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Do retired military get social security?

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:

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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:

YearEarnings
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:

YearEarnings
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

Table: Military Retirement Pay and Social Security Benefits

Military PensionSocial Security Benefits
Scenario 1Only military pensionNo Social Security benefits
Scenario 2Both military pension and Social Security benefitsSocial 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.

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