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Quick Answer
Many Social Security recipients are veterans. This means that when they retire, they are eligible for VA disability and Social Security. However, this raises the question: Can you get VA disability and Social Security at the same time? Fortunately, the answer is yes. VA benefits do not limit the amount of your retirement benefits.
Understanding the link between VA disability and Social Security is important. It can help you claim the benefits you need. Having experienced legal counsel will also help.
That’s where Pond Lehocky Disability comes in. Find out why so many disability recipients trust us to advocate for them when they need it the most.
Why You Can Collect VA Disability and Social Security
VA disability and Social Security are two separate programs. They have their own separate eligibility criteria and funding sources.
Congress funds the VA disability program. Meanwhile, Social Security retirement is funded through a worker’s payroll tax deductions. This makes VA disability and Social Security independent sources of income.
The purposes of these two programs are also distinct:
- VA disability: Given to veterans who were hurt or got sick due to their military service. Benefits compensate the veteran for decreased earning capacity. They also cover disabilities and impairments resulting from their service.
- Social Security retirement: Provided to the elderly as a form of financial security. Benefits are based on one’s average indexed monthly earnings during their career. They have nothing to do with military service.
Can My VA Benefits Reduce My Social Security?
No. Receiving one benefit does not affect the amount of the other benefit.
For this reason, individuals are encouraged to apply for both programs. They should seek the maximum amount of compensation available through both.
Additionally, eligibility for one program does not affect eligibility for the other. An individual must separately apply for both VA disability and Social Security retirement. Collecting VA disability does not mean you will automatically collect Social Security. The reverse is also true.
Application and Eligibility for Both Programs
Since you can collect VA disability and Social Security, you should know more about them. Consider the eligibility criteria and application processes for both.
VA Disability
These benefits assist veterans who have been hurt or gotten ill due to military service. The veteran must submit an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
They should also include supporting documentation. This will provide details about the veteran’s service and their injury or disability.
Upon receiving this, the VA will assign the veteran a disability rating of 0% to 100%. This percentage affects how much monthly compensation the veteran will receive.
Social Security
Any worker who has paid into Social Security for at least 10 years can claim retirement benefits. Workers pay in via payroll tax deductions. Retirees are eligible for partial benefits starting at age 62.
Full benefits are available at age 66 or 67, depending on the individual’s birth year. Waiting until age 70 allows one to maximize their benefits.
An applicant must submit a form plus supporting documents. These relate to their work history and identity.
How Much Can I Expect in Benefits?
Neither program affects the other in terms of benefits. But it helps to examine how each will determine the amount of your monthly benefits.
VA Disability
In general, the more severe your disability, the higher your benefits will be. The VA uses a rating system of 0% to 100% to determine the severity of the illness or injury.
Many applicants, however, are initially denied. Others are given a rating that does not reflect their disability. Working with an attorney can help ensure you receive the benefits you need.
Social Security
Your retirement benefits will be based on your work and income history. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at the highest 35 years of earnings. This allows them to decide how much your monthly benefits will be.
The actual amount will also depend on your age when you begin to receive benefits.
Preparing for VA Disability and Social Security Retirement
You may be planning to apply for both VA disability benefits and Social Security. If so, you should understand a few key points about both. Preparing now can help you avoid surprises and maximize your monthly benefits.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Tax issues: Up to 85% of an individual’s Social Security benefits are taxable. Meanwhile, VA benefits are non-taxable.
- Healthcare: Veterans who receive VA disability can also receive healthcare through the VA. Once they reach age 65, these veterans also qualify for Medicare. Medicare, in general, covers the medical needs of individuals who are 65 and older. It also helps some younger persons who are disabled.
- Updating benefits: Veterans should update their VA disability rating if their condition worsens. For Social Security, the SSA annually updates benefits based on cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments. These are designed to combat the effects of inflation.
- Appeals: You can appeal your monthly VA disability and Social Security benefits decisions. For VA disability, there are various stages, such as asking for a review or a hearing. Social Security appeals are less common. However, there is an appeals process similar to that used for VA disability.
Why You Should Retain Legal Counsel
Applying for benefits is a process. It requires strict adherence to program rules. Whether you need VA disability or Social Security, you must comply with these rules. This means being accurate and detailed with everything you submit. You should also have ample documentation to support it.
An attorney can assist you from start to finish. Your lawyer will help ensure that your application is complete. Your attorney will also work to accurately depict your disability. Doing this will improve your chances of recovering maximum monthly benefits.
Your lawyer can also help with the appeals process. This can be complicated depending on the program.
Want to learn more about Social Security benefits for veterans? Are you ready to apply for disability? Get in touch with Pond Lehocky Disability to learn more.