Unlock Six Figures: Combining SSDI and VA Disability

How Veterans Are Earning Over $100K Per Year—Tax-Free—by Combining VA and SSDI Benefits

There’s a little-known but highly effective method that veterans are using to increase their household income—by combining their VA disability compensation with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This approach can generate upwards of $100,000 per year in income, with a significant portion of it being tax-free.

If you’re a veteran with a VA disability rating—whether it’s 100% or less—you may also qualify for SSDI. And yes, you can receive both at the same time.

Meet Jordan Anderson

Jordan Anderson, a 100% rated Air Force veteran and founder of VA Claims Academy, has helped thousands of veterans achieve the VA ratings they deserve. Many of them have also successfully applied for SSDI, dramatically increasing their total household income.

VA Disability vs. SSDI: Key Differences

VA disability compensation is paid for service-connected conditions. SSDI, on the other hand, is designed for any condition—service-connected or not—that limits your ability to work.

Although managed by different agencies, documentation from your VA claim (such as C&P exam results, doctor notes, and treatment history) can be used as strong medical evidence for your SSDI application. If you’re rated 100% Permanent and Total (P&T), your SSDI claim—and even your appeals—can be expedited.

Qualifying for SSDI

To qualify for SSDI, you need a specific number of work credits based on your age. If you’re over 31, you typically need 20 credits earned within the 10 years prior to becoming disabled. Fortunately, your military service time counts toward these credits.

TDIU and SSDI

If you’re rated as TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), your documentation of unemployability can provide compelling evidence for your SSDI claim. Both programs focus heavily on your inability to work, which makes this synergy very powerful.

Medical Evidence Is Everything

The success of your SSDI claim will largely depend on the quality and quantity of your medical evidence. The nexus letters and personal statements you submitted for your VA claim may be reused to support your SSDI application.

How Much Can You Earn?

A veteran receiving 100% P&T VA compensation typically receives around $4,000/month—nearly $50,000/year. SSDI benefits can also approach $4,000/month, depending on your prior earnings. Combined, that’s close to $100,000/year.

And remember, your VA compensation is completely tax-free. This gives it a much higher effective value—comparable to a taxable salary of around $70,000–$75,000. The combined income could be worth even more than six figures annually.

Important Caveats

You can still work a job if you’re 100% P&T from the VA—unless you’re on TDIU, in which case working is not allowed.
SSDI has strict income limits. Even passive income, like rental property income, can sometimes be counted and affect your eligibility.

Final Thoughts

If your service-connected disabilities are preventing you from working, it’s worth exploring whether you’re eligible for SSDI in addition to your VA benefits. The financial and emotional relief this combination brings can be life-changing for you and your family.

Don’t leave benefits on the table. Talk to a qualified Social Security disability professional to explore your options fully.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects the personal opinions and experiences of veterans and is not legal or financial advice. Please consult with a certified claims representative or licensed professional regarding your specific circumstances.

Will VA Retrieve Overpaid Benefits? Errors in Effective Dates Cause Significant Overpayments

Will the VA Take Back Disability Benefit Payments? Overpayments Discovered

Will the VA Take Back Disability Benefit Payments? Overpayments Discovered

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently identified overpayments totaling approximately $6.8 million in disability benefits due to errors in effective date assignments under the 2022 PACT Act. This issue affects tens of thousands of veterans, with the VA likely to send notification letters soon. This article explains what to expect, how to navigate potential overpayments, and steps to take if you suspect errors in your benefits.

Understanding VA Overpayments

VA overpayments occur when veterans receive more benefits than they are entitled to, often due to administrative errors, changes in eligibility, or failure to report life changes. The VA’s Debt Management Center (DMC) will notify affected veterans via letter, detailing the overpayment amount, reason, and repayment process. Overpayments are typically recouped by reducing monthly benefit payments until the debt is repaid.

Key Steps in VA Debt Collection

Notification: The VA sends a letter from the DMC outlining the overpayment details.
Repayment: The VA deducts the debt from future benefit payments.
Waivers or Compromise: Veterans facing financial hardship may request a waiver or reduced payment. Contact the VA to discuss your situation.
Dispute and Appeal: If you disagree with the overpayment, you can dispute the debt or request a hearing.

Common Causes of Overpayments

Changes in Income: Not reporting income changes can affect income-based benefits like pensions.
Marital Status Changes: Failing to report a spouse’s death or divorce may alter eligibility.
Dependency Changes: Not updating dependent status, such as when children age out, can lead to overpayments.
Incarceration: Unreported incarceration periods may result in overpayments.
Administrative Errors: VA mistakes, such as incorrect effective dates, are a significant cause in this case.

PACT Act Errors: What Happened?

The 2022 PACT Act expanded benefits for veterans exposed to environmental hazards in combat zones. However, a VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report found that approximately 26,100 of 131,000 claims filed in the law’s first year had incorrect effective dates. This led to $6.8 million in overpayments and underpayments for an estimated 2,300 veterans.

Errors stemmed from:

Complex Legislation: The PACT Act’s complexity confused claims processors.
Inadequate Guidance: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) provided insufficient training.
Unreliable Tools: Automated date-setting tools were ineffective.

The OIG recommended improved training, better tools, and error corrections. The VA’s Acting Under Secretary for Benefits, Michael Frueh, agreed to implement fixes by July 31, 2025, with reviews of erroneous claims completed by April 30, 2025.

Impact on Veterans

Most errors resulted in overpayments, meaning the VA will seek repayment. However, some veterans were underpaid and may be owed retroactive benefits. Effective dates depend on factors like claim filing dates, diagnosis dates, or the PACT Act’s enactment (August 10, 2022). Veterans who suspect errors should:

Contact an Accredited Representative: A Veteran Service Officer (VSO) can review your claim and verify effective dates.
Request a VA Audit: Ask the VA to audit your payments to confirm accuracy.
Monitor VA Letters: Respond promptly to notifications to avoid missing deadlines for disputes or waivers.

Political Context

Since the start of the second Trump administration, some Republican lawmakers, including Senator Tommy Tuberville, have criticized the PACT Act’s rushed implementation. They argue for increased scrutiny to refine the law. Conversely, Senator Maggie Hassan warned that proposed VA staff reductions could harm veterans’ access to benefits and claims processing.

What Veterans Should Do

If you receive an overpayment notice, act quickly to avoid disruptions like reduced or withheld payments. Request a waiver if repayment causes hardship, or dispute the debt if you believe it’s incorrect. If you suspect you were underpaid, work with a VSO to pursue owed benefits. Don’t ignore VA letters, as timely action is critical.

For assistance, consult an accredited VSO or contact the VA directly. Stay proactive to protect your benefits and financial stability.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. VeteransBenefitsHub.com is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any government agency. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, errors or changes in VA policies may occur. Veterans should consult with an accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO) or the VA directly for personalized guidance on their benefits. VeteransBenefitsHub.com is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article.

2025 VA Disability (COLA) Rates – With & Without Children

2025 VA Disability Pay Rates to Increase by 2.5%

Effective December 1, 2024, the 2025 VA disability pay rates will reflect a 2.5% increase, as announced by the Social Security Administration on October 10, 2024.

This adjustment is based on the latest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Refer to the charts provided on this page to determine your eligibility and estimated monthly payout based on this increase.

A Text formatted version below:

2025 VA Disability Rates (Projected) – Without Children

Disability Rating	Veteran Alone	Veteran with Spouse	Veteran, Spouse & One Parent	Veteran, Spouse & Two Parents	Veteran with One Parent	Veteran with Two Parents
100%	$3,831.30	$4,044.91	$4,216.35	$4,387.79	$4,002.74	$4,174.18
90%	$2,297.96	$2,489.63	$2,643.38	$2,797.13	$2,451.71	$2,605.46
80%	$2,044.89	$2,214.89	$2,351.89	$2,488.89	$2,181.89	$2,318.89
70%	$1,759.19	$1,908.19	$2,028.19	$2,148.19	$1,879.19	$1,999.19
60%	$1,395.93	$1,523.93	$1,625.93	$1,727.93	$1,497.93	$1,599.93
50%	$1,102.04	$1,208.04	$1,293.04	$1,378.04	$1,187.04	$1,272.04
40%	$774.16	$859.16	$927.16	$995.16	$842.16	$910.16
30%	$537.42	$601.42	$652.42	$703.42	$588.42	$639.42
20%	$346.95
10%	$175.51
Add’l for A/A Spouse	N/A	$195.92	$195.92	$195.92	N/A	N/A

Note: Veterans with 10%-20% ratings do not receive additional compensation for dependents.

2025 VA Disability Rates (Projected) – With Children

Disability Rating	Veteran & Child	Veteran, Spouse & Child	Veteran, Spouse, Child & One Parent	Veteran, Spouse, Child & Two Parents	Veteran, Child & One Parent	Veteran, Child & Two Parents
100%	$3,974.15	$4,201.35	$4,372.79	$4,544.23	$4,145.59	$4,317.03
90%	$2,425.96	$2,630.96	$2,784.96	$2,938.96	$2,579.96	$2,733.96
80%	$2,158.89	$2,340.89	$2,477.89	$2,614.89	$2,295.89	$2,432.89
70%	$1,858.19	$2,018.19	$2,138.19	$2,258.19	$1,978.19	$2,098.19
60%	$1,480.93	$1,617.93	$1,719.93	$1,821.93	$1,582.93	$1,684.93
50%	$1,173.04	$1,287.04	$1,372.04	$1,457.04	$1,258.04	$1,343.04
40%	$831.16	$922.16	$990.16	$1,058.16	$899.16	$967.16
30%	$579.42	$648.42	$699.42	$750.42	$630.42	$681.42
Each Add’l Child < 18	+ $106.14
Each Add’l Schoolchild > 18	+ $342.85
Add’l for A/A Spouse	N/A	$195.92	$195.92	$195.92	N/A	N/A

More insight at:
DAV.ORG

Is There a $3,600 VA Stimulus Check in 2025? Here’s What Veterans Need to Know

With inflation and the rising cost of living continuing to impact millions of Americans, many veterans have been asking about the possibility of a $3,600 VA stimulus check in 2025. However, as of March 2025, there has been no official confirmation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding any such stimulus payment.

Instead, the only confirmed financial boost for veterans in 2025 is the 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which has already been applied to monthly VA disability compensation and other federal benefits.

$3,600 VA Stimulus Checks in 2025: What’s the Reality?

Despite circulating rumors on social media and veteran forums, there is no standalone $3,600 VA stimulus check currently authorized by Congress, the VA, or the IRS.

The speculation appears to stem from confusion around the estimated annual increase in disability payments due to the COLA adjustment. For some veterans, the monthly increase from the 3.2% COLA could add up to around $3,600 across the entire year—but this is not a lump-sum stimulus payment.

Details	Information
Authority	Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Program	VA Stimulus Payment (Rumored, Not Confirmed)
Country	United States
Payment Amount	Approx. $3,600 annually via COLA
Status	No official confirmation as of March 2025
Next Payment Date	April 1, 2025 (for March benefits)
Official Source	www.va.gov

Understanding the 2025 COLA Increase for Veterans

While a one-time stimulus isn’t on the table, eligible veterans are receiving more each month thanks to the 3.2% COLA increase. This adjustment, designed to help offset inflation, benefits those receiving:

VA disability compensation
VA pension
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Other VA-related monthly payments

How Much More Will You Receive?

Depending on the level of your disability compensation, the COLA increase could result in an additional $250 to $300 per month. Over a 12-month period, this can total roughly $3,600—but again, it is paid incrementally, not as a lump sum.

Learn more about the 2025 COLA increase on Military.Com.

2025 VA Payment Schedule

VA payments typically follow a predictable monthly schedule, usually issued on the first business day of the following month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, payments may arrive early.

Month	Payment Date
March 2025	April 1, 2025 (Monday)
April 2025	May 1, 2025 (Thursday)
May 2025	May 31, 2025 (Friday)

Veterans should monitor their direct deposit accounts accordingly and contact VA support if payments are delayed.

Who Qualifies for VA Benefits?

To receive VA compensation or COLA-related increases, veterans must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Honorable military service in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
Permanent U.S. residency
Service-connected disability (caused or aggravated by active duty)

If you meet these qualifications, you are automatically enrolled to receive COLA-based increases. No additional application is required.

The Bigger Picture: Financial Challenges Facing Veterans

While the COLA adjustment offers some relief, many veterans still face serious financial hurdles. These may include:

Ongoing healthcare and disability-related expenses
Limited employment opportunities due to service-connected conditions
Rising costs of rent, utilities, and groceries

Financial educator Alex Beene notes that while COLA increases help preserve purchasing power, they rarely address the core affordability issues many disabled and retired veterans face.

How Veterans Can Stay Informed

To avoid misinformation and stay updated on real benefits, always rely on trusted, official sources:

VA.gov – For all VA benefit updates
IRS.gov – For tax-related relief and any future federal stimulus information
SSA.gov – For Social Security-related COLA adjustments
Benefits.gov – For an overview of available federal aid programs

Veterans can also contact the VA benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000 or visit their local VA Regional Office for personalized assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there a $3,600 VA stimulus check in 2025?
A: No. As of March 2025, there is no official confirmation of such a payment.

Q: Why do people mention $3,600?
A: That figure is the estimated annual increase in compensation some veterans receive from the 3.2% COLA adjustment.

Q: Do I need to apply for the COLA increase?
A: No. If you already receive VA compensation, the increase is automatic.

Final Thoughts

While there’s no special $3,600 VA stimulus check in 2025, the COLA increase offers steady monthly boosts that can add up significantly over the year. Veterans are encouraged to stay alert to future updates by checking VA.gov and IRS.gov regularly.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. While all information is accurate as of the publication date and sourced from official government websites, readers are encouraged to verify details directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs or Internal Revenue Service for the most current updates.

Your Pay Increase: Effective December 1, 2024

As a disabled veteran or military retiree, the announcement of your pay increase effective December 1, 2024, is great news. But what does this mean for you? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, when to expect it, and how to ensure you’re receiving the correct amount.

When Will You Receive Your Payment?

The timing of your payment depends largely on your financial institution. While some payments may post as early as Friday, December 27, 2024, others may not appear until Tuesday, December 31, 2024, because January 1st is a federal holiday. Always check with your bank or credit union to confirm their processing schedule.

How Much Will You Receive?

Your exact payment will depend on your disability rating, dependent status, and the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Below is a quick reference chart for veterans with a spouse and no children, effective December 1, 2024:

Disability Rating	Monthly Payment
10%	$175.15
20%	$346.00
30%	$614.20
40%	$859.20
50%	$1,284.00
60%	$1,523.20
70%	$1,989.00
80%	$2,214.00
90%	$2,489.00
100%	$4,044.00

To see the full VA compensation rates for 2024, visit the official VA compensation rates page.

Verify Your Payment

It’s crucial to ensure your payment amount is correct. The VA is not immune to errors, and discrepancies can happen. Verify that your payment aligns with:

Your disability rating.
Your dependent status (e.g., spouse, children).

If you notice an error, contact the VA immediately via the VA Inquiry Line or call 1-800-827-1000.

Understanding the 2025 COLA Increase

For 2025, the COLA increase is 2.5%, slightly below the recent trend of higher adjustments but still near the decade average of 2.6%. COLA adjustments are tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation.

Key points about COLA:

Military retirees and VA beneficiaries receive COLA adjustments annually.
Social Security recipients will also see a 2.5% increase, averaging an additional $50 per month for the typical beneficiary.

To learn more about how COLA is determined, read this detailed article on COLA and its impact from the Social Security Administration.

Action Steps

If you’re concerned about the size of the COLA or how it’s calculated, reach out to your elected officials. There are ongoing discussions in Congress to adjust the way COLA is calculated, potentially switching from the CPI-W to the CPI-E (Consumer Price Index for the Elderly), which could result in slightly higher adjustments over time.

Final Thoughts

Staying informed about your benefits is crucial. Share this information with other veterans and retirees to ensure everyone receives the correct amount.

For more resources and updates on VA benefits, visit VeteransBenefitsHub.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.