Money and Work

VA disability, SSDI and working

Two separate programs. You can be paid by both, and you can test your ability to work under Social Security's rules.

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Two programs, two sets of rules

VA disability compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are run by different agencies. Each follows its own definition of disability. VA compensation is for conditions from military service. SSDI is for people who cannot do substantial work for at least a year, and is based on your work history and Social Security taxes.

You apply to each one separately.

Getting both

Social Security says the monthly amount and eligibility for each program are not affected by the other. VA disability does not reduce SSDI, and SSDI does not reduce VA disability.

A high VA rating, even 100%, does not mean Social Security will approve you. Social Security decides on its own rules.

If you are rated 100% Permanent and Total (P&T)

Social Security offers expedited processing for veterans rated 100% P&T by VA. To ask for it:

You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or at a local Social Security office. Expedited handling speeds up the review. It is not an approval.

What VA pays at 100%

For 2026 (rates effective December 1, 2025), VA lists 100% at $3,938.58 a month for a Veteran with no dependents, $4,158.17 with a spouse only, and $4,318.99 with a spouse and one child. Your own amount depends on your dependents, so check VA's table for your situation. Your SSDI amount is based on your own earnings record and is figured by Social Security.

2026 VA rates

2026 VA ratesno dependents$3,938.58spouse only$4,158.17spouse and one child$4,318.99
no dependents: $3,938.58; spouse only: $4,158.17; spouse and one child: $4,318.99.VA: 2026 disability compensation rates ยท Page reviewed October 2026.

Working while on SSDI

You do not automatically lose SSDI the first dollar you earn. Social Security has work incentives:

Every case is different. Ticket to Work is Social Security's program that offers free vocational rehabilitation, training and job search help if you want to work.

If you get VA Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

TDIU is a different situation. VA pays it when your service-connected disability keeps you from holding a steady job that supports you financially (substantially gainful employment). To qualify you generally need one service-connected disability rated 60% or higher, or two or more with at least one at 40% and a combined 70% or higher. VA says odd jobs (marginal employment) do not count against you. Ask a Veterans Service Officer before you take regular work if you are paid at the TDIU level.

Where to call and where to go

Phone numbers

Official pages that do the thing

Free help

Use VA's accredited representative search to find a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative. VA says VSO help on VA claims is always free. An accredited attorney or claims agent can charge fees.

Appeal clock. If SSA turns you down, each appeal step generally has to be requested within 60 days after you receive the notice: reconsideration, an administrative law judge hearing and Appeals Council review. SSA presumes you received the notice 5 days after the date on it unless you show otherwise, and a late request can be accepted with good cause (20 CFR 404.901, 404.909, 404.933, 404.968). See Deadlines that decide cases.
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