Can I collect Social Security retirement benefits while receiving VA TDIU at 100%?

Yes, you absolutely can collect both Social Security retirement and VA disability (including TDIU) with no reduction to either benefit. They are completely separate programs run by different government agencies. VA benefits are based on service-connected disabilities while Social Security retirement is based on your work history and what you paid into the system during those 30 years. However, turning 65 doesn't automatically qualify you for full Social Security retirement benefits. For someone turning 65 in 2025, your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is indeed 66 and 2 months. You can apply at 65, but your benefits will be permanently reduced by about 7-8% compared to waiting until your FRA. If you can wait until 66 and 2 months, you'll get your full benefit amount.

my buddy gets both VA and social security no problem he said they don't even look at each other

I'm currently getting both VA disability (90%) AND Social Security. Been getting both for almost 3 years now. The VA doesn't care what Social Security pays you, and Social Security doesn't care what the VA pays you. They're COMPLETELY separate! BUT!!!! Be careful about applying too early. I applied at exactly 65 and lost about $240 a month FOREVER compared to what I would have gotten if I'd waited until my full retirement age. If you can afford to wait, WAIT!!!! That reduction is permanent and adds up to a lot of money over time. Also, have you checked your Social Security statement online to see what your benefit amount will be? You should create an account at ssa.gov if you haven't already and check your estimated benefit amounts.

Don't forget that SS benefits might be taxable depending on your overall income. Since your TDIU payments aren't taxable, they don't count toward the threshold for determining if your SS benefits get taxed, but if you have other income sources that might push you over. Something to keep in mind when budgeting.

I went through this exact situation last year. VA TDIU at 100% and turned 65. I can confirm that you can absolutely receive both benefits simultaneously with no reduction to either one. Here's what I learned through the process: 1. Apply for Social Security about 3 months before you want benefits to begin 2. You can apply online, but I recommend trying to get an in-person or phone appointment 3. The backlog for appointments is ridiculous right now - I tried for weeks to get through 4. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an SSA agent within 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU 5. Having an actual person help with the application prevented mistakes that might have delayed my benefits Regarding the timing: If you need the money now, apply at 65. If you can wait until 66 and 2 months (your FRA), you'll get about 7-8% more per month for the rest of your life. If you can wait even longer (up to age 70), you'll get an 8% increase for each year you delay beyond FRA.

THE SSA AND VA ARE CORRUPT!!! I served my country for 12 years, got TDIU after fighting for YEARS, and then when I applied for Social Security at 62, they gave me almost NOTHING!!! They said because I hadn't worked enough in recent years, my benefit was reduced. NOBODY TOLD ME THIS WOULD HAPPEN!!! The whole system is designed to confuse veterans and deny us benefits we EARNED!!! DON'T TRUST WHAT THEY TELL YOU! Get EVERYTHING in writing!!!!

Something nobody has mentioned yet - if you're on TDIU because you can't work, have you considered applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) instead of retirement benefits? If you qualify for SSDI and haven't reached full retirement age yet, that might be more advantageous in your situation. The medical evidence from your VA disability claim could potentially support your SSDI application. Just something to consider before automatically going the retirement route.

ive been getting SS retirement since 63 and VA disability since forever... both deposits hit my bank account no problem... u earned both so u get both

One more thing I just remembered - when you do apply, they'll ask if you want Medicare Part B (the medical insurance part that costs $175.30/month in 2025). Even if you use VA healthcare, you might want to consider enrolling in Part B because VA doesn't always cover everything, and if you decline Part B now but want it later, you'll pay permanent penalties. I have both VA healthcare and Medicare as backup, and it's given me more options for specialists.

Just wanted to add one more consideration - since you mentioned your granddaughter's college expenses, you might want to factor in how the timing of your Social Security application affects your overall financial planning. If you apply at 65 and take the reduced benefit, you'll get money flowing sooner but less per month. If you wait until 66 and 2 months for your FRA, you'll get more per month but start later. One strategy some people use is to calculate the "break-even" point - how long it takes for the higher monthly payments to make up for the months you didn't receive anything. For most people, if you expect to live past your late 70s, waiting for FRA usually comes out ahead financially in the long run. Also, since you're receiving TDIU, you might qualify for some educational benefits that could help with your granddaughter's college costs. Have you looked into transferring any unused GI Bill benefits to her, or other VA education programs for family members?

As someone who just went through this process myself, I can confirm what others have said - you can absolutely collect both VA TDIU and Social Security retirement benefits without any reduction to either. They're completely separate programs. A few practical tips from my experience: 1. **Check your Social Security statement first** - Go to ssa.gov and create a my Social Security account to see your estimated benefit amounts at different ages. This will help you decide whether to apply at 65 or wait. 2. **Consider the math** - At 65, you'll get about 93% of your full benefit. At your FRA (66 and 2 months), you'll get 100%. That reduction is permanent, so calculate whether the extra monthly income now is worth more than the higher payments later. 3. **Application timing** - Apply about 3 months before you want benefits to start. The process can take time, and you don't want delays. 4. **No special VA documentation needed** - When you apply for Social Security, you don't need to provide anything special about your VA benefits. They're handled by different agencies and don't affect each other. 5. **Tax considerations** - Your TDIU payments aren't taxable, but your Social Security benefits might be depending on your total income. Factor this into your planning. Given that you mentioned needing help with college expenses, you might benefit from getting the income flowing sooner even with the reduction, but run the numbers for your specific situation first.

I'm in a very similar situation - turning 66 next month and have been on TDIU at 100% for about 5 years. Just wanted to confirm what everyone else has said is absolutely correct. I applied for Social Security retirement benefits last year and there was zero impact on my VA disability payments. They really are completely separate systems. One thing I'd add that I learned the hard way - when you do apply, make sure you understand exactly when your benefits will start. I thought I was applying "early" by doing it 3 months ahead, but there was still about a 6-week processing delay that I hadn't accounted for. Not a huge deal, but just something to factor into your timeline. Also, regarding the Medicare Part B that someone mentioned - I'd definitely recommend enrolling even if you primarily use VA healthcare. I had a situation where I needed to see a specialist quickly and the VA had a 3-month wait, but I was able to get an appointment within a week using Medicare. Having both options has been really valuable. Good luck with your application process! The peace of mind of having both income streams is worth the effort.

I just want to echo what everyone else has said - you absolutely can collect both VA TDIU and Social Security retirement benefits without any reduction. I've been getting both for over two years now and they've never interfered with each other. One thing I'd strongly recommend is calling the Social Security Administration's main number (1-800-772-1213) and asking them to mail you a paper application if you're having trouble with their website or getting through by phone. I found the paper application much easier to work with, and you can mail it back or drop it off at a local SSA office. Sometimes the old-fashioned way is actually faster than trying to deal with their overloaded online system. Also, since you mentioned your granddaughter's college expenses - don't forget that some states offer property tax exemptions or reductions for disabled veterans. If you own your home, that could free up some additional money to help with those college costs. Every little bit helps! The fact that you worked 30 years before going on TDIU means you should have a decent Social Security benefit coming. Just make sure to weigh whether you need the money now vs. waiting for that extra monthly amount at your full retirement age.

I'm also approaching this situation and wanted to add a few points that might be helpful based on my research and conversations with other veterans: **Regarding the application process:** If you're having trouble getting through to SSA by phone, another option is to visit your local Social Security office in person. Yes, there might be a wait, but sometimes it's actually faster than trying to get through their phone system during peak times. You can find your local office and even schedule an appointment online at ssa.gov/locator. **About your work credits:** Since you worked 30 years, you definitely have more than enough credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits (you only need 40 credits total, which is about 10 years of work). Your benefit amount will be based on your highest 35 years of earnings, so those 30 years of work should give you a solid foundation. **Medicare enrollment timing:** When you apply for Social Security, they'll automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) since you'll be 65, but you'll need to actively decide about Part B. Don't rush this decision - you have a bit of time to think it through, but missing the enrollment window can result in penalties later. **One additional resource:** The VA has benefits counselors who can sometimes help explain how VA and Social Security benefits interact. It might be worth calling your local VA office to see if they have someone who can walk you through the process from the VA side. Your granddaughter is lucky to have someone thinking ahead about her college expenses. Best of luck with the application process!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to thank everyone for this incredibly thorough and helpful discussion! I'm not in this exact situation yet, but I'm learning so much from reading about everyone's experiences. One thing that really stands out to me is how consistent the message has been from multiple people who have actually gone through this process - you CAN receive both VA TDIU and Social Security retirement benefits without any reduction to either. That kind of real-world confirmation is so valuable. The practical tips about timing (applying 3-4 months early to account for processing delays), the Medicare Part B decision, and even things like requesting paper applications or visiting local offices in person are exactly the kind of details that can make a huge difference when you're actually navigating these systems. @Giovanni, it sounds like you have a solid plan forming based on everyone's input. The fact that you worked 30 years before TDIU should definitely work in your favor for your Social Security benefits. Best of luck with your application process, and thanks for asking the question that generated such a wealth of helpful information for all of us!

Welcome to the community! This has been such an informative thread to follow. I'm currently 62 and on VA disability at 70%, not TDIU, but I've been wondering about the interaction between VA benefits and Social Security for when I reach retirement age in a few years. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring, especially hearing from so many people who are successfully receiving both benefits without any issues. The practical advice about timing applications, dealing with SSA's phone system challenges, and the Medicare considerations are all things I wouldn't have thought about on my own. @Giovanni - your situation sounds very similar to what I'll be facing in a few years, just with regular VA disability instead of TDIU. The fact that you worked 30 years before your disability should definitely work in your favor for Social Security benefits. One question for the group: Does anyone know if the process or considerations are any different for someone with regular VA disability compensation (not TDIU) when applying for Social Security retirement? I'm assuming the "no reduction to either benefit" rule still applies, but wanted to confirm since my situation is slightly different from the original question. Thanks to everyone who has shared their knowledge and experiences here - this is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating these complex systems so much easier!

As someone who works with veterans on benefit claims, I want to emphasize a few key points that have been touched on but are worth reinforcing: **Documentation tip:** While you don't need to provide VA documentation when applying for Social Security, I'd recommend keeping your VA award letter handy just in case. Sometimes SSA representatives ask questions out of curiosity or confusion, and having it available can help clear up any misunderstandings quickly. **Timing strategy:** Given your granddaughter's college timeline, consider this approach - calculate exactly how much you'd receive monthly at 65 vs waiting until 66 and 2 months, then figure out how many months of early payments it would take to equal the lifetime difference. For many people, if you expect to live into your 80s, waiting for FRA comes out ahead financially. **One often-missed detail:** When you do apply, make sure to ask about the "do-over" rule. If you apply early and change your mind within 12 months, you can withdraw your application, repay what you've received, and reapply later for the higher benefit amount. Not many people know about this option. Your 30 years of work history before TDIU puts you in an excellent position for Social Security benefits. The fact that you're asking these questions well in advance shows smart planning - your granddaughter is fortunate to have someone thinking ahead about her education costs!

As a veteran who went through this exact process two years ago, I can absolutely confirm what everyone else has said - you can receive both VA TDIU at 100% and Social Security retirement benefits with zero reduction to either. They're completely independent systems. A few additional thoughts based on my experience: **Consider your health and family longevity** - Since you mentioned this decision affects your granddaughter's college expenses, think about your family's health history. If longevity runs in your family, waiting for FRA at 66 and 2 months will likely pay off in the long run. But if you need the income now for her education, taking the reduced benefit at 65 might be the right choice for your family's immediate needs. **Local SSA office strategy** - I had much better luck scheduling an appointment at my local office rather than trying to get through by phone. The staff there were knowledgeable about veteran benefits and made the process smooth. They also helped me understand the Medicare enrollment timing, which was confusing on my own. **One thing to consider** - Have you looked into whether your granddaughter might qualify for any VA education benefits through your service? Sometimes there are transferable benefits or survivor/dependent education programs that could supplement what you're planning to contribute from your Social Security. Your 30 years of work history should result in a solid Social Security benefit. The peace of mind of having both income streams has been tremendous for my family's financial stability. Best of luck with your decision!

Welcome to the community! As someone who's been navigating VA benefits for a few years now, I want to echo what everyone has said - this thread is incredibly comprehensive and helpful. @Giovanni, one thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you might want to consider creating that my Social Security account online sooner rather than later, not just to check your estimated benefits, but also to make sure all your earnings history is accurate. Sometimes there are errors or missing years that can affect your benefit calculation, and it's much easier to get those corrected before you apply rather than after. Also, since you mentioned your granddaughter's college expenses, you might want to factor in the timing of when she'll need the money most. If she's starting college soon and you need immediate help with costs, the reduced benefit at 65 might make sense. But if she has a few years before college or you have other ways to cover the initial costs, waiting for your FRA could mean significantly more money available for her later college years or graduate school. The consistency of everyone's experiences here really shows how reliable these dual benefits are. It's great to see such a supportive community helping each other navigate these important decisions!

As a newcomer to this community, I just want to say how incredibly helpful and comprehensive this discussion has been! I'm not personally in this situation yet, but I'm learning so much from everyone's real-world experiences. What really strikes me is how consistent the message has been from multiple veterans who have actually gone through this process - you absolutely CAN receive both VA TDIU and Social Security retirement benefits without any reduction to either. That kind of firsthand confirmation is invaluable when dealing with government benefit systems that can seem so complex and confusing. The practical advice shared here goes way beyond just answering the basic question too. Tips about timing applications 3-4 months early, the Medicare Part B considerations, checking earnings history for accuracy, requesting paper applications as backup, scheduling in-person appointments at local SSA offices - these are exactly the kinds of details that can make the difference between a smooth process and a frustrating one. @Giovanni, it sounds like you have some great options to consider, especially with your granddaughter's college timeline giving you some flexibility in timing. The suggestion about looking into potential VA education benefits for her is brilliant too - that could really change the whole financial equation. Thank you to everyone who has shared their knowledge and experiences. This is exactly the kind of supportive community that makes navigating these important decisions so much easier!