When you serve your country, you expect that your country is going to take care of you upon your return. By learning about the ins and outs of Social Security benefits and military service, you can rest assured that you will have help paying your bills when you’re no longer working.

Do Members of the Military Pay Into Social Security?

Members of the U.S. military do pay into Social Security. For 2021, the Social Security tax rate of 6.20% will be applied to up to $142,800 in income. The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on all earnings.

Keep in mind that you need to earn credits to qualify for benefits. In 2021, you’ll receive one credit for each $1,470 you make, and the maximum you can earn is four credits per year. You don’t need more than 10 years of work to earn Social Security.

If you served from Sept. 16, 1940, through Dec. 31, 1956, you may be entitled to a $160/month credit in earnings for service. If you served from 1957-1977, a credit of $300 is awarded for each calendar quarter in which active duty basic pay was received. If you served from 1978-2001, for every $300 in active duty basic pay, a credit of $100 is awarded, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.

Does Your Military Pension Affect Your Social Security Benefits?

Your military pension is not going to affect your Social Security benefits. You’ll still receive your Social Security benefits based on your earnings.

Working With Schott Law

If you served in the military and have questions about Social Security, Schott Law is here for you. Maggie Schott is an SSDI & SSI lawyer serving Washington and Idaho. Contact us now at (509) 328-5789 to start your application.