I'm 58 yrs old - a SC Disabled Viet Nam Vet, I draw $2699 per month from my VA benefit --- finally 100% rated as of June 2007 --- a lot of credit goes to this forum for answering many questions along the way, and giving very helpful direction -
I am medically retired from the PO as of 1985 (11 years with the PO) and have not shown an income since that time - I draw about $700 per month from my PO medical retirement and have not been able to work at even small jobs over the years, because if I had shown income over $600 per year I would have lost my health insurance thru the PO - and with 2 open heart surgeries and aneurysm/aorta surgery plus kidney stints and many angioplasties, anyway you get the picture....not having my APWU insurance or even taking a chance of losing it by accident, was never an option - we have lived on my wife's income, she was self employed and has paid into SS for many years - she is not working at this time -
My annual SS statement shows that I have 30 credits at this time - it also goes on to state that I can earn "credits" up to four each year - 1 credit for each $1000 of wages or self-employment income - unfortunately, this is not an option that I have
I went to the SS office today and was told that we made too much money to qualify for any benefits - but then I read and hear about other veteran's that are able to draw both VA disability and SSD - I think what they should have told me also was that I didn't have enough credits, but that wasn't even mentioned (and I didn't think about that until I got home - duh!)
I would really appreciate input from anyone that has any insight or advice on this situation -
If you need any more information - please let me know
Thanks,
kscj