Military service members like other people in Massachusetts can receive Social Security Disability benefits. Uniquely, military service members go through an expedited application process when they apply for disability benefits. The benefits are separate from benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs and therefore require an independent application with the Social Security Administration.

A military service member can receive Social Security Disability benefits if she or he has worked for a requisite number of years and paid Social Security taxes. If a military service member qualifies for disability benefits, certain members of the service member's family may also receive benefits. Military service members like those who have not served must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.

In order to be found disabled, a military service member must be unable to do substantial work because of a medical condition. In addition, the medical condition must have lasted or be expected to continue for at least one year. Unfortunately, Social Security Disability does not provide benefits for short-term disability. Service members may also want to know how military pay affects eligibility.

Military pay alone does not prevent the award of Social Security disability benefits, and according to the Social Security Administration's website, the receipt of military pay should not stop a service member from applying for disability benefits. The work activity a service member is engaged in is the determining factor regarding eligibility and military pay.

If a service member is engaged in substantial work for pay or profit, he or she will likely not receive disability benefits. However, if a service member is in treatment at a medical facility and completing therapy or is on limited duty, the Social Security Administration will review the work activity to determine eligibility.

Source: ssa.gov, "Disability benefits for wounded warriors," Jan. 2012