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Social Security Benefit
Brookwood
Member, Moderator Posts: 13,746 ******
I posted this over in the Veterans forums but wanted to get some attention here as well.
I asked about this some time ago and was told there were no special SS benefits just for an honorable discharge. I recently rediscovered this letter and would like to know if it has any merit or is it just another scam. Thanks for any and all input on this!
Comments
It is true. I applied for SS in person and took my DD214 along. I get the extra $100/month. I don't remember if they kept a copy of it or not, but I did have to physically present it.
From the PDF on the link that LSD posted:
"Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for periods of active duty from 1957 through 2001 can also be credited to your Social Security earnings record.
• From 1957 through 1967, we will add the extra credits to your record when you apply for Social Security benefits.
• From 1968 through 2001, you don’t need to do anything to receive these extra credits. The credits were automatically added to your record. •
After 2001, there are no special extra earnings credits for military service. The information that follows explains how you can get credit for special extra earnings and applies only to active duty military service earnings from 1957 through 2001. From 1957 through 1977, you’re credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter in which you received active duty basic pay. From 1978 through 2001, for every $300 in active duty basic pay, you’re credited with an additional $100 in earnings up to a maximum of $1,200 a year. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, and didn’t complete at least 24 months of active duty or your full tour, you may not be able to receive the additional earnings. Check with Social Security for details"
The way I read this is it should have already automatically given me the extra credits for my service (76-80) I did my applying earlier this year in Spring and started receiving checks in July. I did it online and don't recall asking for my DD214 but again the way I read it it should have already credited me. Also benefits are paid based upon your averaged monthly earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most. I worked 46 years according to their records, and my military service was not in those 35 years...
So for me I don't think this would make any difference to my benefit, YMMV.
Thanks guys!
When I look at my SS earnings record, my military earnings are posted there. However I can't know if my earnings were increased by the amount listed in the article.
Same as was already stated, I was not asked for my DD214 when I applied for SS so have to assume that the addl amounts were already added to my earnings.
I'm going to have to check into this for my pay. Thanks
"In January 2002, Public Law 107-117, the Defense Appropriations Act, stopped the special extra earnings that have been credited to military service personnel." ???
Combat Vet VN
D.A.V Life Member
Grunt2 it means that they no longer get the "extra credit" added to their monthly salary, my guess is their pay was high enough without it... long way from the $325.00 a month approximately I got back in 76.
It may supposed to be automatic if you served between '68 and '01 but if you depend on the SS Administration to be competent and efficient, you may be too naive to be allowed outdoors. I strongly suggest you apply in person, and take not only your DD214 but your birth certificate and any other documents you can think of to prove that you exist and are entitled to Social Security.
Is this retroactive? I started drawing SS in 2010. In service 65-69.
I hope so grdad45. I served '63-'65 and started to draw SS in 2012. If so, I'm buying pizza and beer for all the forum members.
😋