The basics
What the credits are
Active-duty pay has counted toward Social Security since 1957. On top of that, Social Security adds "special extra earnings" for service through 2001. Those extra amounts go into the lifetime earnings average your benefit is figured from. They are not added straight onto the monthly payment, so the effect on any one check may be small.
| Years of service | Extra earnings credited | How it reaches your record |
|---|---|---|
| 1957–1967 | $300 for each calendar quarter you received basic pay | Added when you apply for benefits |
| 1968–1977 | $300 for each calendar quarter you received basic pay | Added automatically |
| 1978–2001 | $100 for every $300 of basic pay, up to $1,200 a year | Added automatically |
| 2002 and later | None | Your basic pay still counts as earnings |
If you enlisted after September 7, 1980 and did not finish at least 24 months of active duty or your full tour, you may not receive the extra credits. Ask Social Security how this applies to you.
Do this
How to check
- Sign in to your my Social Security account.Go to ssa.gov and open "my Social Security". Under your earnings record, look at each year you were on active duty.
- Call Social Security and ask one question.Social Security says the credits for 1968 to 2001 were added automatically. The online record does not label them, so ask a representative to confirm.
- Bring your DD-214 if they ask.If credits are missing, a representative may ask you to bring your DD-214 so they can correct your record.
Ask this:
Be ready
Before you go
Ask whether your local office wants an appointment and whether it needs original documents or accepts copies. The answer can differ by situation.
Know this
What to expect
- Social Security says you can receive both Social Security and military retirement pay, with generally no reduction in Social Security because of the military pension.
- Reserve weekend drills have been covered since 1988.
- For service from 1940 through 1956, no Social Security tax was paid, but Social Security gave special credit for some of it. Ask how it applies to you.
- The size of any change depends on your whole earnings history. For many people it is modest. Ask Social Security for a new benefit estimate once your record is updated.
Reader report. One veteran who checked was told by Social Security that the military credits for his 1992–2001 service were not on his record, and was asked to bring his DD-214 so they could file it. The update is pending, so the effect on his benefit is not known yet.
Stay safe
Keep your information private
Never post your Social Security number, date of birth, or a photo of your DD-214 or earnings record online. Only share them with Social Security through its own phone line, website, or office.