Can You Receive VA Benefits and SSI at the Same Time?

Purple
Aug 7
3 min read

What veterans need to know about combining VA disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Introduction: VA Benefits and SSI — Can You Have Both?

If you’re a veteran receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may be wondering if you also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

It’s a common question — especially for low-income veterans who may be eligible for both programs. But the rules can be confusing.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

✅ Whether you can get SSI and VA benefits at the same time

✅ How your VA income affects SSI eligibility

✅ What happens if you go over the limit

✅ How Purple can help you manage both safely

1. What’s the Difference Between VA Benefits and SSI?

Let’s start with the basics:

VA Benefits: Compensation or pension paid to veterans based on service-connected disabilities or financial need.
SSI: A federal program for people with limited income and resources who are blind, disabled, or over age 65.

📌 Key difference: VA benefits are not based on income, while SSI is. That’s where the conflict can happen.

2. Can You Receive Both VA Benefits and SSI?

Yes — but it depends on the type and amount of VA benefits you receive.

✅ VA Disability Compensation is not counted as income for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), but is counted for SSI.
✅ VA Pension is also counted as income and can reduce or eliminate SSI eligibility.

⚠️ SSI Income Limits in 2025

To qualify for SSI in 2025:

You must have countable monthly income below $967 if you’re single
And resources (like cash and savings) under $2,000

VA benefits — especially monthly compensation or pension — can push you over this limit.

3. How Does SSA Count VA Benefits Toward SSI?

SSA counts most VA payments as income when calculating your SSI benefit.

For example:

If you receive $500/month in VA disability compensation, your SSI benefit may be reduced dollar-for-dollar, unless an exclusion applies.
If you receive a VA pension, it’s likely to significantly reduce your SSI payment — or disqualify you altogether.

💡 There are exceptions — such as Aid and Attendance benefits, which may be partially excluded. But in general, the more VA income you receive, the lower your SSI check will be.

4. What Happens If You Go Over the Limit?

If your VA benefits cause you to go over the income or asset limits for SSI, SSA may:

Reduce or stop your monthly SSI
Send you a notice of overpayment, requiring you to repay past benefits
Temporarily suspend your account

That’s why it’s important to keep track of deposits, monitor your balance, and report changes in income or living arrangements.

5. How Purple Helps Veterans on SSI Stay Compliant

💜 Balance & Deposit Tracking

Get real-time alerts when VA or SSI benefits are deposited — so you always know where you stand.

💜 Spending Controls

Automatically categorize spending to avoid accidental asset buildups that could impact SSI.

💜 Multiple Accounts

Open separate accounts to keep SSI funds distinct from other income, including VA payments.

💜 Companion AI Support

Ask:

“Will this deposit affect my SSI?”
“Am I over the limit this month?”
“Should I report this to SSA?”

FAQs About VA Benefits and SSI

⚠️ Can I receive both VA disability and SSI?

Yes — but only if your income and assets stay below the SSI limits.

⚠️ Will the VA notify SSA of my benefits?

No. You must report VA income to SSA to avoid overpayments or penalties.

⚠️ What about SSDI and VA benefits?

You can receive both without income limits. SSDI is based on work history, not income.

⚠️ What happens if I don’t report my VA income?

SSA may reduce or stop your SSI, and require you to pay back excess benefits.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Receive Both — But Be Careful

✅ VA benefits count as income for SSI

✅ You can receive both only if you meet SSI income and resource limits

✅ Keep track of deposits and report changes to avoid penalties

✅ Purple helps veterans stay compliant and keep the benefits they’ve earned

💜 Open your Purple account today to manage SSI and VA benefits with confidence.