If you are a veteran and are unable to work due to a disability, you may be eligible for both Social Security disability benefits and VA disability compensation. Social Security disability benefits, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), are paid to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability and have paid enough Social Security taxes to qualify for the program. VA disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans who are unable to work due to a service-connected disability.

While it is possible to collect both SSDI and VA disability compensation at the same time, there are some rules and limitations that you should be aware of. Here are some things to consider if you are planning to apply for both programs:

Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for SSDI, you must have a disability that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and you must have paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of quarters. To be eligible for VA disability compensation, you must have a service-connected disability and be a veteran who served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training.

Amount of benefits: The amount of your SSDI benefits is based on your average lifetime earnings, and the amount of your VA disability compensation is based on the severity of your disability. The SSA and the VA have different formulas for determining the amount of benefits, so it is possible for your SSDI and VA disability compensation to be different amounts.

Offset rule: If you receive both SSDI and VA disability compensation, the SSA may reduce your SSDI benefits by an amount called the offset. The offset is the amount by which your VA disability compensation exceeds the amount of your SSDI benefits. For example, if you receive $1,000 per month in VA disability compensation and $800 per month in SSDI benefits, your SSDI benefits will be reduced by $200 per month (the offset). The offset rule applies to both retirement and disability benefits.

Coordination of benefits: If you are receiving both SSDI and VA disability compensation, the SSA and the VA will coordinate your benefits to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of benefits possible. The SSA and the VA will determine the amount of your SSDI and VA disability compensation separately, and then they will coordinate the benefits to determine the total amount you are entitled to receive.

Medicare: If you are receiving SSDI, you are also eligible for Medicare after a two-year waiting period. Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to individuals over the age of 65 and to those who are receiving SSDI. If you are receiving VA disability compensation, you may be eligible for VA health care benefits. If you are eligible for both Medicare and VA health care benefits, you can choose to enroll in one or both programs.

In summary, it is possible to collect both SSDI and VA disability compensation at the same time. However, there are some rules and limitations that you should be aware of, including the eligibility requirements, the amount of benefits, the offset rule, and the coordination of benefits. If you have any questions about collecting both SSDI and VA disability compensation, you should contact the SSA and the VA for more information.