DEAR JUDY: I heard you recently wrote a column that a disabled veteran can apply for Social Security benefits. I could not find the column and believe that there are others who have the same question that I have.

What I am questioning is that I was also told that a separate application must be filed in order to apply. I thought that when you apply through the military that was all you have to do and they would automatically check to see if you were eligible for all types of government benefits. Thanks for your answer.

ANSWER: I wrote a recent column about an expedited process allowed for veterans who wish to apply for disability benefits through the Social Security disability benefit program. The process I wrote about is for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after Oct. 1, 2001, no matter where the disability occurs.

However, Social Security does pay disability through two programs. They are first:

The Social Security disability insurance program pays benefits to a disabled person who qualifies medically and who has earned enough credits through his or her earnings on which you must pay Social Security taxes.

The second program is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This is a program that pays people who are in financial need.

The military does not check with other agencies to see if a veteran is eligible for other programs. A representative may suggest that you check into other programs, but you must file an application to find out if you could draw any other type of disability benefits.

You can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors for the military disability benefit. And you can call your closest Social Security office for an appointment, or go online. To apply by phone, call (800) 772-1213. I hope this information helps all those who are disabled.

DEAR JUDY: I would like to know if I could get benefits as a divorced spouse. My husband earned more than I did through the years he worked. I only worked part time and we married after more than 20 years of marriage. I stayed home and cared for the family, so I only worked for a few years. What do you need in order to get benefits as a divorced wife of many years?

ANSWER: You have obviously been married long enough to qualify for an ex-spouse’s benefit. You state that you may not have enough years of work to qualify for benefits. That is another rule, you cannot qualify for a benefit that is higher than your ex’s benefit. Just call Social Security and ask the representative if you could qualify for a benefit as an ex-wife. Make sure you have the information you need before calling: date of marriage, date of divorce, your Social Security number, and your ex’s Social Security number if you know it. Do not hesitate calling because you lack some of the information because the representative will help get whatever you are missing.

Send your questions to judybenge@bellsouth.net.