Can I collect Social Security and VA disability at the same time?

Asked by: Manuel Wuckert  |  Last update: April 19, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (11 votes)

SSDI and VA disability compensations are not affected by each other, so you may be eligible to receive both. However, you must apply for them separately. It may be possible to also be eligible for SSI, depending on income and resources.

Can you draw both VA disability and Social Security?

Veteran Eligibility for Disability Benefits

Veterans may be concurrently eligible for both SSA and VA benefits and may begin receiving SSA benefits while they are waiting on a VA benefit decision.

Can you collect Social Security if you are 100 percent disabled veteran?

A Veterans Affairs compensation rating of 100% P&T doesn't guarantee that you'll receive Social Security disability benefits. To receive disability benefits from Social Security, a person must have a severe impairment expected to last at least one year or to result in death.

Does VA disability reduce social security disability?

SSDI: Alternatively, SSDI benefits are not affected by unearned income through VA benefits.

Will I lose my VA disability when I turn 65?

When you turn 65, you do not need to reapply for your VA disability benefits or take any special action to continue receiving them. The VA will continue to pay your disability compensation at the same rate, based on your disability rating.

How to Collect Both VA Disability and SSDI - What is needed & expedite the Social Security Process

23 related questions found

Can I collect military retirement and VA disability and Social Security?

SSDI and VA disability compensations are not affected by each other, so you may be eligible to receive both. However, you must apply for them separately. It may be possible to also be eligible for SSI, depending on income and resources.

At what age does VA disability end?

Your VA disability compensation payments do not ever stop with age; however, they can be stopped, lowered, or increased based upon findings of fraud or changes to the veteran's severity of symptoms as well as impacts to work, life, and social functioning.

How much is Social Security disability with VA disability?

Maximum SSDI Benefit for Disabled Veterans

In 2024, the maximum SSDI benefit is $3,822 per month. Most veterans receive less than this amount, however. The average SSDI benefit for veterans under 62 is $1,512 per month. Your specific benefit depends on how much you've paid into Social Security over your working years.

Can you draw disability and Social Security at the same time?

Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to collect SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time. This is known as receiving “concurrent” benefits. When you are ready, you can apply for both benefits together. After you apply, the Social Security Administration will tell you if you qualify for one or both programs.

What is the 70-40 rule for VA disability?

You have at least 1 service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, or. You have 2 or more service-connected disabilities, with at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.

Do you get extra money from Social Security for being a veteran?

Table of Contents. Your military pension does not affect your Social Security benefits. You'll get your full Social Security benefit based on your earnings. Survivor benefits may affect benefits payable under the optional Department of Defense Survivors Benefit Plan.

Does the wife of a 100 disabled veteran get benefits?

The spouse of a veteran with a 100% disability rating is entitled to benefits, including healthcare and educational. The veteran is also entitled to additional monetary help for the spouse and for other eligible dependents.

Do veterans get free healthcare for life?

No! You get VA Healthcare if you have a service connected injury or illness. Any Veteran can be treated by VA but there can be costs, sometimes large costs.

Does VA disability count as income?

These benefits are not taxable on the state or federal level. This tax-free status applies to your disability payments as well as grants for items such as wheelchair ramps in your home or motor vehicle adaptations to accommodate your disability.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security disability?

The so-called “five-year rule” for Social Security disability allows people who have already received disability benefits to skip a required waiting period in the re-application process after they've returned to work.

How to get SSI with 100% VA disability?

100% Permanent and Total Veterans Initiative

To receive expedited processing, Veterans should identify themselves as a “Veteran rated 100% P&T” when initiating the SSI/SSDI application and should provide the VA rating notification letter to SSA.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

What happens to my Social Security if I go on disability?

Social Security benefits for you and your family may be reduced if you also are eligible for workers' compensation (including payments through the black lung program). These benefits may also be reduced if you are eligible for disability benefits from certain federal, state, or local government programs.

What is the $943 Social Security payment?

If you're wondering about the amounts for these SSI checks, the SSA has set a maximum monthly amount of $943 for individuals and up to $1,415 for couples in 2024. Some states even offer additional SSI supplements, increasing the overall payment for residents of places like California and New York.

Can you get both VA disability and social security disability?

Veterans may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), in conjunction with, or as an alternative to VA disability compensation. They may also use the Medicaid and Medicare health benefits that come with SSI/SSDI to supplement VA health services.

When a husband dies, does the wife get his VA disability?

If you're the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC).

Does VA disability reduce Social Security?

VA disability is tax-free and does not offset SSDI benefits.

The money you receive for VA disability compensation will not be taxed and will not affect the payment amounts of other benefits.

What happens to my VA disability when I turn 67?

(Social Security's full retirement age is 67 for people born after 1959). Social Security and pension benefits would be unaffected by this option. Veterans who are already collecting disability compensation would see no reduction in their VA disability benefits when they reach age 67.

When a husband dies, does the wife get his Social Security disability?

If you've reached your full retirement age, you can receive 100% of your spouse's disability benefits. If you're between 50 and 59 and you also have a disability, you can receive 71.5% percent of your spouse's benefits. If you're caring for a child under the age of 16, you can receive 75% of your spouse's benefits.

What is the 10 year VA disability rule?

The ten-year rule says that the VA cannot revoke a veteran's disability rating if they have had it for a decade or more. That means that the VA has to offer the vet some level of benefits, although there are limited exceptions. Also, the ten-year rule is a moot point for a subset of veterans' disability claims.