How VA Disability Affects SSA Benefits

Veterans eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pay for a service-connected medical issue may also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This second Social Security benefit offers government funds to help those in need, with or without military service.

VA and Social Security disability benefits are separate programs administered by different government agencies. The VA and the Social Security Administration have their own qualifying criteria, payment guidelines, and benefits. However, your VA payments may affect your Social Security benefits.

We have articles on SSDI and SSI, the purpose of this article is to breakdown how VA disability pay could affect Social Security Payments.

What are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security Insurance (SSI), and Social Security Retirement

Before we get into the details about how your benefits from one program may affect the other, it’s important to understand the basics of who is eligible for VA and Social Security disability benefits.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance, is offered to those with qualifying disabilities or conditions regardless of whether they have served in the United States military. SSDI is a federal-level benefit you earn after working long enough to earn 40 credits.

According to the Social Security Administration, those credits are earned by your work and payments into the Social Security fund via federal tax withholding up to four credits per year. The credits are based on your total earnings from work during the year.

SSDI benefits have medical requirements. Those meeting the requirements are paid benefits when it is determined that their medical issues are expected to last a minimum of one year or result in the patient’s death. Benefits typically begin six months after approval for the long-term disability.

Eligibility for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)

Supplemental Security Insurance, or SSI, is a need-based benefit subject to income caps. Medical disability (or age) is also part of the equation, but you won’t qualify unless you have little to no income or financial resources. Income caps mean if you draw VA disability pay but not military retirement pay, you may qualify for SSI.

The Social Security Administration’s official website advises that veterans approved for a VA pension “will not qualify to receive SSI because the pension amount is higher than the SSI payment amount,” exceeding the income cap. Simply put, you probably won’t qualify for SSI if you receive military retirement pay.

Eligibility for Social Security Retirement

Social Security retirement benefits are a social safety net available to all eligible retirees and their spouses. Benefits are calculated based on lifetime earnings from work. You’re paying for this future benefit when you see Social Security withheld from your paycheck.

Social Security retirement benefits may be available as early as age 62, but you’ll get more every month if you wait until you’re 70. If you’re receiving SSDI payments, those end when you reach the full retirement age determined by the Social Security Administration based on your birth year. At that point, SSDI payments are replaced by your Social Security retirement benefits.

Comparing VA Disability, SSDI, and SSI

If you’re looking for a quick summary, here are the highlights you should know about VA disability, SSDI, and SSI if you’re disabled.

VA Disability

• Exclusively for active military and veterans
• Administered by the U.S. Department for Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Payments offered for both partial and full disabilities
• Benefits based on severity of disability and dependents

SSDI

• Available to any American with a sufficient work history
• Administered by the Social Security Administration
• Benefit amount based on eligible earnings history
• A significant disability that prevents working typically required

SSI

• For disabled and older Americans
• Administered by the Social Security Administration
• Minimum income and financial resource requirements
• Likely not available if you’re receiving VA benefits

Receive VA Disability and SSA Benefits

VA disability benefits and SSA disability benefits are unrelated programs, and you may qualify for both, depending on the nature of your disability.

Note: SSDI and SSI are not intended to provide a full living wage; the Social Security official site itself advises that Social Security paid an average monthly disability benefit amount “barely enough to keep a beneficiary above the poverty level” and any additional assistance you can apply for is crucial.

VA Disability

If the disability is related to your time in the United States military, and you’re honorably discharged or still enlisted, you’ll likely qualify for VA benefits if the disability meets minimum requirements. To receive payments, you’ll likely have to prove the injury or illness is related to your time in the armed forces and will almost certainly require a VA medical review.

VA Disability and SSDI Benefits

SSDI benefits require a higher level of disability than VA benefits. There’s no rule saying you can’t get both simultaneously. If you receive SSDI for an injury or illness related to your time in the service, there’s a good chance you can qualify for payments from both programs. In other words, VA disability has no impact on SSDI disability benefits.

For example, if you’re able to receive $1,800 a month in VA disability pay, and eligible to receive $1,200 in SSDI payments, then you’d receive $3,000 in total benefits.

You can’t receive SSDI at the same time as Social Security retirement benefits, but you can receive either at the same time as VA benefits. At the age of Social Security retirement eligibility the SSDI will convert to your retirement payments. The amount will stay the same.

VA Disability and SSI Benefits

However, if you’re receiving VA disability or retirement benefits, you probably won’t be eligible for SSI. The biggest reason for that is SSI relies heavily on income levels. VA disability pay will count as “unearned income,” which may put you over the cap to receive benefits. There is a general $20 exclusion rule, meaning every dollar you make more than $20 dollars will be reduced dollar-for-dollar from your SSI benefits until you’re unable to receive any.

Example: Looking at 2025, the monthly maximum Federal amounts are $967 for an eligible individual, and $1,450 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse. So let’s say you’re single and receive $475 a month in VA disability. After the $20 dollar exclusion rule, you’re left with $455 dollars in VA disability pay. That $455 is subtracted from the $967 dollars, leaving you with $512 dollars.

On top of the VA disability pay, if you’re eligible for any military retirement or VA pensions, then you’ll very likely exceed the income cap to receive SSI payments.

If that’s confusing, you’re not alone! Working with the VA and SSA independently can help you get the maximum benefit you’re qualified to receive.

Expedited Social Security Claims for Disabled Veterans

If you have a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating from the VA, you’re eligible for expedited processing of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim.

This scenario only occurs when the VA already said you have a complete disability and that it’s not likely to improve. While the SSA won’t automatically approve SSDI payments based on this VA status, it should lead to a faster review and approval than anyone without the 100% P&T rating.

To ensure you get expedited review, include a copy of your VA rating decision letter as supporting documentation and write “Veteran Rated 100% P&T” on the top of your application–or tell your SSA rep if applying in person.

Also, if you were injured while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001, the Social Security Administration may fast-track your disability claim under the Wounded Warriors program, regardless of where the injury happened or whether you’re still receiving military pay. Make sure your application clearly states the injury happened on active duty, label it “Military Casualty/Wounded Warrior,” and include all your military medical records.

Application Tips and Best Practices

Getting your paperwork right the first time can make a big difference.

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when applying for Social Security disability as a veteran:

Start with Your VA Benefits

If you haven’t already, apply for your VA disability benefits before you apply for Social Security. A 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) rating from the VA can speed up your SSDI claim through expedited processing. And your VA benefits shouldn’t interfere with SSDI benefits.

Gather All Medical Evidence

Pull together your complete medical history, including military and civilian records. The more documentation you have about your diagnosis, treatment, and how your condition limits your ability to work, the stronger your case.

Work with a VSO or Advocate

You don’t have to do this alone. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and accredited advocates can help you navigate the process, avoid common mistakes, and make sure you’re submitting everything SSA wants to see. If you’re concerned about completing your paperwork accurately, an advocate can be a major ally.

Appealing If Denied SSDI or SSI Benefits

You’re not necessarily out of luck if your application at the VA or Social Security office is denied. Both have an appeals process where you can make another attempt to secure disability benefits.

If you need to appeal an SSDI or SSI denial, go into the appeals process even more prepared. Thoroughly review your paperwork. Gather any additional medical information that can support your application. If you have not already, this could be the time to consult a professional for assistance to ensure your application has the best chance of approval.

The appeals process offers four opportunities to convince someone you qualify for SSDI:

1. Request reconsideration: Start by asking the SSA to reconsider its decision.
2. Hearing with a judge: If you disagree with the response, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge.
3. Review of hearing decision: Request a review with the Appeals Council if you disagree with the decision made by the judge in your hearing.
4. File federal district court action: File a federal district court action with the U.S. District Court if you disagree with the response from the Appeals Council.

Hearings and court actions can require additional legal support, which can add a cost to your application. It’s better to go in prepared on your first attempt, ready to prove your disability with medical documentation and a complete application.

Final Thoughts

VA and Social Security disability benefits are separate programs, but you may qualify for both. A strong, well-documented application, especially if you’re rated 100% P&T or meet Wounded Warrior criteria, can speed things up and boost your chances.

Don’t go alone if you’re unsure where to start or hit a roadblock. A VSO or disability advocate can help you get the benefits you’ve earned with less frustration. With a complete application and solid medical documentation, you’re in the best position to receive the disability benefits you’ve earned.

FAQ

Will I lose SSA benefits if I get VA disability?

You won’t lose Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if VA disability benefits are approved. You may lose Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) approved for VA benefits.

Can I receive SSDI and SSI if I receive VA disability and military retirement?

You can receive SSDI if you’re receiving VA disability and military retirement benefits. It’s unlikely you would qualify for SSI if you’re receiving military retirement due to your income likely being above the cap allowed to receive it.