Got this in an email the other day:
Special Extra Earnings for Military Service
Note: Change in special military service credits.
In January 2002, Public Law 107-117, the Defense Appropriations Act, stopped
the special extra earnings that have been credited to military service
personnel.
Military service in calendar year 2002 and future years no longer qualifies
for these special extra earnings credits.
Since 1957, if you had military service earnings for active duty (including
active duty for training), you paid Social Security taxes on those earnings.
Since 1988, inactive duty service in the Armed Forces reserves (such as
weekend drills) has also been covered by Social Security. Under certain
circumstances, special extra earnings for your military service from 1957
through 2001 can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes.
These extra earnings credits may help you qualify for Social Security or
increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.
Special extra earnings credits are granted for periods of active duty or
active duty for training. Special extra earnings credits are not granted for
inactive duty training.
If your active military service occurred
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 do not 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.
How You Get Credit For Special Extra Earnings
The information that follows applies only to active duty military service
earnings from 1957 through 2001. Here's how the special extra earnings are
credited on your record:
Service in 1957 Through 1977
You are credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter
in which you received active duty basic pay.
Service in 1978 through 2001
For every $300 in active duty basic pay, you are 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.
Soc Sec website: http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm
FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it! We've all been on
active duty between 1957 and 2001 or know someone who has.
Special Extra Earnings for Military Service
Note: Change in special military service credits.
In January 2002, Public Law 107-117, the Defense Appropriations Act, stopped
the special extra earnings that have been credited to military service
personnel.
Military service in calendar year 2002 and future years no longer qualifies
for these special extra earnings credits.
Since 1957, if you had military service earnings for active duty (including
active duty for training), you paid Social Security taxes on those earnings.
Since 1988, inactive duty service in the Armed Forces reserves (such as
weekend drills) has also been covered by Social Security. Under certain
circumstances, special extra earnings for your military service from 1957
through 2001 can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes.
These extra earnings credits may help you qualify for Social Security or
increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.
Special extra earnings credits are granted for periods of active duty or
active duty for training. Special extra earnings credits are not granted for
inactive duty training.
If your active military service occurred
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 do not 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.
How You Get Credit For Special Extra Earnings
The information that follows applies only to active duty military service
earnings from 1957 through 2001. Here's how the special extra earnings are
credited on your record:
Service in 1957 Through 1977
You are credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter
in which you received active duty basic pay.
Service in 1978 through 2001
For every $300 in active duty basic pay, you are 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.
Soc Sec website: http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm
FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it! We've all been on
active duty between 1957 and 2001 or know someone who has.
