You served your country for a number of years, and now you’re getting ready to retire from the service. However, you aren’t sure what your financial situation is going to look like. How will you support yourself?

By learning about military retirement and Social Security, you can determine how you’re going to pay for your bills for the rest of your life.

Can You Get Military Retirement and Social Security Benefits?

You absolutely can get military retirement and Social Security benefits once you retire. You will receive the full amount of your Social Security based on how much money you earn. If you served from 1940 through 1956, you did not pay Social Security taxes, but your records are credited with special earnings. These could increase how much you receive from Social Security.

Receiving Credit for Military Service

Starting in 1957, if you received military service earnings for your active duty service, then you could have additional Social Security wage credits tacked onto your earnings. This only applies to service up until 2001.

If you were active from 1957 to 1967, then special extra earnings are tacked onto your earnings record when you go to apply for Social Security benefits. If you were in active duty after 1967, then the earnings will already be on your record. Active duty includes being on active duty, training for, or being in the Reserves for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Coast & Geodetic Survey, Marines, National Guard, Navy, and Commissioned Officer in the Public Health Service.

Working With Schott Law to Receive Social Security

If you need help with your military retirement and Social Security benefits, 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.