The door opened as an elderly man walked into Reverend Linton’s barber shop. Instantly, Rev. Linton greeted him warmly saying, “You doing alright today? I haven’t seen you in two weeks!” This is not an unusual occurrence as Linton has countless regulars that come into his shop for a haircut, or even just to visit. Howard and Linton Barber and Beauty Shop (name recently changed to Linton Barber Shop) have been in business for an incredible sixty-six years! After so much time, to NOT have an extensive list of regulars would be highly unusual. Not only does the reverend cut hair, but as his title suggests, he is the pastor of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ on 35th Avenue in west Tuscaloosa.

When you walk into the shop, it’s like taking a step back in time. The wallpaper that covers the wall has aged like a fine wine; completely covered in historic articles and photos of the city coupled with over one thousand shaving mugs. Upon entering, the first thing you see is a classic gumball machine that instantly reminds you of your childhood. To the left, a row of chairs lines the wall that invites you to wait for a cut, or simply to chat with Rev. Linton. On the right, you’ll find a coca cola machine tucked into a corner that looks to be decades old, along with three barber chairs stationed in front of wooden cabinets that hold all of the tools of the trade. In the last chair is where you’ll find Reverend Linton. When he’s not busy, he’ll sit down in the chair while he talks to his friends that come to visit him during his down time and is the very chair that I got my haircut in while we talked.

With it being Black History Month, we at VisitTuscaloosa wanted to do something special. Badly needing a haircut, we realized it may be time for me to give Linton a visit. The Civil Rights history in Tuscaloosa is extensive, yet widely overlooked in recent years. Touting himself as the oldest leader in the area left of the civil rights movement, Reverend Linton had a front-row seat for it all. Rev. Linton moved from Greene County, Alabama to Tuscaloosa to attend Stillman College. The college was put in place by the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa “for training of colored men for the ministry”, which is exactly why Linton went. Since he’s been preaching every year since 1959, it seems as though he’s made the right choice.

Reverend Linton is truly a one and only in Tuscaloosa and even beyond into the southeast when it comes to his contributions to civil rights in Alabama. So much so that he will often host college level classes in his barbershop for stories and lessons on things he experienced first-hand in Tuscaloosa. He mentioned that he was only a kid when Authurine Lucy was suspended from the University of Alabama. State Troopers brought her to an African-American newspaper company just two doors down from the barber shop. Again, just a few years later, the infamous “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door” took place at Foster Auditorium at the University of Alabama’s campus.

The civil rights fight in Tuscaloosa would come to a head in what is known as “Bloody Tuesday”. The day prior, Rev. Linton and other leaders in Tuscaloosa’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference chapter held a meeting to relay the details of a major march they were planning the next day to the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse that had been recently built. A major reason for this was the segregation prominent in the courthouse when it came to separate restrooms and water fountains.

The government caught wind and told them they weren’t going to march, but the African-American community was having none of it and planned to march anyway. Reverend Linton’s job was “to bail folks out of jail” throughout the movement, so was required to lay low and stay out of trouble. Because of this, he called his lawyer who told him “You know you can’t march. If you march who’s going to get people out of jail?” That Tuesday, the march didn’t happen. After meeting at First African Baptist, protesters were greeted outside by a sea of blue. Tear gas, billy clubs, baseball bats, and many other items were used in an ambush. 94 people were arrested on that day as well as over 100 injuries. Known for staying out of trouble, the injured went to Linton’s Barber Shop to take shelter from the terror taking place just blocks away. The ones who were stable were taken care of by a nurse at the barber shop while 33 had to be taken to Druid City Hospital. Fascinating enough, Bloody Tuesday was the only major civil rights event in the state of Alabama that didn’t involve a death. As far as the ones arrested, Reverend Linton was tasked with getting those 94 out of jail. Dr. King then stepped in to help and sent a bail bondsman who helped Linton successfully bail them all out.

Among other incredible accomplishments, Rev. Linton is also responsible for the city hiring the first black cashiers in stores outside of the black district of Tuscaloosa. Linton’s fight for civil rights was a long, but successful journey and is absolutely incredible to hear. You can find the story of his fight on the walls of his barbershop as he’s turned his shop into a museum of sorts. Anywhere you look you can find an article or a “whites only” sign hanging in memorial to the segregation of the courthouse. So next time you’re looking for a haircut, try getting it cut with a healthy dose of history from the One and Only Linton’s Barber Shop.

This weekend is overflowing with events in the One and Only Tuscaloosa! Starting tonight and lasting all weekend long, you can catch some incredible artists at Druid City Music Hall! Starting with Elephante on Thursday, you can catch him, CBDB, and Muscatine Bloodline each night following!

On Friday, you can catch the American Shakespeare Center at the Bama Theatre while they’re on tour presenting “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare! While they’re in Tuscaloosa, you can also catch one of their showings of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”!

If theater makes you hungry, you’re in luck! Saturday is the 11th Annual Great Tuscaloosa Chili Cookoff! You can enter a chili heaven as 35 teams compete for coveted trophies for Best Chili and Best Costume, Booth, and Showmanship. Chili sampling, live music by Angela Hamiter & the Able Brothers and Robert Morgan, children’s activities, free cheese biscuits and free ice cream, and valuable drawing prizes including a large HDTV will all be on the chopping block for this incredible event!

If a Chili Cookoff isn’t enough to warrant an incredible Saturday, Rhythm & Brews is hosting the Alabama State Arm Wrestling Championship! After you eat your chili you can wash it down with a cold brew as you watch the strongest men and women in Alabama battle it out for the arm wrestling title!

Finally, have some fun with the kids as the Children’s Hands-On Museum hosts the Mad Hatter’s “Southern” Tea Party on Saturday. You never know who you’ll run into in Wonderland! The children can sample southern treats, knave of hearts tarts and tea sandwiches! Try not to lose your head while playing flamingo croquet with the Queen of Hearts and craft your own “Mad Hatter” hat!

We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!

Nothing is worse than the struggle of finding a restaurant to eat at around Christmas. From changed hours to even no hours at all, it seems like the search goes on all night! Without food, there’s a chance of getting hangry and that just won’t fly this holiday season. To deter this from happening, we put together a list of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day hours for many of your local favorites! Check out our list of One and Only restaurants and their holiday hours.

Business Christmas Eve Christmas Day
Another Broken Egg 7am until 2pm closed
Archibald and Woodrow’s Barbecue closed closed
Baumhowers Restaurant 11am until 6pm closed
Big Daddy’s Medit. Grill closed closed
Billy’s Bar and Grill 11am until 5pm closed
Bob’s Victory Grille 11am until 6pm closed
Broadway Pizzeria 10:30 am until 7pm closed
Buddy’s Ribs and Steak Pit closed closed
Buffalo Phil’s Wings closed closed
BurgerFi 10:30 am until 5pm closed
Chuck’s Fish 5 until 10 pm closed
Chuy’s Tex-Mex 11 am until 3pm closed
City Cafe closed closed
Cypress Inn closed closed
Depalma’s Italian Cafe closed closed
Dreamland BBQ – Tuscaloosa 10 am until 3pm closed
Dreamland BBQ – Northport 10 am until 3pm closed
Edelweiss 6:30 am – 2pm closed
Evangeline’s closed closed
Five 11 am -3 pm | 5 pm -12 am closed
Full Moon BBQ 10 am until 3pm closed
Glory Bound closed closed
Heat Pizza Bar closed closed
Hokkaido 11 am unitil 2:30 pm closed
Hoo’s Q closed closed
Iguana Grill closed closed
Innisfree Bar Open 11 am until 1:45 am closed
Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill closed closed
Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ 11 am until 3pm closed
La Hacienda El Mexicana closed closed
Levee Bar & Grill closed closed
Mellow Mushroom 11 am until 2 pm closed
Miss Dots Tuscaloosa closed closed
Moe’s Original BBQ closed closed
Mooyah Burgers Fries & Shakes closed closed
Mr. Chen’s 11am until 9:30 pm closed
Mugshots Grill and Bar 11 am until 2 pm closed
Post Office Pies 11 am until 9pm closed
Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza 10:30 am until 2 pm closed
R. Davidson Chop House closed closed
Rama Jama’s 7 am until 12pm closed
River closed closed
Rock & Roll Sushi closed closed
Ruan Thai Exotic Thai Cuisine Rest. closed closed
Sitar Indian Cuisine 11 am until 3 pm & 5 until 9:30 pm 11 am until 3 pm & 5 until 9:30 pm
Side-by-Side 11am until 11pm 11am until 10pm
Southern Ale House 11 am until 5pm closed
Subs-N-You closed closed
Surin of Thailand 11 am until 2 pm & 4:30 pm until 9:30 pm closed
Sweet Home Food Bar closed closed
Swen Chinese Restaurant closed closed
T-Town Cafe closed closed
Taco Mama 11 am until 4 pm closed
Taziki’s Cafe 11 am until 3 pm closed
The Avenue Pub closed closed
The Front Porch closed closed
The Kitchen closed closed
The Waysider 5:30 am until 12 noon closed
301 Bistro, Bar & Beer Garden closed closed
Wilhagan’s closed closed
Zoe’s Kitchen (all locations) closed closed

 

The Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum

Along the Jack Warner Parkway, directly across from the library rests a charming art deco museum. The Transportation Museum offers interactive and unique displays that showcase the history of the city through the growth of transportation in Tuscaloosa. While the round room may easily guide the flow from each display, this wasn’t the original purpose of the space. Built in 1943, The Queen City Pool was built by architect Don Buel Schuyler. He was an apprentice for Frank Lloyd Wright and was commissioned to build a bathhouse for a public wading pool. The public pool featured a classic art deco fountain that still stands today. The Warner family brought the Pool and its bathhouse to the city after they tragically lost their son David when he drowned. The city of Tuscaloosa had two public works built pools, the Gulf States Pool, and Queen City. The pool closed in 1966 when desegregation was mandated, and the Queen City was a former whites-only pool. Eventually, the pool was filled in and remained vacant for several years. It wasn’t until 2005 that the city announced the bathhouse would be converted into a local museum. The renovation was completed and on December 13th, 2011 the bathhouse officially opened. Today the museum is owned and operated by the City of Tuscaloosa and The University of Alabama Museums. Find out more here.

The Strip along University Blvd is home to so many classic collegiate icons. From locally made cocktails to some of the best burgers and wings in the South, you’re not going to find anywhere that embodies the spirit of college quite like the Strip does. One of its landmarks comes at the corner of University and Campus Drive, is Buffalo Phil’s. This ivy-covered brick lodge for some of the best wings in the world was founded in 1980. Phillip Weaver came to the University of Alabama with a deli and convenience store on campus but wasn’t satisfied with going to class and overseeing his business. He searched for something different to bring to the table at his future quick service restaurant. Eventually, he found Buffalo wings to be severely lacking in the South and decided to concoct his own unique hot sauces for fresh cut chicken wings. It was in 1980 he opened Wings& Things. While traditional southerners weren’t used to actually eating the wings of a chicken, as they saw them as the least desirable part. It was through sampling his delicious product to local businesses and students on campus that Wings & Things quickly became a popular place. The Uniqueness of his wings alongside staples like curly fries and a cornucopia of deliciousness alongside a variety of beers proved to his place on the strip. It was in 1992 that Wings & Things became called Buffalo Phil’s as to offer a trademark for Weaver’s success. Today you’ll find a welcoming college staple that comes offering the “Best Wings in the World.

Top Five Reasons to See The Nutcracker

This holiday season, come to the Bama Theatre to see our community stage the classic ballet of the Nutcracker at 7pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with shows at 10 am Saturday and 2pm Sunday.

 

  1. Warm up with some Russian culture

Composed in the late 1890s in Russia, this classic holiday ballet has been celebrated around the world as a treasure since the 1960s. The elaborate storytelling and focus on the wilds of a child’s imagination can be a welcomed break from the continuing colder winds blowing into town.

 

  1. A great reason to escape to the Bama

There’s hardly a local landmark with a perfect blend of history and modern style. the grand dame of theater for Tuscaloosa has an atmospheric theater set in a Spanish courtyard with its original twinkling star lights. You can rest either in the main seats or cozy up in the balcony on the second floor, with a treat from the concession bar.

 

  1. See our community showcase their talent

While it’s fun to go see some experienced professionals in big cities knock out another in a thousand of performances, there’s nothing that beats the excitement of seeing people you know show off their hidden talents. This production features locally sourced artists with talent to spare.

 

  1. Not far from great food

Going to see a show can mean making a night of it with a great dinner, and exploring your own hometown. Being at the Bama means you’re a simple walk away from some of the best one and only eateries in town.

 

  1. Break out those formal clothes

While it’s far from required at these shows to be dressed to the nines, there’s something about the magic of ballet in a grand theater that can be so well suited with a step in clothes. Not to mention these colder days mean it’s time to layer up, and with our warm fall, we haven’t had the chance to show off our winter gear.

 

No matter what your reasons, you’re guaranteed a great night out with some festive ballet, local talent, and culture in the one&only Tuscaloosa. Find out more information here

For locals, a giant neon cactus in our southern college town just makes sense. They belong right up there in Tuscaloosa landmarks with Denny Chimes and the Railroad Bridge. They just make sense. To newcomers, they are one of the first things you ask a local about. Anybody born and raised here will likely have an undying passion for their tacos and sweet tea. While the city has grown its food scene more and more with each passing day, they still have a love for Taco Casa. It’s hard to imagine that there was a time before they sprung up around town. Long before 1974 when the first Taco Casa would open, founder Rod Wilkins was dreaming up of the Tex-Mex after practice under the guidance of Tuscaloosa Icon Coach Bear Bryant. He would go on to head back home, work with his father in construction and marry a Northport girl named Susan Strong.

They would come back to Tuscaloosa in 73 with money they invested from Susan’s grandmother. While Rod would try to get a loan for his Tex-Mex, he officiated high school football games while helping build Susan’s parents home. Once he got the loan from his fellow football official Ed King, he set out to find the perfect spot to build his dream on. On August 20th, 1974 Taco Casa was born. They hit the ground running with their long-continued tradition of serving fresh food made right after the customer ordered. Along with hot fresh food, they served some of the coldest beer in frosted mugs, quickly becoming the landmark restaurant where many locals would try their first taco.

After incredibly dedicating himself to his work, he was advised by his former high school coach to franchise Taco Casa. By 1977 Taco Casa expanded across the river to Northport. College students and locals alike would grow to love Taco Casa to the point they expanded into markets like Mobile, Birmingham, and even into auburn. On that tragic day of April 27th, 2011 a Taco Casa along 15th street was struck by the devastating tornado. The Restaurant would be one of the first businesses to come back stronger than before and be a beacon of hope for the city’s revival. To this day Taco Casa is still a family operated business with a dedication to our great city. They continue to serve freshly made Tex-Mex and some of the sweetest sweet tea in the state. It is loved and cherished as a local legend that continues to bring people together under the biggest cactus in town

Indigenous people once ruled the area around Tuscaloosa, and further south along the Black Warrior River is the ancient ruins of a once great native city. The actual name of the locale is lost, but what archeologists have found it was once one of the largest cities in North America. Dated to around 1000 AD to 1450 Ad, the Mississippian culture occupied the site and on it, they built grand mounds inside a plaza.

These mounds were used from as little as civic buildings, burial sites, to grand plots for the elites of the city to cast their homes upon. They towered above the dwellings of the common people, and the elites lived luxuriously above. The city itself rose from a simple port to a cultural and political capital of the native lands. The city would rise to be the second largest mound city, right behind Cahokia in Illinois. Sadly, the grandeur of the impressive city would fall. European settlers would colonize and eventually the site would be found abandoned. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the government took interest in preserving the site thanks to the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The ruins became open to the public in 1939 and would change to be called the Moundville Archeological Park by 1991. Today, you drive from Tuscaloosa towards the sleepy community of Moundville and find the park. Once there you’ll find the open field of the former great plaza and the grass-covered mounds still towering above. The University of Alabama currently runs the museum on site and provides a wonderful collection of preserved pieces of the lost culture. You’re welcome to explore and hike around the site, even climb to the top of the tallest remaining mound.

The ruins have a subtle beauty to their simplicity. They look almost alien rising out of the ground above the fields, and yet you can’t help but look in awe. To think of what was once a bustling hub of civilization now quietly resting over the river. Head towards the river bluff for an impressive vantage point overlooking the waters as they flow towards the gulf and back to Tuscaloosa. Try and picture the excitement of all the people of the Native American cultures meeting and trading along the shore. What it must have been to be in the Chicago of mound cities. Take it in, and appreciate how both permanent and fragile our world is. These sites remain to remind us that our worlds can fade out, but there will always be ways to remember them. Go out and explore the ruins, and connect with a world time left behind.

Story time! Did you know that Tuscaloosa was named after a native American chief? Chief Tuskaloosa was a paramount chief of a Mississippian chiefdom in what is now the sweet home Alabama! Tuskaloosa is most well-known for leading the Battle of Mabila at his fortified village against the Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto.

Tuskaloosa was known for being a great leader, impressive for his size and nobility, he was nearly 7 feet tall! When Tuskaloosa heard of the approach of De Soto, he went out to meet the Spaniard and invited him to visit his village, Mabila. All along the way, Tuskaloosa pointed out the beauty and riches of his homeland but de Soto is not impressed; he is seeking gold and only that. When de Soto and his army made it to the village, Tuscaloosa’s men ambushed them!

After the battle, with both sides retreating, Tuskaloosa and some of his people left their ravaged village and made their way north to live at the falls near what is now the town of Tuscaloosa. The river known as the Black Warrior River is named to honor Tuskaloosa!

From new Bama fans to curious freshmen, its hard to see why lighting up a celebratory cigar happens every time Alabama wins against Tennessee. The problem of success is you gain a lot of rivals along the way, and aside from that cow college to the east, Tennessee is a classic rival for Alabama, going as far back as over 100 years. The tradition of the celebratory cigar dates back 60 years, and while its rumored to have been started by the legendary Bear Bryant, it was Jim Goostree. Goostree was the head trainer, and after an overdue victory passed around cigars to the Alabama team. Since then, both teams have celebrated their wins with cigars, and the fans have actively joined in. While it’s a violation of NCAA rules, both teams will self-report the violation as a smaller tradition since 2005.

For this season, the Tide rolls into Knoxville, and for fans who either can’t make the trip or understandably prefer to be in Tuscaloosa, look no further than the one and only R&R Cigar house.

R&R Cigar operates in a classic Greek-revival home west of Lurleen, along 6th with an amazing front porch gracing the front façade. Inside is a cigar paradise with an overwhelming selection of fine tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages for purchase. Inside the rooms are fitted with comfy leather seating and big screens to catch every college game being broadcasted. Carry on the Alabama tradition, pick up a fine stogy ready to light after Bama brings home another W.

Life in Tuscaloosa comes with so many choices. From where you want to live, down to which road isn’t under construction, we face so many choices. When it comes to choosing where to go out, your options are overwhelming. Your friends may need to squeeze their pennies, while you want to impress your date. Some of you want to explore new tastes, while others can’t be separated from their pizza. It can be tough to decide where to go as college students in town, but we’ve narrowed it down to help guide those who want to explore beyond the dining hall.

Moe’s BBQ

It is so hard to go wrong with Moe’s. From the friendly attitude of the workers to the fiendishly delicious sides, you’ll want to keep going back just to try every temptation on their menu. Their BBQ stands out as the main attraction, but their great patio seating, live music, make it a perfect starting point for a great night out on the town.

Heat Pizza

One of the newest on the Tuscaloosa scene, Heat is spicing up the way we think of pizza. Parking, while a constant struggle for most places, is hardly an issue if you’re going to Heat. It’s located right under the free to park parking garage at Government Plaza. Once inside, the super modern bar greets you as you prepare for some of the best thin crust pizza. Even if you don’t think you want to enjoy Heat for dinner, they stay open as late as the strip with a 2am closing time. Giving you plenty of time to crave their artisan styles and enjoy some late night pizza. They also make the perfect spot enjoy any of the live events happening in the plaza since their outdoor seating directly faces our communal lawn downtown.

Innisfree

Nothing is more collegiate than a good Irish bar and Innisfree wears its shamrock with a fiery honor. Known for its messy chips, over the top fries, wings, burgers and decadently fried food, Innisfree will satisfy. This is where you can go to unwind, relax and enjoy great food with great friends. There’s never a dull moment at Innisfree, from Saturdays in the fall, to any day in the spring they have music, games, and sports ready to keep you entertained

Taco Mamas

Who doesn’t love an ice-cold mug? When has queso/guac and chips been a bad idea? Taco Mama’s delivers when it comes to Tex-Mex in T-Town. They have every south of the border flavor you desire. Tacos, to burritos with quesadillas in between, they deliver that Mexican taste you’re always ready to delight in.

Five Bar

If you want to grow your likes on Instagrams, go to Five. Easily one of the most photogenic places to eat in town, their ceiling full of eccentric chandeliers, dim lighting, and foodie style menu are a great choice to treat yo self. Their mantra of only offering five choices helps narrow it down for anyone who has to deal with someone who “ is fine with anything”. The limited choices will surprise you in how packed with flavor they can be, and come out looking so photo ready.

One and Only: Alabama Veterans Reunion is coming up on August 26-28! We are thrilled to host Alabama’s finest in the One and Only Tuscaloosa! We are incredibly honored to be hosting the Alabama Veterans Reunion for the 3rd year here in Tuscaloosa. We are humbled to have so many of Alabama’s brave men and women who have served and continue to serve this great country come and unite in our city. This celebration weekend starts August 26th through to Sunday, August 28th. We welcome our featured speaker Major General Janet Cobb at our Veterans Appreciation Dinner on Saturday. Maj. Gen. Cobb is decorated for her service in the United States, overseas, and is a Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of Alabama ROTC.

The commemorative weekend will consist of a MyVA community public forum and reception at the Rivermarket on the 26th. The Veterans Festival at the VA Medical Center Campus with live music, a car show, and more! After the festival the formal dinner at the Northriver Yacht Club on the 27th, this is the only ticketed event at $35 a person & $60 for a couple. The 28th we will have the Veterans tour, a self-guided tour of the military and war history in Tuscaloosa. All events aside from the Formal Dinner are free to attend, and we look forward to seeing everyone here to celebrate this heroic men and women! REGISTER TODAY! at www.alabamaveteransreunion.com

Director of Outreach for Disability Benefits Help Deanna Power kindly wrote a post explaining Veteran’s benefits! Be sure to share it out.

How Someone Could Receive SSDI and VA Disability Benefits at the Same Time

As a disabled worker and a disabled veteran of the U.S. armed forces, you may be entitled to disability benefits from both the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Veteran’s Administration (VA). In fact, you can receive monthly compensation from both government entities at the same time and without your benefits through either program being reduced due to monies you receive from the other.

 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI benefits are available to qualified disabled individuals who worked and paid Social Security taxes to accumulate the work credits necessary to be covered by this “insurance” program. Taxes you pay accumulate as work credits, and work credits are usually earned at the rate of four per year. This means most workers of sufficient age and with a recent work history are eligible for SSDI, provided they also have a qualifying medical condition.

The amount of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI varies on how old you are when you become disabled. A recently enlisted solider wounded in combat will not have been expected to work as much as a 60-year-old applicant.

 

Veteran’s Administration Disability Benefits

Disability benefits through the VA are available to veterans that have a qualifying disability. This disability may be either an illness or an injury. It can also be something that occurred or developed during military service, or that was exacerbated by or worsened as a result of active military service. In other words, whether your disability was caused by or worsened because of military service, you may be eligible for VA benefits.

 

Medical Eligibility and Qualification Processes

While the VA and SSDI are both disability programs, there are some major differences between their respective medical qualification processes. The VA has a less stringent definition of disability and has a sliding scale for disability as well. Veterans can be anywhere from 10% to 100% disabled and receive VA disability.

SSDI disability standards are stricter and require your disability has or is expected to last at least 12 months or that you have a terminal condition. A qualifying disability must also prevent you from “substantial gainful activity,” which essentially means gainful employment. In 2016, “gainful employment” Because of these differences in eligibility requirements, some veterans may qualify for VA benefits but not for disability under the Social Security Act.

 

Expedited SSDI Reviews for Veterans

Veterans that are deemed 100% Permanently and Totally Disabled (100% P&T) by the VA are entitled to special service from the SSA. If you inform the SSA of your 100% P&T status, your SSDI application will be expedited. For expedited service however, you must also provide the SSA copies of your VA disability rating documents along with your application for Social Security Disability.

 

Applying for SSDI

You can apply online, via the SSA’s website for SSDI benefits, or you can visit the local field office to complete your application. Phone application interviews are sometimes done as well and can be arranged by calling 1-800-772-1213. Just keep in mind that this is the SSA’s main phone line and you may therefore be on hold for some time before speaking with an SSA representative.

No matter how you go about applying for SSDI, you’ll want to review information about the process prior to starting your application. The Adult Disability Starter Kit is a good place to begin your review. You may also wish to consult some of the SSA’s veteran-specific online resources, including the informational pages for Wounded Warriors and Veterans with 100% P&T Ratings.

This article was contributed by Disability Benefits Help. If you need any assistance with your claim, feel free to contact our staff at help@disability-benefits-help.org