When people think of Social Security beneficiaries, they don’t usually jump to Veterans, but this collective of people make up a significant portion of those receiving benefits in the country. In the US Social Security system, war veterans have access to important benefits that are coordinated with disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Veterans with disabilities have the possibility of accessing both Social Security Disability Assistance (SSDI) and benefits from the VA.
Given the complexity of these systems, it comes as no surprise that many people are unsure of which benefits they are entitled to and when they would be able to collect them. Both programs provide financial support, but the qualification criteria and specific requirements vary from each other and those with disabilities resulting from their active service can benefit from faster processing of their SSDI application by reporting their medical situation, making estimates even harder to figure out.
What are the main benefits that veterans would receive from Social Security in 2025?
The main benefits that veterans would receive from Social Security in 2025 are the following.
- If you are a former member of the United States Armed Forces, you can receive payments from SSDI if you have a disability that does not allow you to work. In some cases, veterans often end their careers due to accidents suffered in service and request these benefits in order to survive. Payments can range from $800 to $1,000 depending on their record, the severity of the disability and he care that they need.
- If you are a veteran over 65 years of age or if you have a disability, you can also request SSI assistance. This benefit is not available to everyone, as those who can access this have income that does not exceed a precise monthly limit. Those who wish to receive this benefit will have to undergo additional financial screening to ensure that they are under the limit and maintain their financial status to continue to receive it. Because the goal is to not need SSI, this program provides vocational tools to help veterans find a new job. This means that those who can still work will be provided with additional help to become gainfully employed.
How do these complement a VA pension?
These benefits will complement Veterans Pension benefits, which have their own complex eligibility requirements. In order to receive a VA pension you must:
- Have received an honorable discharge AND
- Have a yearly family income and net worth that is below a certain limit set by Congress. Net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, your car, and most home furnishings), minus any debt you owe. Net worth also includes the net worth of your spouse.
If you meet these requirements, you then must meet an additional one about your service to ensure that you are eligible:
- Started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime, or
- Started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions) with at least 1 day during wartime, or
- Were an officer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and you hadn’t previously served on active duty for at least 24 months
For those who fulfill at least one of these requirements, there is an additional condition they have to meet:
- Be at least 65 years old, or
- Have a permanent and total disability, or
- Be a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability, or
- Be entitled to get SSDI or SSI
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