Under certain circumstances, those who served in the military between 1957 and 2001 may be entitled to special extra earnings credits that may increase the amount of your Social Security benefit!
If you were on active duty or active duty for training from 1957 through 1977, you may be entitled to have $300 in additional earnings credit applied to your military pay record for Social Security purposes – for each calendar quarter in which you received active duty pay.
For every $300 earned in active duty basic pay from 1978 through 2001 an additional $100 in earnings may be credited to your Social Security earnings record – up to $1,200 per year, maximum.
Your Social Security benefit depends on your earnings averaged over your working lifetime. In most cases, the more you earned, the higher your benefits. So, if this active duty time period of 1957 – 2001 applies to you, it may be worth your while to call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to verify that you have received the special extra earnings credits you are entitled to.
It’s best to call the Social Security office on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, as the on-hold wait times are generally longer on Monday and Tuesday.
Click here for information Military Service and Social Security. You can also contact Social Security at 800-772-1213.
Another tip for Veterans over 65: if you don’t qualify for TRICARE For Life, and you’re frustrated with how long it takes to get an appointment to see a VA doctor…
If you are 65 or older… don’t qualify for TRICARE For Life… and you’re frustrated with long wait times to get an appointment to see a VA doctor (or live far from the nearest VA medical facility), consider enrolling in a Medicare Part C Advantage Plan. This would give you two, completely separate health insurance plans to choose from when you want to see a doctor quickly.
See Medicare Enrollment Periods.
If you have questions about Medicare or other life & health insurance products, click here to contact Linda Bell, a licensed independent insurance broker at Heart to Heart Insurance Agency, LLC.
Disclaimer: Heart to Heart Insurance Agency LLC is not connected with or endorsed by the United States Federal Government, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, or the Department of Health and Human Services.