Can You Receive Both VA and Social Security Disability Benefits?

There is a popular myth circulating that says that if you are a veteran and receiving vet’s benefits, you cannot receive Social Security Disability (SSDI). For those of you who have been told that, we have good news for you! It’s not true. A veteran may simultaneously get both Social Security disability and service-connected Veterans’ disability benefits.

Don’t worry. It’s a common misperception. It happens because both the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs have two types of disability benefits. Each organization has a disability benefit program that analyzes a veteran’s income and resources when determining eligibility and another disability benefit program that does not.

• If you are a veteran seeking SSDI, contact one of our certified disability advocates by calling or clicking. Speak directly with someone who can extensively help you get the benefits you and your family need and deserve!

As a veteran, you can be awarded both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Department of Veterans’ Affairs a veteran offers either Service-Connected benefits (Compensation) or Non-service Connected benefits (a Pension).

Therefore, veterans may receive both Service Connected/Compensation benefits and SSDI benefits simultaneously, with no conflict affecting either benefit because eligibility is not determined by the veteran’s income and resources. A veteran’s eligibility to non-service connected VA Pension and SSI is determined by income and resources; entitlement to both is possible and depends upon the extent of income and resources available to the claimant/veteran.

Social Security Disability benefits are generally based on the veteran’s work history and the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes paid, similar to any other citizen.

What About Veteran’s Benefits and SSI in Tampa?

In contrast with this, SSI benefits are calculated by the amount of income and resources a veteran has, as opposed to their work history. Therefore, if you are a disabled veteran and have ample resources, the SSA would most likely evaluate your situation and deem you ineligible for SSI benefits.

Service-Connected benefits and Compensation veteran’s benefits are allocated when the veteran suffers from a chronic physical or mental disability that was either caused by, appeared during, or was exacerbated by his or her service in the military.

Non-Service-Connected benefits are like SSI in that, if the veteran has ample resources, the DVA would not allocate funds because he or she demonstrates reasonable means.   Social Security Administration looks at all of the veteran’s income and resources including Non-service Connected/Pension benefits. The Social Security Administration will then offset Supplemental Security Income payments based on the amount of money received from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

It’s also important to note that the offset mentioned above will be determined by the SSA for any additional income received by the veteran.

Contact Disability Experts of Florida Today if You’re a Veteran and Have Questions about SSI and SSDI in Tampa

Though veterans are eligible for SSDI and veteran’s benefits, the devil is in the details. It can be extremely confusing and frustrating dealing with both government agencies. At Disability Experts of Florida, we deal with our veterans daily to help them get the benefits they need. As veterans, you are our country’s heart and soul. It is our duty and pleasure to work with you through the often complex process of getting your benefits. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and thank you for your service.