Can Veterans With Two Years of Service Get Extra Social Security?
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When people think of Social Security, they usually picture retirees who have worked for decades in civilian jobs. But many military veterans may be surprised to learn that their active duty service can also boost their Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) grants extra earnings credits for certain periods of service, which means veterans may receive a slightly higher monthly benefit than they would otherwise qualify for.
The rules, however, are not the same for all veterans. Eligibility depends on when you served, how long you served and whether you completed at least two years of active duty. If the veterans understand these details, they can make a difference in retirement planning, especially who already receive a military pension.
Here’s How Military Service Counts Toward Social Security
Since 1957, military personnel on active duty have contributed to Social Security just like civilians. Even inactive duty service in the reserves, such as weekend drills, has been covered since 1988. This means that your time in uniform does not just earn you military retirement; it also builds up your Social Security record.
On top of that, between 1957 and 2001, the government credited extra “special earnings” to veterans’ Social Security records. These credits were designed to recognize the unique demands of military service and help veterans qualify for or increase their retirement benefits.
Who Receives These Extra Credits?
The rules vary, depending on when you served:
1957 to 1967: Extra credits may be available, but you must apply and provide your discharge papers (DD-214) so the SSA can add them to your record.
1968 to 2001: Extra credits are automatically included; no additional action is needed.
After 2001: No special extra earnings are provided for military service after this date.
There is a catch. If you enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, you must have completed at least two years of active duty or your full tour of service. Without that minimum service, you will not qualify for the additional earnings.
Here’s How the Extra Earnings Are Calculated
The amount of credit you receive depends on the timeframe:
1957 Through 1977: An extra $300 in earnings is credited for each calendar quarter in which you received active duty basic pay.
1978 Through 2001: For every $300 of basic pay, you are credited with an additional $100 in earnings, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.
These numbers may sound small, but they can help boost your Social Security benefit. Even modest increases matter when calculating monthly retirement checks that you will receive for life.
What if You Served Before 1957?
Veterans who served between 1940 and 1956 did not pay Social Security taxes while in the military. Still, their service may be credited in another way. For those years, the SSA may add $160 per month in earnings to your record if you meet certain criteria, such as serving at least 90 days, being honorably discharged or being released due to disability.
However, you cannot receive this credit if you are already getting a federal benefit based on the same years of service. The exception is that if you continued serving after 1956, you may still receive credits for 1951-1956, even if you also qualify for military retirement.
How Veterans Can Claim the Benefit
If you believe that you qualify for these special credits, the process is straightforward: contact the SSA, provide your DD-214 discharge papers and ask the SSA to apply the special earnings credit. The SSA will then adjust your Social Security record and recalculate your benefit amount.
Why it Matters
For millions of veterans, Social Security is a key part of their retirement income alongside military pensions, VA disability compensation or other savings. Even a slight boost in monthly benefits adds up over time. The extra credits can also help veterans who may not otherwise meet the minimum work requirements for Social Security.
Therefore, if you served on active duty between 1957 and 2001, and especially if you completed at least two years of service after 1980, you may be entitled to additional Social Security earnings. All it takes is a conversation with the SSA and your discharge papers to make sure your service is fully recognized.