If you're a veteran with a disability, you may qualify for both VA benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The short answer is yes—you can receive both at the same time. But there's a catch: your VA benefits count as income and can reduce your SSI payment.
In this article, we'll cover:
- How VA benefits and SSI work together
- Which VA payments count as income for SSI
- How VA income affects your SSI amount
- What doesn't count toward the SSI limit
- How to avoid overpayments
1. How VA Benefits and SSI Work Together
SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. VA disability compensation is based on service-connected disabilities and isn't means-tested.
Because these programs have different eligibility rules, you can qualify for both. However, SSA counts most VA payments as unearned income when calculating your SSI benefit.
Important: VA benefits won't disqualify you from SSI automatically, but they will likely reduce your monthly SSI payment dollar-for-dollar after certain exclusions.
2. Which VA Payments Count as Income for SSI
Most VA payments are considered unearned income by SSA, including:
- VA disability compensation
- VA pension payments
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Aid and Attendance allowance
- Housebound allowance
SSA will count these payments when determining your SSI eligibility and payment amount.
3. How VA Income Affects Your SSI Amount
Here's how SSA calculates the impact of VA income on SSI:
Step 1: Start with your total VA payment
Step 2: Subtract the $20 general income exclusion (this applies to the first $20 of unearned income each month)
Step 3: The remaining amount reduces your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar
Example:
- You receive $400/month in VA disability compensation
- Subtract the $20 exclusion = $380
- Your SSI payment is reduced by $380
If the federal SSI rate is $967/month (2025), your SSI payment would be:
- $967 - $380 = $587/month in SSI
Your total combined income would be $400 (VA) + $587 (SSI) = $987/month.
Important: If your VA benefits exceed the SSI payment amount after exclusions, you may not receive any SSI—but you could still qualify for Medicaid in many states.
4. What Doesn't Count Toward the SSI Limit
Some VA-related payments and benefits are excluded from SSI income calculations:
- VA Aid and Attendance used for medical expenses may be partially excluded
- VA educational benefits under certain programs
- One-time VA payments for clothing allowances
- VA grants for home modifications (like SAH or SHA grants)
State supplements and other assistance may also have different rules. Check with SSA or your local benefits counselor for specifics.
5. The Resource Limit Still Applies
Even if your income qualifies you for SSI, you must also stay under the resource limit:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
Resources include bank accounts, cash, stocks, and other countable assets. Your home and one vehicle are typically excluded.
Important: If you're saving VA back pay or a lump sum payment, it could push you over the resource limit. Consider an ABLE account to save without affecting SSI eligibility.
6. How to Avoid Overpayments
Overpayments happen when SSA pays you more SSI than you're entitled to receive. This often occurs when:
- You don't report VA income changes promptly
- Your VA compensation increases after a rating change
- You receive retroactive VA payments
To avoid overpayments:
- Report changes immediately to SSA when your VA benefits change
- Keep records of all VA payments and SSA correspondence
- Review your SSI notices to make sure income is calculated correctly
- Set aside funds from lump sum payments in case you need to repay SSA
If you receive an overpayment notice, don't ignore it. You may be able to request a waiver or set up a payment plan.
How Purple Helps Veterans Manage Both Benefits
Managing VA and SSI benefits can be complicated. Purple makes it easier with tools designed for benefit recipients:
Track All Your Income See your VA deposits and SSI payments in one place. Purple labels government deposits so you always know what's coming in.
Monitor Your Resources If you receive SSI, staying under the resource limit is critical. Purple's tools help you track your balance and avoid going over.
Early Direct Deposit Get your SSI benefits up to 4 days early. VA benefits also arrive faster with Purple's early deposit feature.
No Fees, No Minimums Purple has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements—so every dollar of your benefits works for you.
Get Answers Fast Purple Companion can help with questions like:
- "When will my VA deposit arrive?"
- "How do I report income changes to SSA?"
- "What counts as a resource for SSI?"
You Deserve Both Benefits
If you're a veteran with a disability, you may have earned VA compensation through your service while also qualifying for SSI based on your current situation. Understanding how these programs interact helps you maximize your benefits and avoid problems.