Those who served in the military between 1957 and 2001 may have extra wage credits added to their Social Security account that may boost their benefit.
Served in the military? These are the special extra Social Security earnings for veterans
The Social Security Administration added extra Social Security wage credits to active-duty members of the military between 1940 and 2001. The same occurred for those on active-duty training since 1957 when service members’ earnings began to be covered under Social Security.
These extra Social Security wage credits could be used toward becoming eligible for Social Security or increase the amount of a veteran’s benefit. The latter is the result of how the SSA calculates a claimant’s monthly benefit, which is based on an individual’s lifetime earnings, using the average of the 35 highest-earning years.
The special extra Social Security credits for military service were discontinued in 2002 by Congress.
Breakdown of extra Social Security earnings for veterans
According to the SSA pamphlet on ‘Military Service and Social Security’, those who were on active-duty military service or active-duty training from 1957 through 1967 had the extra credits added when a claimant applied for Social Security benefits. Between 1968 and 2001, they were automatically added to the service member’s record.
Those who were on active duty between 1957 and 1977 were credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter the service member was on active-duty basic pay. Those on active-duty basic pay from 1978 through 2001 were credited with an additional $100 in earnings per quarter on top of the $300 for a maximum extra credit of $1,200 per year.
Note, those who enlisted after September 7, 1980 and did not complete at least 24 months of active duty or a full tour may not be eligible to receive the extra earnings. The SSA urges veterans to contact them for details or more information at 800-772-1213 or schedule an in-person appointment.
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