Do Retired Military Get Social Security?
When it comes to retirement benefits, many people wonder if retired military personnel receive Social Security benefits. The answer is not a simple yes or no. In this article, we will delve into the details of how military retirement pay and Social Security benefits intersect.
Direct Answer:
Retired military personnel do receive Social Security benefits, but the amount they receive is affected by their military pension. Here’s a key point to understand: military pensions are not considered part of the Social Security earnings record. This means that the military pension is not used to calculate the retiree’s Social Security benefit.
How Military Retirement Pay Affects Social Security Benefits
To understand how military retirement pay affects Social Security benefits, let’s break it down into two scenarios:
Scenario 1: Military Pension Only
If a retired military personnel receives only a military pension, they will not receive Social Security benefits. This is because the military pension is not considered part of the Social Security earnings record.
Scenario 2: Military Pension and Social Security Benefits
If a retired military personnel receives both a military pension and Social Security benefits, the Social Security benefits will be calculated based on their earnings record, which includes their military service. However, the military pension will not be used to calculate the Social Security benefit.
How Military Retirement Pay Affects Social Security Benefits Calculation
When calculating Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula that takes into account the retiree’s 35 highest years of earnings. Military service can be included in this calculation, but only if the retiree has a Social Security earnings record that includes their military service.
Here’s an example:
Year | Earnings |
---|---|
1980 | $10,000 |
1985 | $15,000 |
1990 | $20,000 |
1995 | $25,000 |
2000 | $30,000 |
In this example, the retiree’s 35 highest years of earnings are:
Year | Earnings |
---|---|
1995 | $25,000 |
2000 | $30,000 |
1990 | $20,000 |
1985 | $15,000 |
1980 | $10,000 |
The SSA would use these earnings to calculate the retiree’s Social Security benefit.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits as a Retired Military Personnel
To apply for Social Security benefits as a retired military personnel, you can:
- Apply online through the SSA’s website
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213
- Visit your local SSA office
You will need to provide documentation, including:
- Your military service records
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of age and citizenship
Conclusion
In conclusion, retired military personnel do receive Social Security benefits, but the amount they receive is affected by their military pension. Military pensions are not considered part of the Social Security earnings record, and the SSA uses a formula to calculate Social Security benefits based on the retiree’s 35 highest years of earnings. By understanding how military retirement pay affects Social Security benefits, retired military personnel can better plan for their retirement and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve.
Additional Resources
- Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov
- Military.com: www.military.com
- Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov
Table: Military Retirement Pay and Social Security Benefits
Military Pension | Social Security Benefits | |
---|---|---|
Scenario 1 | Only military pension | No Social Security benefits |
Scenario 2 | Both military pension and Social Security benefits | Social Security benefits calculated based on earnings record |
Bullets: Key Points to Remember
• Military pensions are not considered part of the Social Security earnings record.
• The SSA uses a formula to calculate Social Security benefits based on the retiree’s 35 highest years of earnings.
• Military service can be included in the Social Security earnings record if the retiree has a Social Security earnings record that includes their military service.
• Retired military personnel can apply for Social Security benefits online, by phone, or in person.
• Documentation, including military service records and Social Security number, is required to apply for Social Security benefits.