questions or issues arise. It’s important to be patient, but persistent. Keep records of all communication. 

Stay Informed

Regularly checking the VA website during the process will ensure that you stay on top of eligibility criteria for a smooth application process. 

Verify Your School’s Role 

Along with VA Form 21-674, you should also ensure that the school is aware of the VA benefit application. This way, they can provide timely verification of enrollment and attendance. 

Appeals Process

If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Gather additional documentation and consider seeking assistance from a veteran’s service organization or legal experts if needed. 

Final Thoughts 

The bottom line is that VA Form 21-674 can help veterans and their children get much-needed academic assistance. We know that navigating your benefits can be confusing. If you have questions, please contact us at Benefits.com today! 

California’s disability benefits system—often just called State Disability Insurance, or SDI—exists to support those who’ve temporarily lost their ability to work. Think of it as a safety net; when life’s unpredictability hits you (like injuries or illnesses), the California State disability insurance system can step in to provide an emergency disability benefit payment.

If you’re unable to perform your regular work for a medical reason—and your doctor agrees—you’re likely considered “disabled.” But to be qualified for State Disability insurance benefits, the disability must be non-work-related. If it’s an injury or illness tied to your job, then you should go through Workers’ Compensation instead.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Just like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), in order to qualify for California State Disability Insurance, there are a few boxes you’ll need to tick. First, you must be employed or actively seeking work when you become disabled. So if you’re lounging on the couch and haven’t been job-hunting, it’s a no-go. But if you’ve been working or actively job-hunting, then you’re on the right track.

Next, there’s a financial aspect. You’ve got to have earned at least $300 from which State Disability Insurance (SDI) deductions were withheld during a previous period. Basically, if you’ve been working and SDI was taken out of your paycheck, you’re probably set. Other factors include how long you’ve worked, if you’re under medical care, or if you’re experiencing simultaneous unemployment benefit payments.

Short Term vs. Long Term Disability Benefits

Short term disability benefits (STD benefits, not to be confused with SDI, or State Disability Insurance) kick in when you’re temporarily unable to work. Imagine spraining an ankle or catching a severe flu—events that knock you off your feet, but won’t last forever. Generally, STD benefits in California can last up to 52 weeks, but the exact duration often hinges on the medical info provided. 

Long term disability (LTD) benefits apply when the medical situation is more permanent. Serious conditions—heart disease, mental health challenges, certain types of cancer, etc.—can fall under this category. LTD doesn’t kick off instantly; there’s a waiting period after your short term benefits run out.

Also, while STD is state-managed, LTD often comes from private insurance. So, while they work hand-in-hand, you should make sure you’re meeting the requirements of both parties.

Duration and Limits of Disability Coverage

For STD, you could be looking at up to 52 weeks of disability benefit payments. But that’s assuming your medical documentation supports this duration. It’s not a fixed period; it’s more of an “up-to” 52 weeks, but could be any number of weeks below that.

LTD typically starts after STD runs its course and can last for years, depending on the policy’s terms. Some policies might cover you for a set number of years, while others might extend until retirement age or even for life. Again, it varies based on the policy specifics and the nature of your disability. 

Determining Benefit Amounts

How much can you expect to get in your SDI payment? It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer; the benefit amount hinges on a blend of factors. The most prominent one is your past earnings—getting repaid with some of what you’ve put into SDI deductions from your paycheck.

The State of California takes an average of your highest-earning quarter in a defined base period—typically 12 months before your disability. This average is then used to calculate your weekly benefit amount. But hold on, there’s a cap! As of my last update in 2022, the maximum weekly amount is around $1,357. Still, most folks get about 60-70% of their usual salary.

A couple of other things can affect your benefits—like other income sources or if you’re able to work part-time. But the gist is this: the goal is to partially replace lost wages, ensuring you stay afloat during tough times.

Tax Implications of Disability Payments

For the most part, in California, state disability benefits are considered taxable income by the federal government, so expect taxes from the federal government. However, California doesn’t tax SDI benefits at the state level—just the federal government.

What about private long term disability insurance? The benefits typically aren’t taxable if you paid your insurance premiums with after-tax dollars. Conversely, those benefits might be taxable if your employer footed the bill or used pre-tax dollars.

Medical Documentation: What’s Required?

A licensed physician or a qualified medical professional must certify your disability. Documents for this process usually include details about your condition, its severity, and an estimation of how long you’re expected to be out of commission. 

Consistent follow-ups with your healthcare provider are often required to maintain your benefits. Think of it as a periodic check-in, ensuring everything is on track and aligning with the initial prognosis. Plus, these regular updates identify if/when a return to work is feasible.

Appealing a Denied Disability Claim

If your disability claim gets denied, it’s disheartening, but it’s not the end of the road. There’s an appeal process in place, and you’ve got rights.

When you receive a denial, the first step is to understand why. The reason for denial is typically outlined in the decision letter. From there, you’ve got a limited window—usually about 20 days—to appeal the decision.

Gathering additional evidence can be your ace in the hole. This might mean more medical records, specialists’ letters, or even colleagues’ testimony about how your disability affects your work. It’s crucial to be thorough, timely, and persistent. And remember, seeking assistance—from legal experts or advocates—can often tip the scales in your favor.

Frequently Asked Questions about CA Disability

While designed to be supportive, disability benefits can sometimes feel like a maze of regulations, terms, and procedures. Let’s tackle some of the most common queries about CA Disability.

1. How Soon Can I Get Benefits After Applying?

Once you’ve submitted your application—and assuming all documentation is in order—you could start seeing payments as early as two weeks. But remember—timeliness largely depends on the accuracy and completeness of your application.

2. Can I Work While Receiving Disability Benefits?

Yes, but there’s an “earnings ceiling” that may result in you receiving a lower benefit amount if you earn more than a certain amount.

3. What if I’ve Moved out of California?

Even if you’ve moved out of state, as long as you earned your wages in California and meet the other eligibility criteria, you can still apply for and receive CA Disability benefits.

4. Do Pregnancy and Childbirth Qualify for Benefits?

Yes. Many mothers take advantage of benefits during their maternity leave as they recover from pregnancy and childbirth complications.

5. How is the Benefit Amount Calculated?

Your benefit amount is determined by your past earnings, specifically looking at a base period before your disability began. The state will calculate an average based on this and provide you with a percentage of that average as your weekly benefit.

6. What’s the Maximum Duration for these Benefits?

For short term disability, the maximum duration is typically up to 52 weeks. However, the actual duration will hinge on your medical documentation and the nature of your disability.

7. Do I Need to Regularly Update the State about my Condition?

Yes, regular medical evaluations are essential to ensure you continue to qualify for benefits. Plus, these updates can determine if adjustments to your benefits are needed or if a return to work is on the horizon.

Is Private Insurance Right for Me?

We recommend that, when possible, you should apply for both private insurance and state benefits. Here are some points that private insurance covers but that state insurance may not:

1. Coverage Gap

CA state disability typically covers 60-70% of your income. Private insurance can supplement this, offering closer to full salary protection.

2. Benefit Duration

State disability benefits generally last up to 52 weeks. Private long-term policies can extend coverage for years or up to retirement.

3. Customization

Private policies often provide tailored features like specific riders or cost-of-living adjustments.

4. Cost Implications

While offering more extensive benefits, private insurance comes with premiums. Assessing their affordability is crucial.

5. Occupation-Specific Risks

Private insurance can offer specialized coverage for those in high-risk or physically demanding jobs, considering profession-specific vulnerabilities.

6. Flexibility

Private disability benefits typically have fewer restrictions, allowing more freedom in using funds.

7. Additional Security

Private insurance is an extra financial buffer, providing enhanced protection against unforeseen challenges.

Understanding Other Issues

Fraud

Fraud in the disability benefits system occurs when an individual knowingly provides false information, omits crucial details, or misleads the authorities to gain undeserved benefits. Such actions not only jeopardize the individual’s current and future claims but also strain the resources meant for those genuinely in need. For instance, someone might exaggerate their condition, continue to claim benefits while working covertly, or use someone else’s identity to file a claim.

The consequences of such deceit can be severe. It can lead to disqualification from the program, mandatory repayment of unduly received funds, hefty fines, and in extreme cases, legal prosecution. Beyond the tangible penalties, committing fraud tarnishes one’s reputation, making future financial or job-related endeavors more challenging.

Overpayment

On the other side of the spectrum is overpayment, a situation where beneficiaries receive more funds than they’re entitled to. Unlike fraud, overpayment doesn’t always stem from malicious intent. Sometimes, it’s due to administrative errors, delayed reporting of changes in one’s medical or employment status, or misunderstandings about eligibility requirements. However, regardless of its cause, overpayment is a debt that must be repaid.

If you ever find yourself in an overpayment situation, it’s crucial to act promptly. Informing the concerned authorities, understanding the cause of overpayment, and setting up a repayment plan can mitigate potential repercussions. Remember, while inadvertent overpayment is not fraudulent by nature, intentionally not reporting it can cross into the territory of deceit.

You Don’t Have to Do it Alone

Benefits.com offers free counseling to help clarify the process, answer questions, and steer you toward the right choices. Don’t leave your benefits to chance; get informed, empowered, and confident in your decisions. Connect with us today and secure the support you rightfully deserve.

Understanding California’s SNAP Program: An Overview

SNAP—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, sometimes called food stamps—is a lifeline for many Californians. It’s a federal aid program that helps low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food with SNAP benefits. California has its own version, known as CalFresh, as part of California’s disability benefits.

But not everyone knows they might qualify. Maybe you’ve recently faced a change in your income, your family size has grown, you’re now a student, or you’ve just retired. No matter the circumstance, it’s worth checking if you can get a hand with your grocery bills. That’s where eligibility comes into play—and it’s more varied than you might think.

Eligibility Criteria: Income and Household Size

The first thing CalFresh looks at is your household size and income. This CalFresh Eligibility Criteria depends on the size of your household. For a household of one, the monthly income limit (before taxes) is $1,580. But as the number of people in your home increases, so does the income cap. So, larger families can earn more and still be eligible.

CalFresh also looks at expenses, like rent, utilities, and childcare. This means that even if your income slightly exceeds the income limit, certain deductions might still bring you into the eligible zone. It’s a balancing act between what you earn and what you spend. 

Now, for households with members who are elderly or have disabilities, there’s more flexibility in the income limit. They get a little extra consideration—because we know life throws unexpected challenges, and every bit of support can make a difference.

Lastly, even if you don’t qualify for CalFresh food benefits, California has other food assistance programs and food banks you might be eligible for. So, don’t get discouraged; explore every avenue. In the end, the goal is to ensure no California resident goes hungry. And that’s a mission we can all get behind.

Asset Limits: Understanding What’s Considered

When assessing CalFresh eligibility, one important factor is the value of an applicant’s assets. Assets refer to items of value, such as bank balances, stocks, and some types of property. However, not all assets will affect your eligibility. Assets do not include your primary residence or vehicle; many retirement savings (401(k)s or IRAs) often don’t count, either.

*If you own multiple residences, make sure they’re all listed.

When there is a household member 60+ years old and/or someone with disabilities, there’s often an exemption from the asset test, to recognize the unique challenges faced by seniors and those with disabilities.

Documentation: Verifying Your Eligibility

When you apply for CalFresh, providing the correct documentation is essential to ensure the process goes smoothly. This documentation will verify the information you’ve provided and demonstrate your eligibility for the program.

For income verification, applicants may need to present recent pay stubs. Those who are self-employed might need to provide a recent tax return. Proof of residency, which can be substantiated with utility bills or a lease agreement, is also required. Additionally, a valid form of identification—driver’s license, passport, etc—is necessary. If your household includes members who are elderly or have disabilities, further documentation (such as medical records or Social Security statements) might be required to confirm those details.

Benefit Calculation: Determining Your Assistance Amount

The amount of assistance provided by the CalFresh program isn’t one-size-fits-all. It varies based on several factors, primarily considering your household’s size and net monthly income. Here’s how it works:

The CalFresh program employs a formula to ascertain the amount of benefits you’re eligible to receive. It begins by determining your household’s gross income, which should be below a specific threshold set for your household size. After certain allowable deductions—such as housing, childcare, and some medical expenses for elderly or disabled members—are subtracted, the resulting net income is used to calculate your monthly benefit amount.

If you are a veteran, you may qualify for more food bank benefits. Because of California veteran benefits, you may be entitled to extra help.

While this might sound complex, the Department of Social Services provides tools and resources to help applicants understand potential benefits. By accessing these tools, you can get a clearer picture of what to expect and better plan your monthly budget.

Using Your SNAP Benefits: Guidelines and Restrictions

If you’re approved, you’ll receive SNAP benefits via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which functions similarly to a debit card.

Benefits through CalFresh help households purchase nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, bread, grains, and seeds and plants that produce food.

However, there are certain restrictions. CalFresh benefits cannot be used to buy non-food items such as toiletries, pet food, alcoholic beverages, or tobacco. Prepared hot foods or meals ready for immediate consumption are typically also off-limits.

Being aware of these guidelines ensures you maximize the program’s benefits, helping nourish your household with the essential food items it needs. It’s a step towards healthier living and financial stability.

Maintaining Eligibility: Reporting Changes and Renewals

Continued access to CalFresh benefits requires recipients to maintain their eligibility. But life is ever-evolving—circumstances change, and knowing how these changes might affect your status within the program is vital.

Firstly, any significant change in your household—such as an increase or decrease in income, household size, or rent or utility costs—should be reported promptly. Doing so ensures your benefit amount remains accurate and aligns with your current situation.

Periodic renewals are also a component of the CalFresh program. These are essentially check-ins, where recipients are asked to verify their current information and confirm their ongoing eligibility. The Department of Social Services typically sends out notifications, guiding recipients on the renewal process and any documentation that might be required.

Rights and Responsibilities of SNAP Recipients

Being approved once for SNAP benefits is not an automatic guarantee of future benefits. Maintaining these benefits requires honesty. Providing accurate and up-to-date information—both during the initial application and throughout your time in the program—is crucial. Engaging in fraud or misuse can lead to disqualification and possible legal ramifications.

Moreover, regular check-ins and compliance with program guidelines underscore a commitment to the broader community of recipients who rely on CalFresh to meet their nutritional needs.

On the flip side, you aren’t helpless if you’ve been discriminated against. Every recipient of CalFresh/SNAP benefits has the right to be treated fairly. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file grievances and seek resolution.

Common Misconceptions about California’s SNAP Benefits

When it comes to CalFresh, misinformation can abound. Here are some of the most common we’ve identified:

Myth 1: Using CalFresh takes away benefits from someone else in need

In reality, the program is designed to support all who qualify—there isn’t a finite “pot” of benefits. Another misconception is that CalFresh benefits can be used for any purchase. As outlined earlier, there are specific guidelines on eligible items to ensure funds are spent on nutritious food.

Myth 2: Having savings or assets instantly disqualifies you.

While there are asset limits, not all assets count, and many households may still be eligible. If asset size exceeds the limit, it’s not an immediate disqualification; it may just lower how much you can get, not remove the money entirely.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the financial intricacies of programs like CalFresh can be daunting. However, armed with accurate information and a clear understanding, you’re better positioned to tap into resources that can significantly impact your daily life.

If you’re looking for financial assistance or want to explore your options, don’t navigate these waters alone. Benefits.com is here to help you get the best benefit plan for you! See if you qualify for our free expert advice. Our dedicated team is here to guide, inform, and support you every step of the way. Let us help you unlock the potential benefits and peace of mind you deserve.

Understanding Cancer and Its Impact on Veterans

Cancer is a formidable adversary, and for our nation’s veterans, the battle against this disease can be especially challenging. It’s is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It can manifest in various forms, affecting different organs and systems, with each type having its own characteristics and challenges. Veterans, like the general population, can be diagnosed with a wide range of cancers, including but not limited to lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer.

The prevalence of cancer in veterans is a matter of concern, given potential exposures to carcinogens during their military service. For example, some veterans may have encountered hazardous materials or been exposed to radiation, factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer later in life.

Furthermore, the physical and emotional toll of cancer can be uniquely challenging for veterans who have already faced the demands of military service. These individuals often exhibit remarkable resilience, but they may encounter distinctive healthcare needs and considerations when dealing with cancer.

What Is Remission in Cancer?

Cancer, a diagnosis that brings fear and uncertainty, often follows an intense journey of treatment, hope, and resilience. In this section, we shed light on a term of paramount importance in the world of cancer: remission.

Remission is a term used to describe a state in which the signs and symptoms of cancer have diminished, or in some cases, disappeared completely. It is a momentous milestone in the cancer journey, signifying that the cancer treatment and medical interventions have been effective in controlling the disease.

There are two primary types of remission:

• Partial Remission: In partial remission, some but not all signs and symptoms of cancer have improved. It implies that cancer is still present, but it is not as active or widespread as before.
• Complete Remission: Complete remission is a term used when all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. However, it’s important to note that the term “cure” is typically not used in oncology until a significant amount of time has passed without any cancer recurrence.

Understanding the concept of remission is crucial for veterans dealing with cancer, as it directly impacts their experience with the VA’s disability rating system. 

Overview of the VA Disability Rating System

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a comprehensive disability rating system designed to provide compensation and support to veterans who are suffering from a military service connected disability, including those stemming from cancer. In this section, we’ll provide a foundational understanding of this critical system.

The VA rating system plays a pivotal role in determining the level of financial assistance and healthcare benefits veterans receive. It operates on a scale from 0% to 100%, with ratings given in increments of 10. These ratings represent the degree to which a veteran’s disability impairs their ability to function in daily life.

When veterans apply for VA disability compensation, their medical records, along with their service history, are meticulously reviewed for the VA claim. The VA assesses how these disabilities affect their overall quality of life. For cancer survivors, both the impact of the cancer itself and the cancer treatment are crucial considerations in this process.

Understanding the VA’s disability rating system is the first step in comprehending how it addresses cancer-related disabilities, including those in remission. 

How the VA Rates Cancer Disabilities

The process of determining disability ratings for cancer-related conditions by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is highly structured, aiming to ensure fair VA disability compensation for veterans who have endured the challenges of cancer. In this section, we’ll explore the intricate details of how the VA assesses and rates these disabilities.

Cancer disabilities are evaluated based on several key factors:

• Type and Site of Cancer: The VA takes into account the specific type of cancer and its primary site in the body. Different cancers can have varying effects on an individual’s ability to function, leading to diverse disability ratings.
• Stage and Progression: The stage at which cancer is diagnosed and its progression over time are pivotal considerations. Later-stage cancers or those with aggressive growth are typically rated higher, reflecting their greater impact on daily life.
• Treatment Side Effects: Many cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can lead to debilitating side effects. These side effects are also assessed for their influence on a veteran’s functional capacity.
• Impact on Daily Life: The core objective of the VA disability rating system is to gauge how the cancer and its treatment affect a veteran’s daily life, taking both physical health and mental health into consideration. This includes assessing the ability to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain relationships.

It’s crucial for veterans to provide comprehensive medical evidence and records and detailed information about their cancer diagnosis and treatment when applying for disability benefits. The more detailed the information, the more accurate the VA disability rating will be, ensuring that veterans receive the appropriate level of special monthly compensation and support for their unique circumstances. 

How The Claims Process Helps You

Navigating the complex landscape of VA disability claims can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with cancer-related disabilities. In this section, we will guide veterans through the step-by-step process of applying for disability benefits and offer valuable insights to ensure a smooth journey.

• Gather All Relevant Medical Evidence: The foundation of a successful claim is a comprehensive set of medical records documenting the cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the resulting disabilities. Veterans should collaborate with their healthcare providers to compile all relevant documents.
• Submit a Fully Developed Claim (FDC): Veterans can expedite the claims process by submitting a Fully Developed Claim (FDC). This entails submitting all necessary evidence upfront, which can lead to quicker decisions.
• File Your Claim: Veterans can file a claim through the VA’s online portal, in person at a local VA office, or by mail. Ensuring that the VA claim is complete and accurate is crucial, as any missing information can lead to delays.
• The Compensation and Pension (C&P) Examination: In many cases, the VA will schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination to assess the extent of the disability. This examination is a critical part of the process and helps determine the VA rating.
• Receive the Decision: After reviewing the evidence and the results of the C&P examination, the VA will issue a decision, granting or denying disability benefits. If the claim is approved, veterans will receive their disability rating and the associated compensation.
• Appealing a Denied Claim: If the claim is denied, veterans have the right to appeal the decision. It’s essential to review the denial letter carefully, identify the reasons for denial, and work with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or an attorney to prepare a strong appeal.

Navigating the VA disability claims process can be challenging, but with careful attention to detail and persistence, veterans can secure the benefits they deserve, especially when dealing with cancer-related disabilities.

How Can Benefits.com Help Me?

Benefits.com is an organization dedicated to helping veterans get the benefits they deserve. Here are some of the ways we can help you:

• Expert Guidance: Benefits.com can provide expert guidance throughout the claims process, ensuring that veterans have a clear understanding of the steps involved and the documentation required.
• Claims Preparation: We assist veterans in compiling comprehensive and accurate claims of disability and service connection, reducing the chances of denials due to missing information.
• Appeal Assistance: In the event of a denied claim, we can help veterans prepare strong appeals, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
• Reducing Stress: Support alleviates the stress and administrative burden veterans may face when dealing with the VA, allowing veterans to focus on their health and well-being.

Understanding what benefits you qualify for and how to get them can be complicated. Having someone like Benefits.com help guide you through the process can help you ensure you get everything right and get the best VA benefit plan! Check us out today to start on your benefits journey. 

If you’re a Social Security beneficiary or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient, you may be wondering what changes to expect in 2024 with the living increase. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), there will be a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2024.

The COLA is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2022 through the third quarter of 2023. The CPI-W measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services.

It’s important to note that some people receive both Social Security checks and SSI benefits, and increased payments to approximately 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 29, 2023. If you need to calculate social security benefits, you will want to better understand the SSA COLA for 2024.

Understanding SSA COLA 2024

If you are a recipient of Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments, you may be wondering what the Cost-of-Living Adjustment is and how it affects your benefits. Simply put, COLA is a Social Security increase in your benefits that helps to offset the effects of inflation and maintain your purchasing power.

The COLA is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers from the third quarter of the previous year through the third quarter of the current year. For 2024, the COLA will be 3.2%, which means that your Social Security checks and SSI benefits will increase by that percentage.

The SSA sends COLA notices throughout December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. These notices inform you of your new payment and benefits for the new year. You can also view your new benefit amount by using a My Social Security account.

It’s worth noting that the COLA increase also affects the taxable maximum, which is the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes. In 2024, the taxable maximum will increase to $154,800, up from $142,800 in 2023.

Importance of Cost-of-Living Adjustment

COLA is an annual adjustment made to your Social Security benefits to help maintain your purchasing power in the face of inflation. Without COLA, your benefits would remain the same, but the cost of goods and services would increase, making it more difficult for you to afford your daily needs.

For retirees, COLA is especially important as it helps to ensure that their Social Security retirement benefits keep pace with the rising cost of living. This means that you can continue to receive the same Social Security check but with an additional adjustment to account for inflation.

For beneficiaries who receive Social Security payments due to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or survivorship, COLA is also essential. These payments can help cover medical expenses, housing, and other necessities, and COLA ensures that the purchasing power of these payments remains intact.

Factors Influencing SSA COLA 2024

The Social Security Administration determines the Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits each year based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of the previous year through the third quarter of the current year. The CPI-W is a measure of the average price of goods and services purchased by urban wage earners and clerical workers. Here are some of the factors that influence the determination of the COLA adjustment for 2024:

Inflation

Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and it is one of the most important factors that influence the COLA adjustment. The CPI-W measures the inflation rate for urban wage earners and clerical workers, and it is used to calculate the COLA adjustment for Social Security and SSI benefits. If the inflation rate is high, the COLA adjustment will be higher, and if the inflation rate is low, the COLA adjustment will be lower. Either way, COLA and inflation are connected.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are one of the components of the CPI-W, and they can have a significant impact on the inflation rate. If gas prices are high, the inflation rate will be higher, and if gas prices are low, the inflation rate will be lower. This can have an impact on the COLA adjustment, as higher inflation rates will result in higher COLA adjustments.

Medical Costs

Medical costs are another component of the CPI-W, and they can also have a significant impact on the inflation rate. If medical costs are high, the inflation rate will be higher, and if medical costs are low, the inflation rate will be lower. This can have an impact on the COLA adjustment, as higher inflation rates will result in higher COLA adjustments.

Income

Income can also have an impact on the COLA adjustment for SSI recipients. SSI benefits are means-tested, which means that the amount of the benefit is reduced as the recipient’s income increases. If the recipient’s income increases, the COLA adjustment may be lower, as the benefit amount will already be reduced due to the increase in income.

It is important to note that the COLA adjustment is determined based on a complex formula that takes into account many different economic indicators and metrics. While the factors listed above are some of the most important, many other factors can influence the determination of the COLA adjustment for 2024.

Calculating the SSA COLA 2024 Adjustment

To calculate the Social Security Administration Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2024, the SSA uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, which is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The CPI-W measures the changes in the prices of goods and services that urban wage earners and clerical workers purchase.

The COLA is calculated by comparing the average CPI-W for the third quarter of the current year to the average CPI-W for the third quarter of the previous year. If the average CPI-W for the current year is higher than the previous year, then the COLA is equal to the percentage increase rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent. If the average CPI-W is the same or lower, then there is no COLA.

Implications for Social Security Recipients

The SSA COLA 2024 can have a significant impact on your livelihood, especially if you are living on a fixed income. The increase in benefits can help you keep up with the rising cost of living, such as housing, food, and healthcare expenses. This can help you maintain your standard of living and avoid falling into poverty.

However, it is important to note that the SSA COLA 2024 may not be enough to cover all of your expenses. For example, if you are facing high healthcare costs or live in an area with a high cost of living, you may still struggle to make ends meet. It is important to budget your money wisely and seek assistance if needed.

In addition, it is important to be aware of the financial well-being impact of the SSA COLA 2024. For example, if you are receiving Medicare benefits, your premiums may increase as well. It is important to review your Medicare plan and budget accordingly.

Future Outlook for SSA COLA

You may be wondering what the future holds for SSA COLA adjustments beyond 2024. While it is impossible to predict with certainty, some factors may influence future adjustments.

One important factor is the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is used to calculate the COLA. The CPI measures the price of a basket of goods and services and is subject to fluctuations. If the CPI rises significantly, then Social Security recipients may see a larger COLA adjustment.

Another factor to consider is the financial health of the Social Security program. The program is funded through payroll taxes, and if there are not enough funds to pay benefits, adjustments may be reduced or delayed. It is important to note that the Social Security Trustees report that the program is projected to be able to pay full benefits until 2033, after which it may only be able to pay about 76% of scheduled benefits.

Finally, changes to legislation or policy may impact future COLA projections. For example, there have been proposals to change the way the COLA is calculated or to increase the minimum benefit for low-income individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Social Security Administration has announced a 3.2% increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for 2024. This cost-of-living adjustment is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2022 through the third quarter of 2023.

The COLA helps to offset the increasing costs of goods and services, allowing beneficiaries to maintain their purchasing power. COLA notices will be mailed throughout December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees.

If you have not already done so, we encourage you to create a My Social Security account to access your benefits information, earnings history, and COLA notices. You can also opt out of receiving paper notices and sign up for email alerts through your Message Center.

It is important to note that the taxable maximum for Social Security wages will also increase in 2024, from $147,000 to $156,000. This means that high earners will pay more into the Social Security system, helping to ensure its long-term sustainability.

When you need help understanding your Social Security benefits, Benefits.com is here to help you with related articles and professional assistance to learn how to apply for benefits. Get the answers you need today!

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a deeply disturbing experience that overwhelms someone’s ability to cope. It produces feelings of helplessness, diminishing sense of self, and difficulty feeling a full range of emotions. This profound psychological distress can result from various incidents—from natural disasters to personal assaults—and can have lasting effects.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of triggers related to the trauma.

Symptoms of PTSD vary from person to person, but common ones include intrusive memories, negative changes in mood and thinking, hyperarousal (constant over-awareness), and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. These symptoms can significantly impact a veteran’s daily life and functioning.

For example, a veteran with PTSD may have difficulty sleeping due to nightmares and intrusive memories. They may also experience heightened anxiety and hypervigilance, making relaxing or feeling safe in their surroundings challenging. Additionally, they may avoid situations or places that remind them of the traumatic event, limiting their ability to engage in normal activities. Understanding the unique experiences and symptoms of PTSD in veterans is crucial to providing effective treatment and support.

PTSD Symptoms & Diagnosis

The PTSD symptom list can be grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. These symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person. They can cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships while also interfering with one’s ability to perform daily tasks.

For a PTSD diagnosis, an adult must have all of the following for at least one month: at least one re-experiencing PTSD symptom, at least one avoidance symptom, two cognition and mood PTSD symptoms, and two arousal and reactivity PTSD symptoms. Children and teenagers can have different symptoms than adults, including ones relating to play or friendships.

The Unique Experience of PTSD in Veterans

PTSD in veterans is a complex issue that deserves attention due to the unique challenges of their service. These challenges can range from reintegration into civilian life to ongoing physical and psychological trauma. Understanding and addressing PTSD in veterans is crucial for providing them with the support and care they need.

Why are Veterans More Susceptible to PTSD?

Veterans are more susceptible to PTSD because of experiences during military service. They may have been exposed to intense combat situations, witnessed the death or injury of comrades, and endured prolonged periods of stress and fear. These traumatic events can profoundly impact mental and emotional well-being, increasing PTSD prevalence among veterans. Additionally, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and the stigma surrounding mental health in the military can further compound the risk of PTSD in vets.

Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD (DSM-5)

The DSM-5 criteria for PTSD involve exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence. These events must also create persistent re-experiencing of the trauma, avoidance of stimuli related to the trauma, negative alterations in cognitions or mood, and heightened arousal and reactivity.

Overview of DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Veterans’ PTSD Ratings

For veterans, PTSD ratings follow the DSM-5 criteria, where it’s observed if the veteran has been exposed to a traumatic event, followed by PTSD symptoms. Depending on the symptom severity, veterans can get a disability rating from 0% to 100%.

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD include exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. This exposure must lead to persistent re-experiencing of the trauma, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative changes in mood and thinking, and heightened arousal and reactivity. Veterans’ PTSD ratings are based on these criteria, with disability ratings ranging from 0% to 100%, depending on the severity of symptoms.

PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)

PCL-5 is a 20-item self-report that assesses the DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. It has a “past week” and “past month” version, which include items such as:

1. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence
2. Intrusive memories of the traumatic event
3. Nightmares related to the trauma
4. Flashbacks or dissociative reactions
5. Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli
6. Negative alterations in mood and thinking
7. Difficulty remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
8. Persistent negative emotional state
9. Loss of interest or participation in significant activities
10. Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
11. Persistent inability to experience positive emotions
12. Irritability and angry outbursts
13. Reckless or self-destructive behavior
14. Hypervigilance
15. Exaggerated startle response
16. Problems with concentration
17. Sleep disturbances
18. Duration of symptoms for at least one month
19. Significant distress or impairment in functioning
20. Symptoms not attributable to substance use or other medical conditions

What Causes PTSD to be Triggered in Veterans?

Combat exposure, physical injury, seeing others being harmed, or extreme fear can trigger PTSD in veterans.

These experiences can activate the body’s stress response system, causing profound psychological and emotional distress. The impact of these triggers can vary from person to person, but they often contribute to the development and exacerbation of PTSD symptoms in veterans.

The DSM-5’s PTSD Criteria

Criterion A: Stressor

The person was exposed to or threatened with death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Exposure occurs via direct contact, witnessing the trauma, learning that a relative or close friend was exposed to it, or indirect exposure to aversive details of the trauma (for example, first responders may develop PTSD from repeatedly witnessing/hearing about traumatic situations, even if the event(s) didn’t happen to them).

Criterion B: Intrusion Symptoms

The traumatic event is persistently re-experienced, often in the following ways: unwanted upsetting memories, nightmares, flashbacks, emotional distress after exposure to traumatic reminders, and physical reactivity after exposure to traumatic reminders.

Criterion C: Avoidance

Avoiding trauma-related stimuli after the trauma—such as trauma-related thoughts or feelings or trauma-related reminders—is a key symptom of PTSD. In veterans, this may manifest as an aversion to crowds and fireworks, as both can be reminders of busy, loud combat situations.

Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognitions and mood (two required)

At least two of the following are required to confirm a connection to PTSD:

• Negative thought and mood changes connected to the traumatic event (like inability to recall key features of the trauma)
• Overly negative thoughts and assumptions about oneself or the world
• Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the trauma
• Negative affect (a term for emotional distress that causes a wide range of negative emotions)
• Decreased interest in activities
• Feeling isolated
• Difficulty experiencing positive affect

Criterion E: Alterations in arousal and reactivity

The vet or individual demonstrates trauma-related arousal and reactivity changes like:

• Irritability or aggression
• Risky or destructive behavior
• Hypervigilance
• Heightened startle reaction
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping

Criterion F: Duration

Symptoms must last for more than one month.

Criterion G: Functional significance

Symptoms create distress or functional impairment, like in social, occupational, or other important areas.

Criterion H: Exclusion

Symptoms are not due to medication, substance use, or other illness. In other words, PTSD has developed on its own and won’t go away just by changing the body’s chemistry.

Complex PTSD: An Expansion

What Is Complex PTSD?

Complex PTSD, sometimes known as C-PTSD, indicates a more severe form of PTSD that can occur after prolonged, repeated trauma, like ongoing domestic abuse, childhood neglect, or torture. People with C-PTSD often encounter additional symptoms, including difficulties with emotional regulation, negative self-concept, and difficulties in relationships.

Other Types of PTSD

There are typically four types of PTSD, as identified by the DSM-5: normal stress response, acute stress disorder, uncomplicated PTSD, and complex PTSD.

The first type, the normal stress response, typically involves transient symptoms that resolve within a few days or weeks following a traumatic incident. 

Acute stress disorder, the second type, manifests as severe anxiety and dissociative symptoms within one month of exposure to trauma. With timely intervention, individuals with acute stress disorder often recover within a short period. 

Uncomplicated PTSD, the third type, encompasses persistent re-experiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance, and heightened arousal, lasting beyond one month. These symptoms can significantly impact daily functioning and require targeted therapeutic interventions for resolution. 

Finally, complex PTSD, the fourth type, involves prolonged exposure to trauma, often within interpersonal relationships, leading to a broader range of symptoms, including emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and a distorted self-perception. 

Treatment and Coping Mechanisms

The primary treatment for both PTSD and Complex PTSD is psychotherapy, which could be conducted in a group or one-to-one setting. Medication, such as antidepressants, may also be used to manage specific symptoms.

Coping mechanisms for PTSD include mindfulness techniques, physical activity, structured routines, and social support networks amongst others. The difficulty is that what works for one person might not work for another, which is why personalized treatment plans are crucial.

The Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line is a vital resource for veterans dealing with PTSD or any other crisis. It provides confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact them through their website: Veterans Crisis Line. 

And feel free to contact us here at Benefits.com for help too! We are not a crisis hotline but we do have resources to direct you to the help you need if you have any questions, need further information, or simply need someone to talk to.

In the US, over 34 million people are food insecure, with approximately one in eight children starving daily. Hunger was a significant issue in the US, so the Roosevelt administration created the Food Stamp program in 1939. Since its creation, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been one of the US’s most effective federal nutrition assistance programs.

The program helps many Americans, especially in Texas, put food on their tables. This initiative is in place across the entire country, but every state administers it differently, and the SNAP benefits in Texas are vital for many families.

Understanding SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a government initiative offering a sliding scale of income designated for food to low-income working families, people with disabilities, low-wage seniors, and others with low incomes.

Every household member may receive an average monthly SNAP benefit of $129. However, individuals living below the poverty line tend to get more SNAP benefits than those closer to the poverty line.

The poverty line is the minimum income you can earn to qualify for various government benefits and programs, and it differs from state to state. The lower you’re on your state’s poverty line, the more government aid you’ll receive because your income level is too low to support your financial needs.

The SNAP benefits endeavor to offer financial assistance for nutritional needs for low-income individuals and families, hoping they’ll afford other basic needs, like utilities, rent, medical bills, and transportation. Essentially, SNAP benefits help people buy food to maintain a healthy life. These benefits can also be used to purchase garden seeds.

SNAP benefits are put on a Lone Star Card, and you can use them like any other credit card at any store that accepts SNAP. You can’t use SNAP food benefits to:

• Buy alcoholic drinks.
• Buy Tobacco.
• Pay the food bills you owe.
• Buy things you can’t drink or eat.

Also, you can use your SNAP food benefits to buy food online.

Eligibility Requirements in Texas: 

Eligibility for Texas SNAP benefits largely depends on household and income composition. SNAP eligibility requirements in Texas include:

• Individuals who don’t have a lot of money and meet SNAP rules.
• Most people aged between 18 and 49 with no children in their homes can qualify for SNAP benefits for only three months in three years. (Note: The benefits period may be extended if the individual works at least 20 hours a week or is in a training or job program. Some people may not have to work to qualify for SNAP benefits, especially those with disabilities or who are pregnant.)
• Households with people with disabilities or older adults (60 or older) may qualify to participate in the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP). That makes the SNAP application process easier and offers three years of food benefits at a time instead of the usual six months. 

For a general idea of income limits for SNAP eligibility in Texas, the table below outlines the maximum monthly income thresholds for various family sizes:

For every additional person, you’ll receive $649.

Work requirements also apply to persons aged 16 to 59 seeking SNAP food benefits. These requirements require individuals to seek employment or actively participate in approved work programs. Applicants with a job can’t voluntarily leave work without a valid reason.

Besides Texas SNAP income limits, the SNAP food program determines monthly payment amounts based on family size. The table below offers a summary of the maximum monthly SNAP food benefit amounts:

For every additional individual, add $211.

It’s vital to note that these figures represent basic guidelines, and different circumstances may necessitate further assessment by the SNAP program.

These benefits support vulnerable families by ensuring they access balanced and nutritious food. If you meet the above income requirements or have questions concerning your eligibility, contact us for personalized assistance and detailed information on SNAP benefits eligibility requirements. 

Don’t forget that SNAP benefits are meant to alleviate food insecurity and foster well-being among vulnerable communities, offering a lifeline to families striving for a better future.

To qualify for SNAP benefits in Texas, you must also meet the following resource limits:

• Total household resources shouldn’t exceed $5,000, including excess vehicle value and liquid resources.
• Liquid resources include money in checking or savings accounts, cash on hand, stocks, bonds, or savings certificates.
• The fair market value of one motor vehicle up to $15,000 is excluded, but any value more than that counts towards the $5,000 total resource limit.
• $4,650 of the fair market of the second vehicle is excluded, but any value more than that counts towards the $5,000 total resources limit.
• Fair market value doesn’t consider the amount of equity a family has in the vehicle but the car’s actual value.

Income Guidelines and Limits

There are three key eligibility assessments for SNAP food benefits: the net income, the gross income, and the asset tests. Based on your state and if your family has a person with a disability or who is 60 or older, your family might be excused from net income, gross income, and asset tests. Texas extends its eligibility beyond the standard federal SNAP benefit eligibility requirements.

Although the asset and gross income tests are clear, net income is pretty difficult to determine. Let’s dive into a detailed analysis to help you determine if you’re eligible for Texas SNAP benefits based on your income:

Gross Income Requirements

Gross income refers to the total monthly family income before taxation, including self-employment, job, and other payments like disability, social security, worker’s compensation, child support, pension, and unemployment income. 

Note: If your household has an individual who is 60 years or older or is disabled but is over the gross income limit in the table below, the family can instead qualify for SNAP benefits by meeting the net income and asset tests.

The gross income requirement is often 165% of the federal poverty line.

Here’s how to calculate SNAP gross income:

Net Income Requirements and Limits:

You can obtain this figure by subtracting deductions from your gross income. SNAP benefit amounts in Texas depend on a household’s net income. $100 more in net monthly income often equals $30 less in SNAP food benefits.

Note: Households with a person who is 60 or older or with a disability only have to pass the net income test if they fail the gross income test above. All other households don’t have to meet this test. Further, SNAP food benefits are based on net income. Thus, even if a family passes all the eligibility requirements, it might still not qualify for SNAP benefits because its net income is too high.

Note: The net income requirement is often 100% of the national poverty line, determining the highest income allowed for SNAP eligibility.

Here’s how to calculate SNAP net income:

Resource or Asset Requirement

It includes all countable resources, including money in bank accounts. Often, a home isn’t considered as a resource.

Note: All households must meet a resource limit of $ 5,000, and families with a person who is 60 years or older or with a disability that didn’t meet the gross income test must meet the resource limit of $4250.

Deductions

• Child support fees: To determine net income, you must subtract any court-ordered child support fees from your gross income.
• Standard medical deductions: You can deduct monthly medical costs for family members with disability or who are 60 or older. To obtain your net income, subtract the total costs (minus $35) with verification.
• Utility allowances: Families can only get one utility stipend. If your family is eligible for multiple utility subsidies, pick the highest allowance. 
• Other deductions: Other exemptions like shelter deductions only apply for the percentage that total shelter expenses surpass household income. 

Individuals and families must consider their net income and check official resources for up-to-date information on SNAP eligibility requirements in Texas. 

Exemptions and Deductions: 

The following exemptions are allowed for SNAP benefits in Texas:

• A 20% deduction from earned income.
• A dependent care exemption when needed for training, work, or education.
• A standard deduction of $198 for families of one to three people (higher for larger families).
• Medical expenses for disabled or elderly family members that are over $35 for the month if they aren’t paid by insurance or someone else. Allowable medical costs include:
  • Most dental and medical expenses, including doctor bills, prescription medication, and other over-the-counter drugs, when approved by a doctor;
  • Inpatient and outpatient hospital costs;
  • Dentures; 
  • Nursing care; and
  • Medically related costs, like some transportation expenses, health insurance premiums, and attendant care

The costs of special diets aren’t allowable medical expenses.

• Legally owed child support fees.
• Excess shelter costs deductions. This includes excess shelter expenses that are more than half of a family’s income after other deductions. Allowable shelter cost deductions include:
  • Electricity
  • Fuel to heat and cook with
  • The basic fee of one telephone
  • Water
  • Rent and mortgage payments and interests
  • Taxes on the home.

The shelter deductions are often capped at $672 unless one family member is disabled or elderly. 

Application Process

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income individuals and families buy foods that can help them stay healthy from local groceries. 

Before you apply for SNAP food benefits in Texas, you must ensure your eligibility:

• Citizenship
• Income requirements
• Employment services.
• Work requirements for persons aged between 18 and 50 years.

You must prepare the following documentation for proof:

• Income proof from your employment, including two recent pay paychecks or stubs, self-employment records, or a statement from your boss.
• Bank accounts, including the most recent statement for all your accounts.
• Medical bills. This includes statements, costs, and receipts from hospitals, doctors, drug stores, and other healthcare providers. These records show the medical expenses you have now and the expenses you’ll have in the future.
• Mortgage or rent costs – Recent check stubs, checks, or statements from your landlord or mortgage bank. Renters must also give their landlord’s name, phone number, and address.
• Dependent care costs. Signed statements or canceled checks from people you pay. Signed statements must show how much and when you pay.
• Child support payments you pay – You must include court documents that show how much you owe for child support. These include court orders, divorce papers, and district clerk records.
• Child support you receive – You must also include district clerk records and letters indicating how much and how often you receive child support. The letter should have the address, name, signature, and phone number of the parent who pays child support.

Many adults aged between 18 and 49 years who don’t have kids can only receive SNAP food benefits for 90 days in three years. However, the benefit duration can be extended if an individual works at least 20 hours a week or participates in a training program or job. Again, persons who are pregnant or with disabilities aren’t required to work to get SNAP benefits.

Texans can apply for SNAP food benefits in three ways:

• Online. You can apply for SNAP benefits in Texas at YourTexasBenefits.com. 
• In-person. To apply for SNAP benefits in person, you must take a completed application form to the nearest Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) office. You can get your application form from a local HHS office, call 2-1-1 to send one to you, or download one from YourTexasBenefits.com. 
• Fax. You’ll need to fax your application form to 1-877-477-2839. However, if your application form is two-sided, you must fax both sides. 

You can also apply for SNAP benefits in Texas from a smartphone. That’s because the FAX app can convert a phone into a fax machine, allowing you to fill, sign, and send your SNAP food benefit application form from anywhere. To use your phone to send a SNAP application:

• Download the FAX app from the Google Store or Apple Store and install it on your phone. 
• Fill out your SNAP application and scan it using your phone’s webcam.
• Sign your application form, add a cover sheet, edit, and preview the final document.
• Fill in the fax number 1-877-477-2839 and click the “Send” button to complete the faxing.

To apply for SNAP benefits online, you need to:

• Visit YourTexasBenfits.com and click on the “Apply for Benefits” button.
• Next, set up your account and follow the on-screen instructions to create your username and password.
• Fill out all the required fields on the SNAP application form. You’ll have to provide personal details for all family members, including dates of birth, names, addresses, social security numbers, marriage and education statuses, and contact information. Also, you’ll need to disclose if pregnant people or military personnel are in your household and whether anyone needs help with job interviews. 
• You’ll also need to provide details about existing medical bills, health insurance policies, bank account information, vehicles owned by family members, housing expenses, and the amount of income each family member earns.
• Then, read and sign the required sections.
• Click on the “Submit” button at the end of the application form to submit your application to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which will forward your application to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Once you submit your SNAP application form, the US SNAP office has to decide on your application within 30 days of the submission date.

The SNAP benefits usually are issued from the original date of the application. Applicants have ten days after the interview to provide additional documentation.

If required documents are received between 31 and 60 days from the application date, your claim will be reopened, but your eligibility for SNAP benefits starts when your documents are received.

If eligible for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive a notification on the amount of benefits you’ll receive, the time for which they’re certified, and when SNAP food benefits will become available.

Once your claim is closed, your pick-up date each month is the same as the last digit of your claim number (i.e., Claim F125679 FF will have a pick-up day on the 9th of every month).

Click here to learn about social security income requirements. 

Recertification and Renewal of SNAP Benefits

SNAP benefits ensure that as many individuals and families in the United States can afford to buy healthy and balanced food.

This is one of the most widely received benefits in the US; however, beneficiaries have to ensure they reapply every year so that they continue getting food benefits if they need them and continue getting the right level of benefits for their current situation.

That process is known as recertification, and to carry it out, beneficiaries of SNAP benefits in Texas must submit an application form by the 15th of their latest certification period.

Suppose an individual or family doesn’t contact HHSC by the last business of their certification period to complete an interview. In that case, the renewal of their application is denied on the last business day of their existing certification period using appropriate notice.

Thankfully, the state government often automatically mails a recertification application to any person who might remain potentially eligible for SNAP benefits in Texas.

After you get that application form, you only need to fill it out and submit it back, and if you’re still eligible, you’ll stay on the list to receive SNAP food benefits.

Conclusion: SNAP Benefits Texas Eligibility

People with disabilities, older adults, children, veterans, and employees who don’t earn enough to feed themselves and their families turn to SNAP to help buy food every month. It’s the country’s most efficient anti-hunger initiative.

SNAP buffers the struggles of hard-working individuals and families by offering them funds to buy food and pay for basic needs. It serves as a broad cross-section for low-income Texans. Often, families with incomes below 165% of the Federal poverty level qualify for SNAP benefits in Texas if they also meet the initiative’s rules on citizenship, work requirements, and asset limits. The dollar amount for a household’s SNAP benefits varies based on family size and income.

The United States Department of Agriculture has been serving America’s children well through school meal programs.  The USDA has announced they will publish a new proposed rule maintaining flexibility for schools to serve tasty meals their kids will be eager to eat.

These proposed changes respond directly to the needs of nutrition professionals who are the experts on-the-ground, hearing from our children every day.

The proposed rule would maintain flexibility in USDA child nutrition program meal requirements related to milk, grains, and sodium by: 

• Allowing flavored, low-fat milk in the Child Nutrition Programs;
• Allowing half of the weekly grains offered through the school meal programs to be whole grain-rich; and
• Providing schools more time for gradual sodium reduction by retaining Sodium Target 1 through the end of SY 2023-2024, continuing to Target 2 in SY 2024-2025, and eliminating the Final Target.

The USDA issued a separate rule as an administrative step to ensure the department’s procedural compliance with a court ruling regarding its 2018 final rule on child nutrition program flexibilities.

On April 13, 2020, the decision in the Center for Science in the Public Interest et al., v. Sonny Perdue, Secretary, et al., No. 8:19-cv-01004-GLS (D. Md. 2019), the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland found a procedural error with the promulgation of the 2018 Final Rule, and therefore, vacated the regulation. The new proposed rule will restore the flexibilities included in the 2018 final rule.

Despite this procedural formality, schools do not have to change their meals, thanks to the meal pattern flexibilities USDA has already provided in all child nutrition programs through June 30, 2021, in response to the COVID-19 national emergency.

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 25th, and is followed by a 30-day public comment period.

USDA is committed to listening to and collaborating with customers, partners, and stakeholders to make these reforms as useful as possible and encourage all interested in school meals to share their comments and recommendations for improvement through regulations.gov.

You can read more on the Proposed Rule at this link: Restoration of Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Flexibilities

Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits to make ends meet. Retired employees are the biggest beneficiaries, but disabled people, spouses, and children might also receive these payments from the government.

Although Social Security payments are often calculated using an employee’s earning record, monthly benefits can quickly lose purchasing power if not adjusted. Legislation was passed in 1973 and implemented the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which started in 1975 to prevent that. 

COLAs vary significantly annually, with some feeling that they don’t adequately mirror increases in senior expenses. The Social Security COLA for 2024 is 3.2%.

Calculating the CalPERS COLA 2024

CalPERS uses this methodology to calculate COLA:

Step 1

Determine the current year inflation rate based on your retirement year.

Use this equation to determine the inflation rate: (CPI for current year – CPI for retirement year) / CPI for retirement year.

To calculate the inflation rate of 2022, we use:

 (Consumer price index for the current year -retirement year CPI )/ retirement year CPI

The current year CPI for 2022 is 876.664, and if someone retired in 1997, the retirement year CPI is 480.8 

(876.664 – 480.8) / 480.8 = 8.2%

Step 2

Determine the compounded employer-contracted COLA percentage.

The example below is based on a 3% contracted COLA percentage.

First year: COLA factor is 0.03 or 3%

Second year: 1.03 x 1.03 = 1.0609 – 1 = 0.0609 or 6.1%

Third year: 1.0609 x 1.03 = 1.092727 – 1 = 0.092727 or 9%

Fourth year: 1.092727 x 1.03 = 1.126 – 1 = 0.126 or 12.6%

Fifth year: 1.126 x 1.03 = 1.160 – 1 = 0.16 or 16%

Step 3

CalPERS applies the lesser of the two figures from steps 1 and 2 to determine your cost-of-living adjustment factor.

Step 4

Determine COLA

Use this equation to determine your COLA: Base allowance in your retirement year x COLA factor = COLA)

Understanding CalPERS COLA 2024

The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is an increment made to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security benefits to offset the effects of increasing inflation.

COLA is an annual increase that starts the second year after one retires. It helps your retirement compensation keep up with the inflation rate. Eligible persons, like retirees, survivors, and beneficiaries, receive COLA with their May 1 retirement check. COLAs aren’t viewed as merit increases resulting from promotions or good job performance. 

Cost-of-living adjustments help retirees and public employees maintain their purchasing power. Typically, employers determine the amount of a COLA pay rise using the CPI-W calculated by the BLS. This price index calculates the rise in consumer prices for homes where at least 50% of income is from urban or clerical workers and at least one of the income earners has been employed for at least 37 months in the past year.

COLA often equals the percentage increment in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) for Clerical Workers and Urban Wage Earners for a given period. The CPI equals the average price of a basket of products and measures the rising prices of goods.  

For 2024, the COLA is 3.2%. Thus, if someone received $20,000 in Social Security benefits last year, their 2023 annual compensation would be $20,320. Eligible retirees receive COLA increases on their May 1 retirement checks.

The cost-of-living adjustment is based on the lesser of two numbers: the compounded COLA provision contracted by the employer or the inflation rate. Further, if a member’s COLA increment is less than 1% in a year, CalPERS won’t apply any COLA increase in their retirement income that year. Retirees with a 2% COLA provision can’t have an adjustment of more than 6% of their base allowance. At the moment, 95% of CalPERS members have a 2% COLA provision, and the other 5% have a 3%, 4%, or 5% COLA provision.

CalPERS retirees are eligible for cost-of-living adjustments and will collect more benefits as inflation persists. But pensions like CalPERS limit the increment. CalPERS caps COLA to a maximum of 2%, compounded yearly for school and state retirees. But public companies can contract for a higher CalPERS COLA.

Besides COLA, some CalPERS retirees receive a purchasing power protection allowance (PPPA) adjustment. This is a supplemental benefit created to maintain the initial purchasing power of CalPERS members to a specific limit when COLA hasn’t kept pace with the inflation rate. 

The Retirement Law stipulates for the payment of a cost-of-living adjustment to be paid every May. CalPERS COLA helps retirees manage rising prices of essential products like energy, housing, and food. A cost of living adjustment for retirees isn’t based on promotions or job performance. Instead, the income and Social Security increases are given to counteract inflation rates and help retirees maintain their purchasing power. 

With inflation rates continuing to impact the economy in 2023 significantly, CalPERS and other retirement systems have seen a need to implement cost-of-living increases. 

CalPERS COLA 2024: Key Changes and Updates

In 2024, the Social Security and SSI benefits for nearly 71 million Americans will be 3.2% more. The 3.2% COLA will start with compensation payable to over 66 million Social Security beneficiaries in 2024. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), that will increase the average monthly benefits by over $50. The average monthly retirement compensation for employees will increase from $1,848 in 2023 to $1,907 in 2024. 

The maximum wages subject to Social Security tax will rise to $168,000 from $160,000 in 2023. The wage limit for employees below the “full” retirement age will reach $22,320.

The wage limit for retirees reaching their “full” retirement age in 2024 will rise to $ 59,520.

There’s no limit on income for employees who are at their “full” retirement age or older for the whole year. 

Many Social Security COLA beneficiaries will notice an increase in their monthly benefits starting January 2024. SSI beneficiaries will see an increase in their December 2023 checks. 

However, the 2024 COLA increase is lower than the 8.7% COLA for 2023, the biggest increase in forty years. Also, it’s lower than 5.9% COLA for 2022. 

Factors Affecting the CalPERS COLA Adjustment

The reason a COLA might be lower than the current inflation rate depends on how SSA calculates the figure.

First, the SSA relies on the inflation index, which differs from the consumer price index that economists and the Federal Reserve use to determine pricing trends. Instead, the agency bases its COLA on the Consumer Price Index for Clerical Workers and Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W), which some argue doesn’t accurately mirror the spending of elderly Americans. 

The Consumer Price Index for Clerical Workers and Urban Wage Earners rose to 3.4% in August this year. However, this figure is slightly lower than the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, which was at 3.7%, the main inflation index many economists rely on.

CPI is one of the critical factors that affect CalPERS COLA adjustments. It determines the inflation rate and is calculated annually. CalPERS uses it when you retire to determine what your value of compensation will be when adjusted for COLA. The BLS calculates CPI, the standard estimate CalPERS uses to calculate the cost-of-living adjustment.

Next, CalPERS bases its COLA on the employer-contracted COLA percentage. Many schools and all state agencies use a COLA of 2% yearly, while public agencies can use a COLA of 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% annually. If the inflation rate since your retirement is more than the employer-contracted COLA percentage, then CalPERS uses the lesser of the two.

Ultimately, COLA relies on two factors: the employer-contracted cost-of-living adjustment percentage and the CPI-W. CPI determines the inflation rate and is compared per year. If consumer prices decline or inflation is low enough to warrant a COLA increase, beneficiaries don’t receive COLA. If the CPI-W doesn’t increase, then there’s no COLA increase. 

Comparing CalPERS COLA 2024 with Previous Years

Because of high inflation rates in the 1970s, real estate contracts, compensation-related contracts, and government compensation used COLAs to cushion employees and retirees against inflation. The BLS determines the CPI-W, which SSA and CalPERS use to calculate COLAs. 

COLA is determined by applying the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers from the third quarter of the year to the third quarter of the following year.

Congress updated a COLA provision to provide automatic annual COLAs based on the yearly increase in the CPI-W, which took effect in 1975. Before 1975, Social Security payments increased when Congress passed special legislation. The 1975 COLA was based on the CPI-W from the second quarter of 1974 to the first quarter of 1975.

In the 1970s, inflation rates ranged between 3% and 11%. In the year 1975, the inflation rate was 9.1%, and the COLA increase was at 8%. In 1980, the COLA increase reached an all-time high of 14.3%, whereas the inflation level was 13.5%. In the 1990s, significantly lower inflation levels led to small COLA increases ranging between 2% and 3%. This continued into the early 2000s when lower inflation levels led to no COLA adjustments in 2010, 2011, and 2016. In 2022, COLA was 5.9%, and in 2023, it shot up to 8.7% because of the high inflation rates experienced in 2022. The inflation rate in 2022 was 8%, and the COLA increase for 2024 is 3.2%. 

Impact of Economic Trends on CalPERS COLA 2024

In 2021, the SSA announced a 5.9% COLA for 2022, the biggest increase since 1982. The inflation rate quickly outpaced that adjustment, though, and in 2022, the Social Security Administration enacted an even higher COLA. 

Typically, the COLA is close to the same annual inflation.

However, the last two COLAs have been out of sync with the rate of inflation. For instance, the 2023 COLA was too big, while the 2022 COLA was too small. 

The rate of inflation rose to 7.8% in 2021, yet the cost-of-living adjustment for 2022 was just 5.9%. And that was because the administration was looking backward. Then, the rate of inflation declined to 6.3% in 2022, and yet that year, we got a high COLA because the administration was looking back on the quarters or months when inflation was relatively high.

2024’s COLA of 3.2% is at par with the current annual inflation rate. Thus, Social Security COLA benefits will maintain their value even as prices fluctuate.

Although a 3.2% COLA is lower than the 8.7% implemented in 2023, the highest cost-of-living adjustment in more than forty years, it’s higher than the average COLA in the last two decades–which was 2.6%. 

However, a minor adjustment isn’t bad. A big COLA shows there was a ton of inflation, and you’re being compensated for a year and a quarter after the fact. But you’ve suffered a lot in the meantime. Thus, a minor adjustment means there is minimal disruption in terms of price fluctuation, which is good news.

This year’s adjustment is an accurate reflection of the easing inflation rate in the post-pandemic economy, ensuring consumers’ purchasing power.

It’s an accurate thing where the adjustment reflects the increase in the rate of inflation for that year. That means the benefits the beneficiaries will receive will allow them to maintain the same purchasing power so they won’t be worse or better off.

Navigating the Application Process for CalPERS COLA 2024:

There are certain things you should have ready before completing your application. These include complete mailing addresses, beneficiaries’ dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. Also, you should have your bank account details to set up direct deposit. However, if you don’t want direct deposits, you can submit a paper application instead of an online application.

It’s crucial to note that CalPERS won’t accept your paper or online application more than 120 days before your retirement date.

To start your online application:

• Log into your CalPERS account. Select the Retirement dropdown, and then select Apply for Retirement. Alternatively, click on the Apply for Retirement links in the blue Retirement block.
• Select the type of application you wish to submit.
  • Select the radio button for the type of application you want to submit:
    • Disability Retirement
    • Service Retirement
    • Service Retirement Pending Disability Retirement
  • Save and continue
• Your Details. First, review your details, and if anything is incorrect, contact your employer immediately so they can make corrections. Next, fill in your relationship status. If you’re married, choose Yes and enter the Date of Marriage or Registered Domestic Partnership. If you aren’t married, select No and select divorced, never married, or widowed. Then, Save your information and continue.
• Enter your retirement date. Your retirement date should be at least one day after your last payroll date with your employer.
• Enter information about your retirement. If you’re retiring with another system, choose Yes and fill in your Retirement Date with the other system. And, if you’re a member of another alternative California public retirement system, choose Yes and then use the dropdown menu to select the name of that retirement system. If you wish to include a temporary annuity, choose Yes. Next, enter the age you want the temporary annuity to end and fill in the dollar amount.
• Your health coverage. If you’re enrolled for health benefits, you can decline the continuation of your CalPERS health coverage. Select this box only if you want to decline your CalPERS health coverage. After completing this section, save and continue. 
• Select your retirement options. Pick one retirement option in this step and then save and continue. There are eight retirement options, including:
  • Return of Remaining Contributions Option 1
  • Unmodified Allowance
  • 100% Beneficiary Option 2
  • 50% Beneficiary Option 3
  • 100% Beneficiary Option 3 with Benefit Allowance Increase
  • 50% Beneficiary Option 3 with Benefit Allowance Increase
  • Flexible Beneficiary Option 4 Specific Dollar Amount
  • Flexible Beneficiary Option 4 Specific Percentage
• Add your beneficiaries. The Beneficiaries Overview page only shows the benefits the named beneficiaries will receive.
  • Pick your lifetime beneficiary. You will see this page if you select an option that includes monthly benefits for lifetime beneficiaries. The retirement system will generate any existing relationships, or you can add new beneficiaries. To select from the existing relationships, choose the beneficiary’s name and then select Continue. To add the name of a beneficiary that isn’t listed, click the Add a Beneficiary link. You’ll have to enter their
    • Name
    • Gender
    • Date of birth
    • Relationship to you
    • Social Security number
    • Address
• Add your survivors. If your employer contracts for survivor continuance, you must state if you have an eligible survivor.
• Tax withholding. Pensions are taxable; thus, you must choose how you want CalPERS to withhold California and federal taxes. 
• Select your payment option. Select how you would like to get your direct deposit, either via a trust or personal account.
• Review your application. If there is anything you want to add or change, click on the blue Edit link to do that.
• Sign and submit your application. If your application is complete, click on the Sign & Submit button.
• Submit the necessary documents. You’ll get a message that you’ve successfully submitted your application. If you need to submit any documents, you’ll also get a message stating the due date.

For more on CalPERS COLA, check out the CalPERS retirement FAQs here.

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of CalPERS COLA 2024:

CalPERS COLA is an increase in one’s monthly retirement payment to account for fluctuating prices. The Cost-of-living adjustment ensures that your purchasing power remains the same no matter how quickly prices may rise and how long you might live.

For instance, if your retirement benefit is $2,000 a month, you can buy a certain amount of products or services with that money. But if the price of those items and services increases by, let’s say, 5% every year, you can buy fewer items with that $2,000 compensation because your purchasing power has decreased.

If you receive CalPERS COLA benefit based on that increase in prices, however, then this year’s benefit will increase to $2,050 per month. This way, your COLA will afford you the same ability to buy those same items–that you purchased last year with your $2,000 benefit.

COLAS might seem insignificant, and you may wonder how vital is just $50 per month. Yet inflation and rising prices can quickly eat away at your retirement benefit, making your retirement income inadequate over time.

Again, a rise in prices of 5% a year might initially seem insignificant. However, your purchasing power could be eroded drastically over time because of even relatively small inflation rates if you don’t have a cost-of-living adjustment.

For instance, suppose a man retires at age 63 with a retirement benefit of $1,000 per month. In that case, let’s say inflation averages 5% a year after he retires. With no form of COLA, this man’s purchasing power may decline to about $500–a 50% decline–by age 70. By the time he reaches 85, his purchasing power may drop to $250–nearly a quarter of the value of his initial retirement income. Once again, that means that he will only be able to buy a quarter of the items he was able to buy when he retired. And if he lives past 85, his purchasing power will decline further. 

Thankfully, most state and local retirement systems offer COLA to cushion against the damaging effects of inflation.

COLAs are also an essential aspect of the pension benefits for workers and retirees who don’t receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and other Social Security benefits because they have no other retirement benefits that vary with inflation. Without CalPers COLA and Social Security COLA, their purchasing power will gradually decline as they age. That means that middle-class retirees may struggle to afford basics, like healthcare, food, transportation, and housing–in their advanced years.

Although COLAs offer essential protections for retirees, they cost money. A key concern about COLAs is the extent to which local and state retirement systems fully account for and pay for their cost-of-living adjustment obligations in advance. 

Strategies for Maximizing CalPERS COLA 2024 Benefits: 

Three key dates might have a significant effect on your CalPERS COLA 2024 benefits: your birthday quarter, the fiscal year, or the first year of your COLA benefits. To receive maximum employee benefits, you must pick the date that best suits your needs.

Fiscal Year Significantly Affects Service Credit

If you start working in April, you can earn one year of service credit by July (ten months) because employees earn service credit in tenths, not twelfths. A fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.

During a fiscal year, to earn a full year of service credit, you have to work at least:

• 215 days for a daily pay employee
• 1,720 hours for an hourly pay worker
• Ten months full-time for monthly pay workers

It’s crucial to note that service credit for retirement purposes might differ from service credits employers use for accrual of leave time. 

Birthday Quarters

Your COLA factor increases every three months, depending on your birthday. For instance, you qualify to retire at 50 years old with a multiplier of 1.1%, based on the State Miscellaneous and Industrial member’s 2 percent at 55 formula. This multiplier increases each quarter after your birthdate and reaches the maximum of 2.5% at age 63. So, if you’re below 63, your birthday quarter can help increase your CalPERS COLA benefits.

COLA: January 1 vs. December 31

The exact COLA percentage depends on the annual calculation of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Workers. It starts the second year of your retirement, up to a specific limit, depending on your contract.

For example, if you retire on December 31, 2023, your COLA payment will depend on the CPI for 2024, and you’ll get your first COLA benefits on May 1, 2025. But if you retire on January 1, 2024, the one-day difference can delay your first eligibility for COLA by up to a year, and you won’t receive your first COLA payment until May 1, 2026. Retirees get an annual COLA compensation on May 1 every year.

To maximize your retirement benefits, you should retire on your birthday or a subsequent birthday quarter to increase your benefit factor. However, if you plan to retire at the beginning of the year, you should consider the COLA when picking a retirement date. CalPERS applies COLA yearly to the retirement allowance on May 1st retirement checks, beginning with the second year after the retirement date.

Blindness is a disability that affects millions of people across the globe. It is a key qualification requirement in America for receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI and SSDI benefits are an important financial safety net for blind individuals who may otherwise struggle to pay for basic expenses.

Top Causes of Blindness

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Cataract
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• Corneal Opacity
• Trachoma
• Glaucoma
• Refractive Errors

 According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 12 million individuals ages 40 and above in the United States have some level of vision impairment. There are an estimated 1 million who are defined as blind, 3 million who have some level of vision impairment after correction, and 8 million who have vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that each day approximately 2,000 U.S. workers suffer job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment. Currently, vision disabilities are one of the top 10 disabilities among American adults.

Those who are legally blind or who have significantly impaired vision may be eligible for financial support through both the SSDI and SSI federal benefits programs. The federal government recognizes the hardship faced by those with blindness or significantly impaired vision. Both programs exist to ease that burden by providing supplementary financial compensation.

How Does Social Security Define Blindness?

For SSI eligibility, blindness is defined as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 in the stronger eye, even with the use of a corrective lens, or having a visual field limitation in the stronger eye such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of no greater than 20 degrees.

It is important to note that if you have a visual impairment that does not meet the strict definition of blindness from the SSA’s list of impairments, you still may qualify for SSI benefits based on disability. If your vision impairment, either on its own or in combination with other health conditions, keeps you from being able to work, you may be able to receive some level of disability compensation.

7 Top Causes of Blindness

While total blindness can be attributed to many sources, below are some of the most common causes of blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Individuals who live with diabetes are at a statistically higher risk of suffering from eye problems, largely because of diabetic retinopathy. This eye condition results from the light-sensitive blood vessels within the retina being damaged by high blood sugar levels.

The result may be everything from pain in the eye to increasingly blurry vision. Diabetic retinopathy can develop in any patient with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. However, the longer a patient lives with diabetes and the less controlled the patient’s blood sugar, the more likely the patient is to develop diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms may include floating spots in the field of vision, blurred vision, and vision loss. For diabetic patients, the most important risk factor is their blood sugar, so consistently managing blood sugar levels is an important protection against diabetic retinopathy.

Cataract

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye loses its transparency, often resulting in foggy, cloudy eyesight and lending a milky appearance to the eyes. For patients with cataracts, the result is much like looking through a cloudy or frosted window. While cataracts are most common in patients over age 65, they often are a side effect of another medical condition, such as diabetes.

Cataract surgery is an effective treatment for cataracts and is a very common medical procedure. While cataracts don’t initially affect normal vision, they will begin to eventually, resulting in cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to light, and sometimes double vision. These issues can often be treated with corrective lenses at first, though many patients eventually find the need for surgery.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The causes of macular degeneration remain unclear, though it usually appears with advanced age. Blurred vision is its chief symptom. As the macula in the retina deteriorates over time, a patient will gradually lose central vision. Though linked to blindness, this eye condition is usually painless. However, due to its gradual progress, macular degeneration is often undetected until the disease is well advanced.

There is no cure currently for macular degeneration, though there is a range of treatments that can help preserve normal vision for as long as possible and improve quality of life.

Corneal Opacity

Corneal opacity occurs when the normally transparent cornea becomes scarred, preventing light from passing through the retina. The eye condition also may at times cause the cornea to appear white or cloudy.

This visual disorder may be caused by injury to the eye, infection, corneal scratching, or other abrasion or swelling of the eye. Available treatments include antibiotic or steroid eye drops, oral medications, phototherapeutic keratectomy, laser surgery, and in the most serious cases, cornea transplant.

Trachoma

Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and represents the world’s most prolific cause of preventable blindness of infectious origin. The eye infection is reportedly extremely painful. Trachoma often permanently damages the cornea and can lead to irreversible total blindness.

Trachoma typically spreads quickly in areas lacking access to clean water and sanitation, meaning it affects the most marginalized communities in the world. Nearly 8 million individuals across the globe have been left visually impaired by trachoma. Another 500 million people are at risk of blindness from the disease throughout 57 countries.

Glaucoma

When a buildup of fluid behind the eye causes pressure and pain around the optic nerve, this condition is known as glaucoma. Glaucoma can occur at any age, though it’s more common in older individuals. It is one of the leading causes of vision impairments for individuals over age 60.

Symptoms may include anything from patchy blind spots and tunnel vision to severe headaches, nausea, and eye pain. Glaucoma is treated in several different ways, and early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from causing irreversible damage to the eye.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors include conditions like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, all of which can cause vision impairment to various degrees. A refractive error means that the natural shape of the eye keeps light from landing appropriately on the retina for clear vision.

Refractive errors represent the most common vision problem, affecting more than 150 million Americans. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be successfully managed by appropriate corrective lenses – and in some cases, laser surgery.

Can I Get Disability Benefits for Blindness?

In many cases, you can be awarded disability SSDI benefits for blindness if you have earned sufficient work credits. Many times, even if someone doesn’t have enough work credits to qualify on their own, they also may be able to qualify based on the work credits of a spouse. If you are legally blind but still able to work, you may be able to choose a disability freeze, which opens the opportunity for higher retirement or disability benefits at a point in the future when you begin to receive SSD benefits.

If your earnings have been reduced because of your blindness, the Social Security Administration can exclude the lower-paying years of your employment when calculating your Social Security retirement or disability benefits at a future date. Since Social Security benefits are calculated based on average lifetime earnings, your benefit amount will be higher as a result of excluding those lower-paying years.

You also are allowed to work while receiving SSDI benefits for disability, as long as your earnings fall below a threshold specified by law. As of 2021, you could earn as much as $2,190 per month and still receive SSDI benefits. This limit also applies to those who are self-employed.

Unlike SSDI benefits, Supplemental Security Income benefits for blindness are based primarily on income and available resources and have nothing to do with your work history. In other words, you do not have to have worked a minimum amount or earned a minimum number of work credits to qualify for SSI benefits.

You may also be eligible for some level of disability for blindness even if your eye condition does not meet the strict SSA definition of blindness. To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in a job where you paid Social Security taxes and earned sufficient work credits.

For SSI benefits based on disability and blindness, there is no work requirement but your income and resources must be under a certain poverty threshold.

Social Security Services for the Blind

Some Social Security services are designed specifically for those who are legally blind or have impaired or low vision. For example, the following special services are available when it comes to how you receive notices from the Social Security Administration:

• A standard-print notice delivered by first-class mail
• A standard-print notice delivered by certified mail
• A standard print notice delivered by first-class mail, with a follow-up telephone call
• A Braille notice, along with a standard-print notice, delivered  by first-class mail
• A Microsoft Word file delivered on a CD, along with a standard-print notice delivered by first-class mail
• An audio CD, along with a standard-print notice delivered by first-class mail
• A large-print (18-point font) notice, along with a standard-print notice delivered by first-class mail

You can notify the SSA of your preference by visiting their website and following the instructions. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or the SSA’s TTY number at 800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing. You can also write or visit your local Social Security office to communicate your preference.

What Eye Problems Qualify for Disability?

While there is no specific list of eye problems that automatically qualify for disability benefits, there are several eye conditions that, if they meet certain criteria, can potentially qualify for benefits:

1. Blindness: Complete blindness or significantly impaired vision in both eyes.

2. Visual Impairment: Severe visual impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

3. Macular Degeneration: Advanced stage of macular degeneration resulting in severe visual loss.

4. Glaucoma: Advanced stage of glaucoma causing significant visual field loss or optic nerve damage.

5. Diabetic Retinopathy: Severe retinal damage due to diabetes, leading to significant vision loss.

6. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Progressive degeneration of the retina, leading to severe visual impairment.

7. Cataracts: Advanced cataracts that significantly impact visual acuity and cannot be corrected with surgery.

8. Retinal Detachment: Complete or partial detachment of the retina causing severe vision loss.

9. Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve leading to significant visual impairment.

10. Corneal disorders: Severe corneal diseases or dystrophies resulting in substantial visual impairment.

11. Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements causing significant vision disturbances.

12. Retinopathy of prematurity: Severe visual impairments in premature infants due to abnormal retinal development.

13. Uveitis: Chronic inflammation of the uvea causing significant visual impairment.

14. Hereditary eye disorders: Severe genetic eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, achromatopsia, or albinism.

15. Severe Trauma or Injury: Eye injuries resulting in irreversible visual impairment.

16. Ocular melanoma: Malignant tumor of the eye, specifically the uvea or conjunctiva, which can lead to vision loss or impairment if it affects critical structures.

17. Hemianopia: A visual field loss affecting half of the visual field in both eyes, resulting from damage to the optic pathways or brain regions responsible for vision.

18. Sjögren’s Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the exocrine glands, including those that produce tears. Severe cases of Sjögren’s syndrome can cause significant dryness of the eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and may impact vision.

Disability Benefits for Blindness

Vision impairments and blindness have a profound effect on a person’s quality of life, including their ability to work.

For Americans who are affected by blindness and/or extreme vision loss, the SSDI and SSI programs represent a key lifeline to maintaining financial viability and health. If you are suffering from vision impairment, find out today if you are eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits.

What Is POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, is a complex and often misunderstood autonomic nervous system disorder. It primarily affects a person’s ability to regulate their heart rate and blood pressure when changing positions, such as going from lying down to standing up. While the exact cause of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is not always clear, it is thought to involve a dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system.

One hallmark symptom of POTS is an excessive increase in heart rate upon standing, typically by 30 beats per minute or more within the first 10 minutes. This rapid heart rate, known as tachycardia, can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms, including dizziness, lightheadedness, and often fainting (syncope). Individuals with POTS may also experience:

• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog or cognitive difficulties
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Shaky or weak feelings in the limbs
• heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms
• Sweating abnormalities

It’s important to note that POTS symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, and some individuals may experience additional issues such as gastrointestinal problems or joint pain. Because these symptoms can be disabling and affect a person’s quality of life, understanding the dysautonomic disorder and its impact is crucial for those exploring its potential status as a disability.

Understanding Disability and POTS

To determine whether a POTS diagnosis qualifies as a disability, it’s essential to grasp the concept of disability from both a medical and legal perspective.

From a medical standpoint, a disability is generally defined as a medical condition that significantly impairs an individual’s ability to perform everyday physical activity or participate fully in society. While POTS can indeed have a profound impact on a person’s life, its status as a disability depends on the severity of symptoms and their interference with daily functioning.

Medical professionals evaluate POTS based on factors such as the frequency and intensity of symptoms, the effectiveness of treatments, and the overall quality of life for the individual. It’s crucial to undergo a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare provider experienced in autonomic disorders to determine the extent to which POTS affects the functional capacity of the POTS patient.

Legally, the definition of disability may vary depending on the country, state, or jurisdiction. In many places, disability is defined under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States or the Equality Act in the United Kingdom. These laws often protect against discrimination and require reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

To establish POTS as a disability in a legal context, individuals may need to meet specific criteria outlined in these laws, which can include demonstrating substantial limitations in major life activities or the ability to work. Understanding the legal framework and the requirements for disability status is crucial for individuals with POTS seeking accommodation or a disability benefit.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the medical perspectives on POTS as a disability and the legal aspects of applying for a VA disability benefit plan. 

Medical Perspectives on POTS as a Disability

Determining whether POTS qualifies as a disability from a medical perspective involves a careful evaluation of the condition’s impact on an individual’s life. While POTS can be a debilitating and invisible illness, it may not automatically be considered a disability in every case. Here, we explore how medical professionals diagnose and assess POTS as a disabling condition.

1. Diagnosis and Evaluation: To establish POTS as a disability, a comprehensive POTS diagnosis is essential. Medical professionals typically use a combination of clinical evaluations and specialized tests, such as tilt-table testing or autonomic function testing, to confirm the presence of POTS in the patient. These tests help assess the extent of dysautonomia and the severity of symptoms.

2. Symptom Severity: The severity of POTS symptoms plays a crucial role in determining POTS disability status. Medical experts consider factors such as the frequency and intensity of symptoms, the duration of symptoms, and their impact on an individual’s daily life. Severe symptoms that significantly impair a person’s ability to work, study, or carry out essential activities are more likely to support a POTS disability claim.

3. Response to Treatment: The effectiveness of treatments and interventions for POTS is another consideration. If POTS symptoms respond well to treatment and an individual can manage their condition effectively, it may be less likely to be considered a disability. However, in cases where treatments are ineffective or have limited success, the condition may be more likely to qualify as a disability.

It’s important to note that medical opinions may vary, and individuals with POTS should seek guidance from healthcare providers experienced in autonomic disorders. Additionally, a formal diagnosis and thorough medical record are often necessary when applying for disability benefits or accommodations. 

Legal Aspects: Applying for Disability Benefits

Navigating the legal landscape regarding disability benefits for individuals with POTS can be complex, but it is essential for those who require assistance due to their condition. Here, we explore the key legal aspects and steps involved in applying for disability benefits related to POTS.

1. Know the Legal Framework: Understanding the legal framework governing disability benefits in your country or region is the first step. In the United States, for example, the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers disability programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Research the specific requirements and criteria for disability benefits in your jurisdiction.

2. Gather Medical Documentation: Comprehensive medical documentation is crucial when applying for disability benefits related to POTS. This documentation should include a formal diagnosis, detailed records of symptoms, test results, and treatment history. These records will serve as evidence of the severity and impact of your condition on daily life.

3. Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Seek guidance from healthcare professionals experienced in treating POTS. They can provide expert opinions and support your disability claim by explaining how your condition impairs your ability to work or perform daily activities.

4. Start the Application Process: Initiate the application process for disability benefits according to your country’s regulations. This may involve completing forms, providing documentation, and adhering to specific deadlines. Some countries require a waiting period before benefits become available.

5. Appeal If Necessary: It’s common for disability claims to be initially denied. If your claim is denied, don’t lose hope. Most jurisdictions provide an appeals process, allowing you to present additional evidence or request a reconsideration of your case.

Navigating the legal aspects of disability benefits can be challenging, but with proper preparation and documentation, individuals with POTS can increase their chances of receiving the support they need. 

How Can Benefits.com Help Me?

Benefits.com is dedicated to helping veterans navigate the disability benefits process and can be an invaluable resource for veterans with disabilities:

• Expert Guidance: Benefits.com provides expert advice on eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and the application process specific to POTS-related disabilities.
• Documentation Support: Assist in gathering and organizing crucial medical documentation, ensuring that it aligns with the legal standards for disability claims.
• Appeals Assistance: In case of denials, Benefits.com can help with the appeals process, advocating for your rights and strengthening your case.
• Reduced Stress: Support can significantly reduce the stress and complexity of navigating the often overwhelming disability benefits system.

By partnering with Benefits.com, individuals with POTS can increase their chances of a successful disability benefits application, ultimately helping them access the necessary support and resources to manage their condition effectively.

If you’re eligible for veterans disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, don’t let the complicated process keep you from getting the disability compensation you need and deserve. While it’s true that the VA claim process can be complex, with a little advance research and some patience, you can certainly navigate it successfully. If you know which common mistakes to avoid, that just puts you on even better footing as you get started.

9 Common Mistakes in VA Disability Claims

1. Procrastinating
2. Providing incomplete information
3. Not getting a medical opinion
4. Failing to claim secondary conditions
5. Avoiding mental health claims
6. Not appealing
7. Giving up
8. Going it alone
9. Falling for VA Pension Benefit Scams

You may have heard horror stories about lengthy applications, delayed processes, and hours of frustration when it comes to applying for veteran’s disability claims – but those stories don’t represent everyone’s experience. It is possible if you’re well-armed with information at the beginning – to smoothly navigate the whole process with minimal frustration. A good place to start is by avoiding some of the most common pitfalls associated with VA disability claims. 

1. Procrastinating

This one’s plain and simple: don’t hesitate to file your VA disability claim – delaying can potentially cost you tremendous amounts of money. You’ll never receive VA benefits if you don’t apply for them. It’s common for veterans to procrastinate because they’re unsure if they qualify or they want to wait to see if symptoms improve, or a whole host of other reasons. It’s best to file your claim as quickly as possible so that you can begin receiving your benefits. 

Make note that there’s no statute of limitations when it comes to filing a veterans disability claim, but waiting rarely works in your favor in this case. If you do receive a compensation award, whether in your original application or through the appeals process, your benefits will be paid retroactively, starting at the date of your original claim.

Along with initial procrastination, some veterans believe that as long as they’re not in too much pain or too hampered by their condition, they should wait until they have more trouble before applying for benefits. But that can backfire on you if your condition worsens suddenly. If you apply early, even if you get as low as a 0 percent rating on a condition, you can receive VA benefits for that condition if it worsens later in life. If you apply early, even if you’re not sure you need benefits, you’ll probably be glad you did.

2. Providing Incomplete Information

The VA disability claim process isn’t easy – there’s a heavy burden of proof upon you to prove several things: that you are eligible for VA disability benefits, that you have a current disability, that something that happened to you while in service is the cause of that disability, and that your condition is considered medically severe enough to merit VA benefits. 

Getting your application approved isn’t as simple as filling out a form and submitting it, and it’s nothing to take lightly or approach casually. You’ll need medical documentation, as well as statements from friends, family, and co-workers attesting to how your condition affects your everyday life, just to start.

You’ll have to do some legwork to gather and submit the right kinds of documentation. For many applicants, this is very difficult, especially on the first go-round, but incomplete documentation is a very common reason for first-time applications to be denied. You should invest the time and effort to collect and submit the kind of documentation that will help your claim be approved quickly. 

You can even take things a step further and make sure your documentation is well-organized and easy for a VA examiner to understand. It’s not enough just to throw hundreds of pages of documentation at the people reviewing your claim – make it easy for them to follow your narrative and see that your claim is legitimate.

3. Not Getting a Medical Opinion

VA officials will rely heavily on medical diagnosis and opinion to determine whether you are eligible to receive VA disability benefits. They can’t simply take your word for it – or the word of anyone who isn’t a medical professional. Failing to provide all the information VA officials need to make its decision is a key reason many claims are denied at first application. 

If you can provide a written statement from your physician that links your disability to your time in service, that is an extremely helpful piece of documentation – both for those making the decision and for your case. It can make a huge difference in the success of your claim. You must be able to show medical evidence demonstrating the details and medical treatment for the condition in question – failing to include a medical diagnosis linking your condition to your time of active duty or other military service is almost certain to result in a denied claim. 

A related common mistake is to diagnose yourself, listing what you believe your condition to be rather than simply listing your symptoms. If you provide a complete list of symptoms, VA officials will be obligated to follow up on each of them – and if it turns out that you have multiple conditions, you’ll receive a disability rating for each one of them. These ratings then are ultimately combined into your overall disability rating.

4. Failing to Claim Secondary Conditions

Many veterans applying for VA disability benefits don’t realize that they also are eligible for VA benefits related to secondary conditions, even pre-existing ones that exist outside of their service-connected disability. But many times, this is exactly the case. It’s not uncommon for a service-related disability to amplify an existing health condition or even to lead to the development of a new additional disability. Even if secondary disabilities don’t develop until years later, there’s still a chance you might be eligible for related VA disability compensation. 

5. Avoiding Mental Health Claims

Sometimes veterans hesitate to submit claims for mental health conditions, including the highly publicized post-traumatic stress disorder. While PTSD rightly gets a lot of attention and the VA has recently relaxed its criteria for proving PTSD, it isn’t the only mental health condition common among veterans. Others include anxiety, sleep disorders, amnesia, depression, and panic attacks, just to name a few. Depending on the level of impairment the condition causes, especially when it comes to social and occupational effects, mental health conditions are rated for compensation exactly like physical ones, so don’t leave them out.

6. Not Filing an Appeal

Just because a benefits claim is denied at first review doesn’t mean it’s over. Don’t be swayed by thoughts of a long and arduous appeals process – even if the process turns out to be lengthy and complex, it will be worth it when your claim is finally approved. Look carefully at the reasons for the claim being denied and then prepare carefully for your appeal. Many claims are denied on their first attempt, but end up being approved once clarifying information is supplied. At this point in the process, you may consider engaging an attorney specializing in VA disability benefits claims to help you organize your appeal.

7. Giving Up

Knowing that the VA disability claims process is a marathon, not a sprint, going in can help keep you from giving up. The process can be long and certainly try your patience, but it will pay off if you’re eligible and you keep pursuing your claim. It’s worth it – if you meet the VA’s requirements for VA disability benefits, then keep going. You’re entitled to that compensation and you can eventually get them – it just might take longer than you originally expected.

8. Going it Alone

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when it comes to making your way through the VA’s complicated system. Whether that help comes from reaching out to a veteran’s organization or hiring a private lawyer, or just getting friends, especially other veterans, to weigh in on how you’re going through the process, you can get tremendous benefit from having an outside perspective on how best to navigate your benefits claim. You should also be able to count on your primary physician and any other members of your health care team – plus your veterans service officer, who should be your main point of contact within the VA as your benefits claim goes through the review process.

9. Falling for VA Pension Benefit Scams

Learn how to spot common pension benefit scams and protect your pension from shady professionals who claim they are “helping” you. War-time veterans and their survivors who are in financial need may qualify for Veterans’ Affairs pension benefits. While these funds are intended for those who have sacrificed for our country, sadly, some scammers see a pot of money and devise ways to “help” that will cost you more money.

These offers may sound like a good deal but they rarely are. Their pitches are often based on half-truths, so they sound realistic – but they don’t tell you the whole story and they don’t warn you about long-term consequences. The Federal Trade Commission warns veterans that many of these scammers are attorneys or insurance agents who hold seminars that appear legitimate. Sometimes these seminars are held in assisted living facilities, or advertised in the newspaper.

They will make claims like:

 “We’ll show you – for free ­– how to qualify for your benefits and stay in your home.”

“We guarantee you’ll get your Aid and Attendance pension.”

Their guarantees can sound reassuring, but if they’re charging you money, there’s something in it for them. Be sure to know what you’re qualified for, and you shouldn’t have to give up any of your money to apply and receive a pension that you’ve earned with your service.

Know What You’re Eligible to Claim

The first step is to know what benefits you’re eligible to receive. Veterans over 65 who have low income may qualify for pension benefits, for themselves or their survivors. Additional benefits may be paid for vets or surviving spouses who require daily assistance, or who are housebound. Veterans who have a service-connected disability may qualify for veterans’ disability benefits.

You can apply for pension benefits online with the VA’s online benefits portal or contact your VA Regional Office. There is no application fee and no charge for the forms. All of these resources are free. There is no fee to apply for your benefits, and in fact, there is a law prohibiting any agent or attorney from charging you to file an application for benefits. There are two important distinctions: First, an attorney can charge a fee to advise you about which benefits you’re eligible for, but once you decide to file, they can’t bill you any further during the initial filing process. Second, an attorney can charge fees to help you appeal if your claim has been denied.

Any professional who helps you with your claim must be accredited by the VA. You can look online at the VA website to see if someone is accredited. The VA accredits three types of professionals to help you complete and file pension claims, so be sure you’re talking to one of these:

• Representatives from VA-recognized Veterans Service Organizations
• Independent claims agents
• Private attorneys

Beware of offers to “help” you qualify for benefits by moving around your assets. While anyone would want to maximize their chances to qualify, within legal limits, these offers can contain several traps. First, you may not actually qualify and may later be required to repay the benefits paid. Second, in shifting assets around to qualify for veterans’ pension you might then be ineligible for Medicaid benefits.

These scammers often try to convince you they can “help” you qualify for supplemental Aid and Attendance benefits by transferring your assets to a trust. All of these “deals” contain the same unintended adverse effects for you; meanwhile, the scammers gouge you with fees. Experts advise that you be fully informed of the long-term consequences of any offer and consult a trusted VA accredited financial adviser before agreeing to anything,

After You Qualify for Benefits

Once you qualify to receive benefit payments, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) also warns veterans to be wary of any professional who tries to market financial products around your pension benefits, like trusts or annuities. Annuities for older veterans can create problems, such as tying up your funds and leaving you without access if you need without having to pay a high penalty.

Another scam is to offer you a lump sum payment now in exchange for your future monthly disability or pension benefits. Assigning your benefits is prohibited by law, but scammers find ways to structure the swap to make it look legal. Even if they come up with a legal scheme, a swap will generally not be a good deal. The CFPB offers this scenario to consider: Say you receive $2,744 in monthly benefits, and a company offers you a $73,000 lump sum payment now in exchange for your future benefits for 10 years. At the end of 10 years, those benefits added up to a staggering $256,293, which is a 45% interest rate.

Typically, these schemes are sold on a promise to benefit you, but in all cases, you will probably end up with less than you would have. The CFPB recommends that if you need emergency funds talk to a trusted financial expert who can give you objective advice.

Should I Hire a VA Disability Lawyer?

Whether to hire a lawyer specializing in veteran compensation is always a personal choice that you should make based on the best information you have at hand. At the end of the day, you’ll want to hire a veterans disability attorney if you believe that lawyer can get better results for you than you’ve been able to get for yourself. So, you can choose to wait until after you’ve heard an initial decision before you decide whether you need legal assistance.  With the VA’s initial decision will come either celebration because you’ve been approved at an appropriate level of benefit, or the beginning of the appeals process. 

Working with a veteran’s disability attorney may help reduce waiting time for the results of your appeal and may help your chances for success if your case is particularly challenging. If you do decide to hire a lawyer, you must choose one who is VA-accredited. Make sure also to read your contract thoroughly – don’t sign it until you feel comfortable with all details. As part of the process, try to talk to two or three different VA lawyers before choosing the one you feel is right for you. 

Your veterans disability lawyer should be experienced when it comes to the sometimes circuitous process of getting a successful VA disability claim through the process.
And your lawyer should be prepared to see your claim through to the bitter end without charging you a penny until the process is complete and you have a final decision that you’re willing to accept. Also, keep in mind that pro bono legal assistance is often available to veterans through organizations like the National Veterans Legal Services Program.

VA Disability Claim – How to Avoid Common Mistakes

While the process of filing for VA disability benefits can be confusing, it isn’t impossible to navigate with success. Now that you know some of the most common mistakes associated with filing your benefits claim, you can avoid making those mistakes from the very beginning. 

While that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that your claim will be approved on the first go, it does mean you’re likely to avoid some unnecessary headaches and irritation with the process as you make your way through to a successful claim.