Should I try to get on SSI or work since I am on 80% Army Disability?

SPC James Seigars — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:13:31 -0400

This is a question I have been pondering for awhile now. I am in college and don't work since I draw 80% disability from the Military due to injuries/illnesses I sustained while in service. I have had some veterans say I should try for SSI since I am older & can't do most of what I used to (general labor, rocking houses, etc) anymore. Others however say I should try to get an office job or start my own photography business once out of school. What are your thoughts/opinions on the subject & why do you feel the way you do about it?

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 6 at 2015 10:15 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:15:24 -0400

Be your own boss.. follow your passion

Response by SGT Eric Dziekan made Sep 6 at 2015 10:28 PM

SGT Eric Dziekan — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:28:46 -0400

I am also @ 80% and get ssi for several years now. Every state is different, KY has a 75% turn down rate for first time filers of ssi, so you would have to have all your paperwork in order.

I really miss working but my VA MD didn't want me working anymore. I would work as long as you could before filing.

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Sep 7 at 2015 2:38 AM

SGT John W Lugo — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 02:38:33 -0400

I wish I was able to get at least 10 percent, been denied 3 times. Everyone who claimed to help with filing my claim have dropped the ball. As to your question, if filing for extra income would help with your dreams I would jump for it rather than to work for someone else. Good luck, I enjoy photography myself.

Response by SPC Jack Hunt, JR made Sep 7 at 2015 9:36 AM

SPC Jack Hunt, JR — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 09:36:06 -0400

If you were to receive it, you can use it as a way to financially help you while you went to school or something of that nature. Once you feel you can return to work you can continue to receive those benefits for 6 months while working. That way if there is an issue and you aren't able to work like you should you won't be left flapping in the wind.

Response by SPC Jack Hunt, JR made Sep 7 at 2015 9:39 AM

SPC Jack Hunt, JR — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 09:39:48 -0400

One other thing I would suggest is to hire an attorney or advocate right off the bat. Also make sure that if you qualify to have your case processed under the wounded warriors act you make sure it is done so from the beginning. My attorney played stupid with me and it ended up costing me more money in fees. Funny how after a year they finally decided I actually knew what I was talking about when I requested it be processed that way.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Sep 7 at 2015 10:22 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 10:22:10 -0400

I would suggest you do what you are able to do without the benefit from the government. Nothing will give you greater satisfaction that achieving your goals using your own wit, skill, knowledge and expertise. If at some point you are unable to carry on then I would consider filing.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 7 at 2015 10:26 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 10:26:00 -0400

Why not? its done all the time according to this article.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/30/veterans-caught-triple-dipping-on-benefits/?page=all

Tens of thousands of veterans collect their military retirement pay and disability benefits from the Veterans Administration and disability checks from Social Security too, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office. All told, nearly 60,000 triple dippers collected $3.5 billion in benefits.

Veterans caught triple-dipping on benefits

One veteran on disability collected nearly $210,000 in benefits in 2013, while another earned more than $122,000 — nearly three times what his actual military pay would have been — according to a watchdog report being released Thursday that found tens of thousands of veterans are triple-dipping on disability.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 7 at 2015 10:38 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 10:38:06 -0400

Work is always better than dependence - especially so if you are your own boss.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 7 at 2015 4:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 16:34:28 -0400

What is your VA rating. Go for it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 28 at 2015 5:08 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:08:21 -0400

Do you get VA money? I don't think you will make much from SSDI due to you paying little in to Social Security.

Response by LCpl Kasey Woods made Oct 28 at 2015 5:14 PM

LCpl Kasey Woods — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:14:18 -0400

I find its good to get out of the house. Try and find something part time that you enjoy doing for a little extra cash.

Response by SPC Donald King made Oct 28 at 2015 5:23 PM

SPC Donald King — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:23:15 -0400

What ever you decide be mindfull of doctors advice. I was in a veteran homeless shelter. I had help vets in v.a. disability. One of my counselor's,introduce me to a fellow vet I asked him if he wanted to work? I questioned him about his multiple disabilities. He stated he wanted to work I said OK but my opinion you should file for ssdi. He was agreeable no anger yet he still wanted to work. Next day I saw him dead in our parking lot. So all be mindful of doctors advice and be hones with h your selves what you can you do or not.

Response by Andy Kemmis made Apr 10 at 2017 4:29 PM

Andy Kemmis — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 16:29:11 -0400

Hi there. I am new to RallyPoint and just finding my way around this platform. I see that your post is pretty old, but perhaps photography is still of interest to you. If so, check out this program we are creating. It's called Professional Intensive (PI). 8 months of immersive photo training for people who are driven and motivated to be photographers. And, PI is approved for Veteran Benefits.
Here is a link: https://rmsp.com/professional-intensive

And just today we launched our U.S. Armed Services Photo Specifically for vets and active duty members. The Grand Prize is either a free workshop OR a $5000+ credit to Professional Intensive. Perhaps this could be of interest to you? Here is the link to the contest: https://rmsp.com/2017-us-military-photo-contest

professional-intensive

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made Apr 13 at 2017 12:20 AM

CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 00:20:44 -0400

Apply for SSI. You will need documentation of your disability and doctor(s) statement that you are unable to work. Documentation is MOST IMPORTANT. The key is, unable to work in your profession or only be able to work about 780 hours per month or whatever the maximum is in your state.
I do not have a military disability but my brother does. He is now getting both. I hope this helps.