What are Social Security military credits? Social Security Military Credits are a specific type of additional earnings added to your record as an active-duty service member between 1957 and 2001. This benefit is meant to provide those who served with an increase in their monthly benefits.
You need to understand how these credits apply to your rights to receive Social Security compensation, and a Las Vegas Social Security disability lawyer can help.
How Military Wages Are Credited
An important factor for most people who have worked in the military is understanding how military wages are credited toward their Social Security benefits later. When you are ready to apply for your benefits, the Social Security Administration will verify your military service record.
In situations where your military service increases your benefits, and the agency cannot obtain proof of your service, they will ask for a DD-214 or another form of proof.
This occurs before your application is processed. The agency will then add military wage credits to your earnings. This is not added directly to your monthly benefit payment.
If you are struggling with this process, or the Social Security Administration did not provide the military wage credits you expected, set up some time to speak to our legal team. Our Nevada Social Security lawyer can provide you with insight into what your rights are, including your right to appeal decisions or seek out additional proof of your working history. Review our FAQs to learn more.
How Social Security Military Credits Work
The Social Security Administration has amended some of its regulations pertaining to military service. Their updated bulletin, available on the Social Security Administration website, will explain how your military service and Social Security can count toward your retirement or disability benefits.
Active duty service between 1957 and 2001 has been amended to allow for extra earnings to be credited to your Social Security earnings record. Social Security breaks it down in the following way:
- 1957 – 1967: The SSA will add extra credits when you apply for Social Security benefits
- 1968 – 2001: The SSA will automatically add extra credits to your record
- Post 2001: There are no special extra earnings credits for military service
To receive the above special benefits, you must have been honorably discharged from military service. You cannot receive these special credits if you are already receiving a federal benefit, not including military retirement, which covers the same years.
Why Extra Earnings Can Be So Important
Extra earnings from periods of active duty or active duty for training are often critical for those applying for Social Security benefits. They can help you obtain the qualifications necessary and help to increase the amount you receive in Social Security benefits later.
If you served in the military, and one of the above timeframes applies to you, speak to our Social Security benefits law firm in Nevada to find out how to get the benefits owed to you. These credits are intended to recognize qualifying periods of military service. Allow us to help you to get what you deserve.
How to Get Credit for Special Extra Earnings
When you meet with our Nevada Social Security lawyer, we can help you navigate the process for obtaining your Social Security Military Credits, if you believe you are eligible for them. These special extra earning credits are not necessarily always available, as noted above.
They apply in periods of active duty, including active duty for training. The SSA credits for your record are based on the following:
- Service from 1957 through 1977: You are credited with $300 in additional earnings for every calendar quarter in which you served on active duty and received basic pay.
- Service from 1978 through 2001: For every $300 in active-duty basic pay you received, you are credited with an additional $100 earnings. This has a maximum of $1,200 a year.
For those who are enlisted after September 7, 1980, and did not complete at least 24 months of activity duty or your full tour, then you may not be eligible to receive additional earnings.
The Social Security Administration adds the additional wage credit for military service to the earnings that the agency averages over your working lifetime. This is not done directly to your monthly benefit payment amount.
You Can Get Both Social Security Benefits and Military Retirement
You gave so much for your country that you deserve fair treatment. In most situations, you can receive both Social Security benefits and military retirement, though it is a common misconception that you qualify for only one. There is typically no reduction in your Social Security benefits due to your military benefits.
So, what does that mean for you?
- You get Social Security benefits that are based on your earnings. There is no reduction in the value of them.
- Social Security Survivor Benefits may impact benefits paid under the Department of Defense Survivors’ Benefits Plan. Let our legal team help you navigate this concern.
- Your health benefits may change if you have Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) coverage or coverage under TRICARE or CHAMPVA programs. In some cases, your benefits may end when you become eligible for Medicare.
This process can be confusing. That is why we recommend speaking to our Social Security attorney in Nevada if you believe you are not getting fair compensation or treatment.
We can help you navigate your legal options for fair treatment as the law intends. We can provide the guidance you need to get the money you deserve.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help with Social Security in Nevada
At Shook & Stone, our experienced Social Security lawyers know how difficult it can be for a person to navigate Social Security’s rules and regulations. If you believe that you have been unfairly denied your earned share of Social Security, do not hesitate to call Shook & Stone.
We specialize in navigating Social Security, so you are not left without your full benefits. Don’t be left worrying; we help workers get the Social Security benefits they deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
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