Social Security Benefits Rising by 5.8%

Jason Perry

Jason Perry

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Jason,

Thanks for mentioning that SSI & SSDI are two different things.

When I applied back in July 08, the representative from the social security office offered paperwork for SSI. I asked her if it would affect my TDRL retirement pay, she said it probably would, and that SSDI would probably be my best option. She stated that as far as she knows, SSDI does not affect retirement pay. So, of course I chose SSDI.

She also stated that if I applied for medicaid, my retirement pay would probably be affected as well. So, I didn't apply for medicaid either.

There is a tremendous amount of research that may be required before applying for any type of benefits to know the pros and cons.

Also, I called the social security 1-800 #, and I asked them the same questions I asked the representative in the local office, and the responses where the same. The number I called to inquiry is 1-800-772-1213.

Jason, thank you for posting the article too.
 
This is a helpful link explaining SSI (Income Based) & SSDI (Based on the disability). Benefits for People with Disabilities

I choose SSDI instead of SSI because I didn't know if I would possibly have to chose between my TDRL being affected, or possibly terminated since SSI is income based. I'm no expert, and I'm still learning the process since I applied for SSDI in July 08.
 
The thing to remember is that while applying for SSDI, SSI is automatically applied for and considered by SSA. However, in most cases you will be denied for SSI because you make to much money either from VA or military retirement or a combination of both.

Many people who receive the denial for SSI freak out thinking they have been denied for SSDI. It is very important to read all documentation you receive carefully and if you are still not sure whether they are talking about SSI or SSDI, call the office that sent you the letter, their number is usually on it.
 
brianwl is spot on,

SSA told me they would automatically enter me in the system for SSI. But, I put in a denial request for SSI. I figured my income was over their income limit with two retirement checks (spouse's and mine) and probably a VA check in the future.

SSA said the system would be noted with my denial request. So, I never recevied a denial request for SSI.
 
additionally, SSDI is tax free. I am getting SSDI, my RA pay until I am finally out. Then I will get SSDI, medical retirement 60% pay, all tax Free.

What threw me over the tax game this year was that I received SSDI back pay, which is taxable (not the back pay they gave my kids). So the back pay, plus my regular income and my wife's income put me into the 28% bracket this year - which kills me, but I can pay it with the money I never had to begin with...if that makes sense to you.
 
AV8R,

Is PDRL & TDRL supposed to be tax free due to medical reasons(i.e. medical retirement)?

Wow, I didn't know SSDI is tax free! That's good info. to know.
 
Purple said:
AV8R,

Is PDRL & TDRL supposed to be tax free due to medical reasons(i.e. medical retirement)?

Wow, I didn't know SSDI is tax free! That's good info. to know.
Click to expand...

As of Sep 1975 TDRL and PDRL are taxable unless caused by a combat injury.
 
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