Disability-preserved veterans during military service are mainly served by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Social Security Administration (SSA). Most would ask: Do veterans with a VA rating of 100% disability get Social Security benefits concurrently? Yes, but the specifics would vary depending on the type of Social Security benefits.
VA disability compensation
The VA also compensates disabled veterans for service-connected disability. A 100% rating represents total disability, and the greatest compensation is received by veterans. The percentage states the level of disability and its effect on the ability of a veteran to work.
Social Security benefits overview
SSA administers two significant programs that make payments to individuals with disabilities
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI pays the beneficiaries who have earned sufficient work credits based on their work history and Social Security taxes paid. These determine one’s qualification if the individual cannot engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is a program based on income that is intended to assist individuals with limited resources and income, without regard to past work. It is disability- and need-based.
Concurrent receipt of VA disability compensation and Social Security benefits
100% disabled veterans are eligible to receive both VA disability compensation and Social Security benefits simultaneously. The coordination of the two benefits is based on the nature of the Social Security benefit:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI compensation is not subject to reduction by VA disability benefits. VA disabled veterans can enjoy their full SSDI benefits at the same time along with them without reduction since both are programs with differing eligibility and financing.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI benefits, being needs-based benefits, consider other sources of income, including VA disability pay. The SSA counts VA benefits as “unearned income.”
Because of this, VA disability payments can reduce the SSI benefit dollar for dollar after a flat deduction of $20. For example, if a veteran receives $500 in VA disability pay, the SSA will subtract the first $20, and the remaining $480 will be subtracted from the veteran’s SSI benefit.
Application process and considerations
Social Security benefits applicants who are also veterans should understand the following:
- Different applications: VA disability pay and Social Security benefits have different application procedures. One is not approved for the other due to their different considerations.
- Medical evidence: The VA and SSA require thorough medical evidence for disability claims. Up-to-date and full medical records are to be maintained by veterans when they apply for benefits.
- Simultaneous benefits: VA compensation for a disabled veteran will not necessarily preclude a veteran from getting Social Security benefits. SSI benefits have been explained, however, which will be proportionately reduced with compensation the veteran gets from the VA.
