If you have a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating, understanding the income limits for 2026 is crucial. These limits play a key role in determining your eligibility for TDIU benefits. They also impact whether you can qualify for these benefits if your service-connected disability prevents you from maintaining full-time, substantially gainful employment.
Many veterans are unaware of the specific TDIU income limits and how they affect the benefits they receive. In this article, we will dive into the 2026 VA unemployability income limits, how these limits are set, and what you need to qualify for TDIU benefits.
Brian Reese, founder of VA Claims Insider, emphasizes, “Understanding the TDIU income limits is critical. If your income exceeds these limits, you may not qualify for TDIU benefits, which can significantly impact your financial situation.”
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Let’s break down how the TDIU income limits work and how they can affect your VA disability claim.
2026 VA Unemployability Income Limits: Overview
| Criteria | 2026 TDIU Projected Income Limits | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| One Person (Unrelated Individual) | $16,722 | For individuals not in a family unit, the income threshold increases based on inflation. |
| Under 65 Years | $17,115 | Income threshold for individuals under 65 years old, reflecting cost-of-living increases. |
| 65 Years and Over | $15,778 | Income threshold for those 65 years or older, adjusted for inflation and rising cost of living. |
| Income Limit Influence | Dependent on COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increases | The limits are set based on the poverty threshold set by the US Census Bureau and adjusted annually by COLA. |
VA Unemployability Income Limits 2026
The TDIU income limits for 2026 are projected based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other economic indicators. As inflation rises, these income limits also increase slightly each year.
The TDIU income limit is determined by the US Census Bureau’s poverty threshold for one person. This amount serves as the upper limit for substantially gainful employment to prevent you from receiving TDIU benefits.
For 2026, the projected income limits are as follows:
- One Person (Unrelated Individual): $16,722
- Under 65 Years: $17,115
- 65 Years and Over: $15,778
These figures reflect a 3.2% COLA increase, which aligns with the increase in the cost of living. It’s important to note that the official limits will be confirmed once the Census Bureau releases their official poverty thresholds.
What is TDIU?
TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) is a benefit provided by the VA to veterans who cannot work due to service-connected disabilities. If you have a service-connected disability that prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may be eligible for TDIU benefits, even if your disability rating is less than 100%.
Dr. Mark Jensen, a veteran claims consultant, explains:
“TDIU benefits are vital for veterans whose disabilities are severe but not rated at 100%. These benefits ensure financial support when the veteran is unable to maintain full-time work due to their condition.”
Eligibility for TDIU
To qualify for TDIU, veterans must meet the following requirements:
- Unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to a service-connected disability.
- One disability rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of at least 70%, with one condition rated at 40% or higher.
Pro Tip: If you do not meet the percentage requirements for a single disability, but your combined rating meets the 70% threshold, you may still qualify for TDIU.
Brian Reese advises, “TDIU eligibility isn’t just about your disability rating; it’s about proving that your conditions prevent you from working. Your C&P exam and supporting documentation will be essential in establishing this connection.”
What is Substantially Gainful Employment?
Substantially gainful employment is defined as any job that pays above the poverty threshold as established by the US Census Bureau. In other words, if you can earn a living wage from a job, you are considered to be in substantially gainful employment, and you won’t qualify for TDIU benefits.
However, if you are employed in a protected job (e.g., a family business where you’re unlikely to be fired), the VA might still consider you to be unemployed for TDIU purposes.
Can You Receive TDIU and Still Work?
Yes, TDIU benefits allow you to work, but only if your employment doesn’t exceed the income limits. The key point here is that your employment must not be substantially gainful, meaning that it doesn’t pay above the TDIU income limits.
Dr. Mark Jensen explains:
“Marginal employment (like weekend jobs or part-time work that pays below the poverty threshold) won’t affect your TDIU benefits. The VA understands that some veterans may still want to work in a limited capacity while receiving their benefits.”
How to Apply for TDIU Benefits?
To apply for TDIU benefits, you need to file a VA disability claim and submit the following forms:
- VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability)
- VA Form 21-4192 (Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits)
The VA will then assess your disability history, employment records, and education to determine whether you are capable of substantially gainful employment. If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from working, and you meet the rating requirements, you could be awarded TDIU benefits.
Final Thought
Understanding the TDIU income limits and the eligibility criteria for TDIU benefits is crucial for veterans who can’t work due to service-connected disabilities. With the 2026 income limits projected to rise slightly due to inflation, now is the time to ensure your claim is properly filed and your symptoms are thoroughly documented.
By following the steps for applying for TDIU and ensuring you have all necessary documentation, you increase your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
Brian Reese concludes, “For veterans unable to maintain gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, TDIU provides vital financial support. But it’s essential to understand the income limits and eligibility requirements to secure these benefits.”
FAQs
What are the 2026 VA unemployability income limits?
For 2026, the projected limits are $16,722 for an unrelated individual, $17,115 for those under 65, and $15,778 for those 65 and older.
Can I still work while receiving TDIU benefits?
Yes, but your job must not be considered substantially gainful employment, meaning it must not pay above the income limits.
What is considered substantially gainful employment?
It is any employment that pays above the poverty threshold set by the US Census Bureau. Jobs that are protected (e.g., family businesses) might still qualify you for TDIU benefits.
How do I apply for TDIU benefits?
You must submit VA Form 21-8940 and VA Form 21-4192, along with supporting documents detailing your inability to maintain gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.
Can I apply for TDIU if I am under 100% but my condition prevents me from working?
Yes, TDIU allows you to receive 100% compensation if your service-connected disabilities prevent you from working, even if your disability rating is less than 100%.
