VA Disability + Social Security

[Rowdy01]

Hello All,

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but just have to ask:  I'm approaching age 62 and I'm currently receiving military retirement pay and I'm also receiving compensation as a 100% permanently and totally disabled veteran.

My question....will applying for and receiving my Social Security, when I turn 62, affect either my retirement or my disability compensation?  I'm almost 100% certain that it will not, but I'd love to be assured of this by some of you folks that might be receiving all three right now.  

 

Thank you!

 

 

[brokensoldier244th]

There is no offset or reduction for either mil retirement or disability and SSA. 

[broncovet]

I humbly suggest you read about "concurrent receipt", and see how your situation applies.  https://www.moaa.org/content/benefits-and-discounts/pay-and-benefits/military-pay-benefits/crdp/#:~:text=Who is eligible for Concurrent,retired pay and VA compensation.

 

Now, I can say that VA compensation does not affect my social security disability.  I get both.  But retirement from the military is a different animal, and I have not retired from the military, so maybe you should read about it.  

[brokensoldier244th]

[Rattler]

brokensoldier244th

I have never heard that I had to tell Social Security that I am receiving VA compensation. Can you please post a reference hear?

I started receiving SSDI in 2009. My VA benefits started in 2017.  I will go on full Social Security in the beginning of 2025. I have always assumed that Social Security and the VA talked to each other. Am I wrong/

[Tbird]

Question:

Are Veterans eligible to collect both VA and SSA benefits at the same time? If so, is there a monthly cap?

Answer:

• Veterans who receive VA disability benefits may also receive SSA benefits, depending on the amount received from the VA and if they are approved for SSI or SSDI. 

  SSI: VA benefits will affect the SSI benefit amount. SSA classifies VA benefits as “unearned income,” since it does not come from paid employment. As such, it will be deducted dollar for dollar from the SSI federal payment amount, after the general exclusion of $20. (All SSI recipients are eligible for this exclusion, where the first $20 of earned or unearned income is not counted against their SSI payment.)

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

  Please read more at SSA and VA Disability Benefits: Tips for Veterans.

[brokensoldier244th]

SSI benefits are for low income/meager income

SSI- affected by benefit amount from VA

SSDI - for people that go on SS early due to disability, etc

SSDI- Not affected by benefit amount from VA.

 

https://www.ssa.gov/people/veterans/index.html - Middle of the page. Regular SSA benefits are not affected by VA compensation. You have to report them but unless you are on SSA it does not affect the amount you receive from SSA.