Journal & Courier Online, May 30th, 2007
We have just honored our military service members
on Memorial Day. Social Security announced on May 25 that it will
expedite payment of survivors and disability applications for our
military service members and their qualified family members.
The
Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Michael J.
Astrue, announced that Social Security wants active duty personnel and
their families to know that procedures are now in place to expedite
survivors applications and disability claims that apply to any injured
military service member, no matter where the injury occurred.
Commissioner
Astrue stated: "I want to assure the brave men and women of our Armed
Forces and their families that they will not have to wait for these
needed benefits. The special process is just one way Social Security
can show our military personnel how much we appreciate their service."
Survivors
eligible for benefits should call Social Security's toll-free number --
1-800-772-1213 -- to sign up. SSA reports there is a
specially-dedicated immediate claims taking unit that processes an
application at the time of contact. Those applications received in a
local Social Security office also are expedited and are given priority
handling.
Read more of this Article.