More than one in three Virginia veterans receive Social Security benefits, according to a new report released Saturday.
The report, published by Affordable VA, Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy and the National Partnership for Women and Families, explores how retirement and disability benefits affect the more than quarter-million Virginia veterans who rely on them.
“We know that life is not getting any cheaper, making Social Security all the more important,” Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaigns Director, wrote in a statement.
According to the report, consistent access to Social Security is crucial. The average monthly benefit — $1,640 — can cover approximately three months of groceries, more than one month of rent or nearly a year’s worth of out-of-pocket medical expenses for the average adult aged 65 and older.
The report underscores the significance of these benefits for underserved veterans. Roughly half of rural and low-income veterans rely on Social Security, along with four in 10 disabled veterans.
The report also notes that more than half of Virginia’s veterans are under retirement age, and about 4,500 receive Supplemental Security Income through the program.
The report also addresses the effects of staffing and office cuts to the Social Security Administration under the Trump administration, suggesting these changes have impacted veterans’ ability to access benefits.
The report was released as part of a national Protect Our Checks Day of Action focused on preserving Social Security benefits.
Emma Rose Brown, 757-805-2256, emma.brown@virginiamedia.com
Originally Published: August 20, 2025 at 9:03 AM EDT