ST. GEORGE — Honoring military service members who gave their lives for their country is the main focus of Memorial Day.
This national holiday, always the last Monday in May (May 29 this year), typically involves parades, ceremonies and other forms of Americana ranging from backyard barbecues to baseball games.
But did you know Social Security Administration benefits can help families of deceased military service members? For example, surviving spouses and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits. Click here to learn more about or to apply.
“These benefits protect veterans when an injury prevents them from returning to active duty or performing other work,” the news release said. “Wounded military service members can receive expedited processing of their Social Security disability claims.”
If you are a veteran with a 100% permanent and total compensation rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the administration will expedite your disability claim, the news release said.
Both the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Social Security Administration have disability programs. Veterans may qualify for disability benefits under one program but not the other, or they may qualify for both.
Depending on the situation, some family members, including dependent children or a spouse, may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits.
Thinking about retirement? Military service members can receive Social Security benefits in addition to their military retirement benefits. Click here for more information.