President Obama’s fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget request allots $12.024 billion for Social Security’s administrative expenses. This amount replaces some of the cuts due to sequestration and allows the agency to build on its successes.

“With the requested FY 2015 funding level, we will be able to continue to increase our cost-effective program integrity work and enhance our vigorous fraud prevention efforts, improve our service to the American public, and modernize our service delivery,” said Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security.

The Acting Commissioner noted that Social Security has lost more than 12 percent of its workforce—11,000 employees--since 2011, but the proposed budget supports service modernization efforts that will help the agency do its job. “By investing in efforts such as implementing more online services, we can become more efficient and more responsive to the public, saving both time and money,” Colvin said.

Starting March 17, 2014, veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent and total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits.

What do I need to know about the VA and Social Security programs?

Both Social Security and VA pay disability benefits. However, their programs, processes, and criteria for receiving benefits are very different.

A VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits.