Social Security and VA Disability Question

[RV Wanderers]

I am hoping someone here might be able to help me as I am not finding a clear cut answer on line and trying to not spend hours visiting my local Social Security Office.

Does anyone know what the youngest age someone can file/draw Social Security if they are 100% Disabled thru the Veterans Affairs (VA) after 22 years of Active Duty service?

Is 62 the youngest, or are you able to file/draw Social Security at a younger age due to being 100% VA Disabled?

Thank you in advance for any guidance/information.

[Warhorse6]

I would strongly suggest you call or write the social security administration. Don’t believe you want to make any personal financial decisions on the input of others. Go to the source. I can tell you what I think, but may not be right. Best wishes and thanks for your service.

[TandW]

If you had been adjudged disabled by SS before your VA disability pension started, this would likely not be a problem. As you know, there are many VA disabled who receive their pensions and then turn around and go to work for VA.
We need the Major Richard Star act to be passed and signed into law so a lot of the confusion can be cleared up.

[Lv2Roam2]

It is possible to draw 100% VA and SS disability payments but there's a few SS eligibility considerations that each individual has to meet. Just like VA disability one Vet's experience is one Vet's experience.
Recommend you talk with your County Veteran Service Office (CVSO) as a start with a f/u to SS. You'll need to apply for SS benefits - most likely on the 'disability' side. If you're approaching 62+ (whatever your eligibility age is) you can collect SS without concern about the disability process. Please note that you may qualify for other benefits based on employability, etc. - a good conversation to start with your CVSO. Take your spouse - they're eligible for some healthcare benefits also.

[RV Wanderers]

Thanks for all of the guidance.

[OldBaldFat]

You cannot draw Social Security until you are age 62.

If Social Security decides you are disabled, you can draw Social Security SSI/ Disability at age 18.

I had a brother with Downs Syndrome, and he moved from my parents for SSI to direct payment to his guardian on his 18th birthday.

SSI and Social Security Disability are paid from a direct congressional appropriation. NOT from the Social Security Trust Funds.

And the Social Security Administration receives an additional amount per recipient from Congress to administer the program.

Social Security Disability/ SSI is independent of VA benefits, except that total compensation received MIGHT impact the amount received under the other program.

As mentioned, you need some face to face discussion with someone who deals with these issues on a daily basis. Every case is slightly different.

Also, the DAV might can provide you assistance.

[MKwilli]

I'm a 100% disabled, retired military veteran, and recently went on Social Security. You are correct about spending a lot of time figuring this all out, as it is confusing. Here are my thoughts on what I believe you are asking, but I would get an official reading:

- Social Security and VA disability benefits are not automatically linked. I'm assuming you retired with 22 years. However, when you turn 65 and go on Medicare, it's much easier to have Medicare payments taken out of your social security payment if enrolled in DEERS when you get your new retired ID card. I started Social Security and Medicare at the same time i.e. 65 years old as recommended by other retirees I know.
- Social security, as of now, can be taken at 62. However, there are unable-to-work disability cases where you can take social security early. I have never qualified.

Again, this is just my humble interpretation.

[RV Wanderers]

Originally Posted by MKwilli

I'm a 100% disabled, retired military veteran, and recently went on Social Security. You are correct about spending a lot of time figuring this all out, as it is confusing. Here are my thoughts on what I believe you are asking, but I would get an official reading:

- Social Security and VA disability benefits are not automatically linked. I'm assuming you retired with 22 years. However, when you turn 65 and go on Medicare, it's much easier to have Medicare payments taken out of your social security payment if enrolled in DEERS when you get your new retired ID card. I started Social Security and Medicare at the same time i.e. 65 years old as recommended by other retirees I know.
- Social security, as of now, can be taken at 62. However, there are unable-to-work disability cases where you can take social security early. I have never qualified.

Again, this is just my humble interpretation.

Thank you very much…this is what I was thinking was the case.

[MKwilli]

RV Wanderers, you are welcome!

[Sempercrayon]

I will tell you this from my experience. Drawing SSDI is next to IMPOSSIBLE ! At least for me. I’ve tried three times on my own and with three different law firms. I’m 100% P&T with partial body paralysis and other Service Related and Service Aggravated issues. I will tell you this. If awarded, they offset your checks to the highest check.

[flywithcoop]

I would never tell a government agency (SSI) what I receive from another government agency (VA). SSI can be reduced based on your total income. SSI could count your VA disability as total income and reduce your monthly check. as previously stated in another post. VA, SSi, IRS and DoD do not talk to each other unless you in some way connect them together.

[Psneeld]

I agree that these agencies may be a bit isolated when it comes to transfer of information. I experienced that with the VA telling me they don't report debt forgiveness (has an early VA home loan illegally foreclosed on me and VA never notified me) to the IRS. Bad form there Mr. VA representative if not illegal for even suggesting I skirt the issue.

However this was prior to the current state of computerized Gov't agencies and where all that info goes.

I would be wary of misleading answers as there can be legal issues between "misinforming" one agency as to "the truth". I know some agencies tend to have long memories.

[USAFE7Ret.]

I'm retired USAF with 100% P&T and retired SSA SSI Claims Rep. At age 62 I applied for SSDI and was awarded the higher rate of pension. I draw both VA compensation, USAF Ret., and SSDI with no offset of payments. I hope this may clarify how the system works. Remember one thing, you EARNED these benefits and it is not a handout. Good luck and safe travels.

[synergy58]

Just to add to this confusion a bit... IF you are 100% P&T, you qualify for SSI. SSI is NOT automatic however. You must apply and based on what your conditions are, SSA will then decide if you will be approved. Your VA comp is not adjusted, ever, or taxed. Your retirement from the military is also yours but is taxed. You can receive concurrent VA and retirement, IF you receive at least 50% VA comp. So, yes you can receive Retirement, VA comp and SSI all at the same time, based on your circumstances.