Many Camp Lejeune survivors have reached the age where they begin to draw Social Security benefits if they were gainfully employed and paid into Social Security. However, if their illness prevented gainful employment, help is still available.

Eligibility

For retirees, Social Security can start as early as 62, or as late as 67, depending on the date of birth.

Anyone with a disability can begin drawing Social Security before 62, as long as they worked long enough to have credits that cover their payments. Disability is available if the medical condition is expected to last more than one year, or results in the person’s death.

Individuals who became ill following their stay at Camp Lejeune may

Survivors and dependents may also be eligible to receive Social Security from the deceased’s work record. For Camp Lejeune families, this will likely be the service member’s work record. For those who cannot work, they may be able to collect Social Security or need to apply for another program called SSI.

Supplemental Social Income (SSI)

Individuals without at least ten years of working may not have enough credits to qualify for Social Security. In this case, Supplemental Social Income provides benefits to individuals who have little or no income and resources, are age 65 or over, or are under 65 with a disability or blindness. Individuals who apply for SSI may also be eligible for Social Security as well.

Additionally, SSI recipients may also be eligible for other benefits such as:

• SNAP benefits (aka “food stamps”)
• Medicaid for medical care (this is separate from Medicare, which is for people over 65.)

You can find more information at Benefits.gov. These are in addition to other benefits such as VA Care for veterans and health care reimbursement for family members health care.

How Will A Settlement Affect Benefits?

It will depend on what type of benefits you’re receiving.

Social Security or SSDI are both benefits paid for through taxes. Therefore, a settlement won’t impact monthly benefit payments.

However, SSI is needs-based, meaning that it could be offset by the regular monthly benefit payments received before the settlement. In other words, your settlement could be reduced by the amount of SSI you received in the form of monthly payments.

Call Us For Help With Social Security, Disability, And Other Claims

We’re experienced in handling all types of benefit claims and have helped more than 4,000 Houstonians get the benefits they need. Call The Herren Law Firm today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and we’ll take your case on a contingency fee basis, with no up-front charges.