The Wounded Warriors program is a special disability program offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows military service members expedite their disability claim.
This program should not be confused with the benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. It requires different requirements and a unique application for disability benefits.
Similar to the Compassionate Allowances program, the Wounded Warriors program allows the SSA to get benefits quickly to those that need it most. Due to the length of time it can take for benefits to be approved and the large backlog of applications that the SSA receives, programs like this allow for certain applications to be moved to the top of the queue for faster approval.
In order to qualify, you must be:
- Unable to perform your normal amount of work due to your health condition(s); and
- Your health condition must be expected to last, or have lasted, over a year or result in death if it’s within one year.
This expedited claims process is for military service members that became disabled while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.
For more information on the disability benefits available and how to apply, visit the program web page on the SSA’s website.
