大咖福利影院

Hello fellow expats. Was wondering if anyone had info if social security enrollment affecting VA benefits? - @arablacq3

In most cases, veterans can receive Social Security retirement benefits and VA compensation at the same time.

In all cases veterans receive Social Security benefits and VA compensation a the same time.聽 If you are asking if a Veteran receiving VA disability and Social Security disability concurrently I know some that do receive both.

@ronlafleur3

In all cases veterans receive Social Security benefits and VA compensation a the same time.

Thank you for correcting me. Nice to know, in all cases, not most. I'm sure this news will get to veterans currently receiving SSI; it will substantially increase their monthly payment. What would we ever do without these forums?

@danfinn

Good info. Thank you for that knowledge.聽

@ronlafleur3

I appreciate your reply. Always good to stay on top of information like that when it comes to dealing with the government and money lol.

Late Response: When you ask about "VA Benefits", it could be either retirement or disability:聽 So, VA disability and military retirement checks do not reduce or offset your Social Security retirement benefits.聽 However, there is one exception: When the person is receiving both, and they then apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), it will be classified as unearned income.聽

For total budget planning with a minor child, you may want to also understand the Family Maximum Benefit (MFB) rule. This means the SSA will limit the total amount a retired worker and their dependents can collectively receive to between 150% and 188% of the worker's full retirement calculation (even if the person took an early retirement).聽 This will never be a reduction to the retiree's award.

Note: A deeper dive into SSA's MFB at this point will cause you to be introduced to the SSA "bend points" formula for the retirement and survivor MFB sums.聽 The retiree usually reaches the 188% if/when there is a 2nd qualified child (i.e., not a step-child that is not a legal U.S. resident), and after the 2nd minor child's benefit payment is calculated.