Can Veterans Qualify for SSDI and VA Disability Benefits?

 Posted on October 30, 2024 in Social Security Disability

American taxpayers who suffer from certain disabilities may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These are payments distributed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to people whose conditions affect their ability to work. If the disability was incurred or aggravated during military service, the person may also be eligible to receive compensation from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Since these benefits are unrelated, one does not affect the other. This means a veteran will not receive less SSDI payments if he or she is collecting VA benefits, and vice-versa.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between SSDI and VA benefits and the eligibility requirements for each. For more details about receiving SSDI benefits, consult a qualified Texas SSDI attorney.

What Are the Differences Between SSDI and VA Disability Benefits?

The main differences between SSDI and VA payments lie in the fact that they are for distinct, unrelated purposes and are calculated differently. For example:

• The purpose of SSDI benefits is to compensate people when they can no longer earn above a certain amount due to their disability. Eligibility for SSDI and the amount of benefits a person can receive are based on factors like age, disability, and work history. SSDI is calculated based on a credit system that requires a person to accumulate 40 work credits, 20 of which must have accrued over the last 10 years.  
• VA benefits are meant to help former military members who developed disabilities during active duty or had conditions that were aggravated during their service. Payments are calculated based on a percentage scale of 0 percent to 100 percent, with 100 percent being total disability. 

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for SSDI?

Not all disabilities qualify for SSDI benefits. To be eligible, a person must meet the following requirements:

• The disability must either be terminal or affect the applicant’s ability to work for at least one year.
• The condition must prevent the applicant from earning more than $1,550 a month, or $2,590 if the applicant is blind.
• The applicant must have paid Social Security taxes.
• The applicant must have worked long enough. This is measured by "work credits," and an applicant generally must have 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. Twenty of these credits must have accumulated over the last 10 years preceding the disability. 

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for VA Benefits?

The eligibility criteria for VA disability benefits are relatively simpler than those for SSDI benefits. A veteran who wants to collect VA disability benefits must suffer from a physical or mental condition that can be linked to military service or that can be shown to have been aggravated by military service. Veterans who were dishonorably discharged are not eligible.

Contact a Collin County, TX SSDI Attorney

Even if you meet the eligibility criteria for SSDI, the application process can be lengthy and overwhelming. Make sure you enlist the help of a Dallas, TX SSDI lawyer when applying for disability benefits. At The Law Offices of Coats & Todd, our award-winning attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience and are committed to helping you collect the most benefits possible. Schedule a free consultation by calling 972-671-9922 today.