You can receive both VA disability and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time, but the rules about how much money you get are strict.

The VA and Social Security are separate programs run by different agencies. Neither one automatically stops paying you if you receive money from the other. However, Social Security has a rule called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) that limits how much you can earn from work or other sources. VA disability payments count toward that limit in some situations, which can reduce your SSDI benefit.

The key difference is this: VA disability is based on service-connected injuries or illnesses. SSDI is based on your inability to work due to any medical condition. You can have both if you meet the requirements for each program separately. But if your combined income from VA payments and other sources exceeds the SGA threshold, Social Security may lower or stop your SSDI payments.

Key Takeaways

  • VA disability and SSDI are separate programs, and you can receive both if you meet each program's requirements independently.
  • VA disability payments may count as income toward Social Security's Substantial Gainful Activity limit, which could reduce your SSDI benefit amount.
  • The SGA threshold changes yearly; Social Security publishes the current limit on its website each January.
  • If you receive both, you will need to report your VA payments to Social Security to ensure your SSDI amount is calculated correctly.
  • Some veterans may have access to for a higher SSDI benefit through a program called Expedited Reinstatement if they previously worked and lost benefits.

How VA disability payments affect your SSDI benefit

Social Security counts VA disability as income when determining whether you have exceeded the SGA limit. The SGA limit is the amount of money you can earn (or receive) before Social Security considers you able to work. If your VA payments plus any other income you receive exceeds this threshold, Social Security will reduce your SSDI payment dollar-for-dollar above the limit.

For example, if the current SGA limit is $1,550 per month and you receive $1,200 in VA disability, you have $350 remaining before hitting the limit. If you also earn $400 from part-time work, you would be $50 over the limit, and Social Security would reduce your SSDI by $50 that month.

The SGA limit is adjusted each year. You can find the current year's limit on the Social Security website, or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask what the threshold is for the current year.

Reporting your VA payments to Social Security

You are responsible for telling Social Security about your VA disability payments. If you do not report them, Social Security may overpay you, and you could be required to repay the difference later. The best time to report is when you first start receiving VA payments or when you apply for SSDI.

You can report your VA income by calling Social Security, visiting your local Social Security office, or using your online account at ssa.gov. Have your VA award letter or a recent VA payment statement available when you contact them. Social Security will ask for the amount you receive each month and the date your payments began.

If your VA payment amount changes, report the new amount to Social Security within 30 days. Social Security uses this information to recalculate your SSDI benefit if necessary.

When VA disability does not reduce your SSDI

VA disability payments do not reduce your SSDI if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of SSDI. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and limited resources, and it has different rules. However, SSI does count VA payments as income for may be able to access purposes, which may disqualify you from SSI or reduce your SSI payment.

Additionally, if you are over full retirement age, you can receive both VA disability and your full Social Security retirement benefit without any reduction, because the SGA limit does not apply after you reach full retirement age. The same is true if you are receiving Social Security benefits based on your age rather than disability.

Working while receiving both VA disability and SSDI

You can work and receive both VA disability and SSDI, but your earnings will count toward the SGA limit along with your VA payments. Social Security has a trial work period that allows you to test your ability to work without losing benefits immediately, but your VA payments still count as income during this period.

If you earn money from work, report it to Social Security each month. Social Security will calculate whether your total income (VA payments plus work earnings) exceeds the SGA limit. If it does, your SSDI will be reduced or stopped for that month.

Some people find it helpful to work with a Social Security representative or a work incentive planning specialist to understand how work earnings will affect their benefits. You can find a work incentive planning specialist through the Ticket to Work program, which is free and does not require you to be part of the program to use this service.

Applying for SSDI if you already receive VA disability

Having a VA disability rating does not automatically mean you will receive SSDI. You must still meet Social Security's definition of disability, which requires that your condition prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death. The VA's definition of disability is different — it is based on how much your service-connected condition reduces your ability to work, not whether you can work at all.

When you apply for SSDI, Social Security will review your medical records, work history, and age. Your VA award letter and medical evidence from the VA can help support your SSDI application, but Social Security makes its own information. You can include your VA award letter with your SSDI application to provide medical documentation of your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the VA reduce my disability payment if I receive SSDI?

No. The VA does not reduce your disability payment based on SSDI income. VA disability and SSDI operate independently. However, Social Security may reduce your SSDI based on your VA payments if they push you over the SGA limit.

What happens if I do not report my VA payments to Social Security?

Social Security may overpay you, and you will be required to repay the overpayment. This can happen months or years later when Social Security discovers the unreported income. Report your VA payments as soon as you start receiving them to avoid this situation.

Can I receive VA disability and Social Security retirement at the same time?

Yes. If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits (based on age rather than disability), the SGA limit does not apply, and your VA payments will not reduce your retirement benefit. You can receive both in full.

Does my VA disability rating affect my SSDI amount?

Your VA rating does not directly determine your SSDI amount. Social Security calculates SSDI based on your work history and earnings record. However, if your VA payments are high enough to exceed the SGA limit, they will reduce your SSDI payment.

What if my VA payment changes — do I need to tell Social Security again?

Yes. Report any change in your VA payment amount to Social Security within 30 days. Social Security uses the current amount to calculate whether you have exceeded the SGA limit each month.