
Social Security can be complex, particularly for individuals with specialized career paths such as military veterans. In a recent column, Russell Gloor, a National Social Security Advisor with the AMAC Foundation, responded to a query from a retired U.S. Navy service member seeking clarity on how military service influences Social Security benefits.
Gloor, who regularly provides advice through the AMAC Foundation’s outreach programs, explained that active duty military service contributes to an individual’s eligibility for Social Security, as long as Social Security payroll taxes were paid during service. Since 1957, members of the military have paid into Social Security, and the wages earned during service are considered when calculating benefits.
For those who served before that year, special credits can be added to their earnings record if they served between 1940 and 1956. Additionally, veterans who served from 1957 through 2001 may receive extra earnings credits automatically used in computing their Social Security benefit, although these extra credits do not result in additional payments.
Gloor emphasized the importance of verifying one’s earnings record with the Social Security Administration to ensure that military service has been correctly recorded. He also noted that receiving military retirement pay does not reduce Social Security payments; both benefits can be received concurrently.
Through ongoing consultations and informational resources, the AMAC Foundation continues engaging with the public to enhance understanding of retirement planning, aiming to provide accurate and useful guidance on topics such as Social Security and Medicare.
For veterans and others navigating the intricacies of Social Security, support from organizations like the AMAC Foundation plays an important role in helping individuals make informed decisions about their financial futures.
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