My Ex gets SSDI, VA disability and SS benefits for two minor children

Remembering Jim

Jim Strickland was a Vietnam era Army veteran and nationally recognized expert on VA disability benefits who was also editor and webmaster of the popular VA Watchdog website. Jim wrote extensively about VA and Social Security disability benefits. Before his recent passing, Jim was kind enough to answer questions from visitors on StatesideLegal.org here in Jim's Mailbag. This page is dedicated to Jim and to his efforts to assist every veteran who called upon him.

About Jim's Mailbag

Jim's Mailbag is a regular column where veterans, servicemembers, and family members can find answers about their VA and Social Security disability benefits. Although we are not accepting new questions at this time, you can browse all of the previous Q&As and search Jim's Mailbag for helpful answers to your specific VA issue.

Question:

My ex-husband receiving SSDI (from social security), disability benefits from the VA and SS benefits for two of our minor children. According to child support lawyer, SS benefits (his receiving almost $800/ m) not considered income to him, is this true? During the divorce, I did not receive any benefits from him. I am eligible to receive 50% of children SSDI or his VA benefits?

Jim's Reply:

You should receive any money that the divorce court ordered. That isn't usually a percentage but rather a figure calculated using a standard formula. You'll need to ask your lawyer to explain how this works in your situation.