If you rely on VA disability benefits to help pay your bills, you may worry that taking a job could put your payments at risk. The good news is that working does not always affect your benefits. The rules depend on the type of benefit you receive and how your condition affects your ability to work.
Here is what to know about work and your VA payments.
Standard disability compensation allows you to work
You can usually work while receiving regular VA disability compensation. The VA bases these payments on how much your service-related condition affects you, not just on whether you have a job. Returning to work or earning a steady income does not, by itself, lower your disability rating or stop your payments.
TDIU benefits have employment restrictions
If a service-related disability keeps you from maintaining a steady, income-producing job, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability benefits. Also known as TDIU, it pays at the same rate as a 100% disability rating, even if you have a lower combined percentage, as long as you meet the threshold required.
How substantially gainful employment affects TDIU
The VA looks at your earnings and work conditions to decide if your job affects your TDIU benefits. Under federal rule 38 C.F.R. § 4.16, low-paid work or a job that makes special changes for your disability may not disqualify you. For example, you may still qualify if you earn below the federal poverty level or work for an employer who makes special allowances for your condition.
Check which rules apply to your benefits
Regular VA disability compensation usually allows you to work, but TDIU has stricter rules. If you are unsure how a new job could affect your payments, an attorney who handles VA benefits can review your award letter and work details. This can help you understand which rules apply to your case.