Published on: June 4, 2015
Whether you’re a veteran or on active duty, having a disability or getting disability benefits for veterans can be a challenge (regardless of your P&T rating).
Many veterans and active duty military are unaware about the capacity to receive both VA compensation/pension and Social Security disability benefits simultaneously. But the question still remains: can you get benefits while remaining on active duty? The short answer is it depends, and, we’ll explain further about the dearth of knowledge regarding these benefits together.
Active Duty
Contrary to popular belief (or simply unknown belief), yes – you can receive Social Security benefits while on active duty. The official SSA website advises that you should notify your local Social Security office immediately upon deviations in the following:
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Military Occupational Specialty code (MOS)
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Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC)
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Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)
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If you get a permanent change of station (PCS)
Reinforcing this, then, what’s important is you notify the SSA on any changes in your work status. To do this regarding any changes in the above points, you’ll need to acquire a Benefits Planning Query, which requests information on the status of your disability benefits, work history, health insurance, and other valuable records and data to “plan your return to work.” The SSA supports this notion of becoming well enough (if possible) to return to the workforce.
Work Programs
Don’t worry about your disability status changing if you undergo work incentives—these allow you to test your workability waters and still receive benefits at the same time. By doing so, you are keeping the SSA informed on your status and if you take a new job (this includes a PCS in the military, as mentioned earlier).
Some of the work programs offered are:
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The Trial Work Period (TWP) – this permits you to test your work ability for 9 months while still receiving disability benefits. Note that the months need not be consecutive.
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Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) – this is after the TWP, where you can work for 36 months and receive benefits as long as your rate of pay isn’t “substantial.” If it crosses the “substantial” mark, your benefits will be suspended for that month.
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Ticket to Work program – this allows you to get “vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support services free of charge.” This is supplied by Employment Networks, who are contracted with Social Security to provide services to SSA beneficiaries that have disabilities.
The above points were referenced by the SSA, and illustrate the available programs for veterans and others who may be in active duty and want to test their ability to work in other work spheres. This does not include if you take a job on your own that isn’t encompassed by these incentive programs. If you start working on your own, you must inform the SSA of your activity and things such as pay, and the date you began or stopped working. After reporting this, you should get a work report receipt; make sure you keep this!
Key Takeaway
Now you know that being on active duty doesn’t eliminate your chances of receiving both VA compensation and SS disability benefits. From here, it’s a matter of moving forward with your application! We here at Disability Experts of Florida are happy to assist you with your Social Security claim (and we can refer you to someone who can assist you with a claim for VA benefits). Talk to a disability representative today in order to get started and learn the best way to submit your application today!
