Some interesting Statistics about veterans and Social Security.

One quarter of Adult Social Security beneficiaries are Veterans.  Of the total population of adult Social Security beneficiaries 40% are made up of veterans and their families.  Since 1957 military personnel have been covered under Social Security.

How are Social Security work credits handled for veterans?

If a veteran served in 2001 or earlier their earnings receive special credits for purpose of computing Social Security benefits.  Credits equal $300 for each quarter of active duty pay for those who served between 1957 and 1977.  If you served between 1978 and 2001 you receive credits equal to an additional $100 in earnings for each $300 you received in active duty pay ( total credits may not exceed $1,200 a year).  Starting in 2002 credits are not supplemented.

For those veterans who served before the military was included under the Social Security system in 1957 Congress has provided credits for those on active duty from September 1940 to 1956.  These veterans are credited with $160 of earnings for purpose of computing Social Security benefits.

Special Veterans Benefits for certain World War II Vets.

Special Veterans Benefits (SVB) are benefits funded by the Federal Government and are administered by the Social Security Administration. Under the SVB program, special benefits are paid to certain veterans of World War II who reside outside the United States.

 

SVB is authorized by Title VIII (Special Benefits for Certain World War II Veterans) of the Social Security Act.

 SVB is not the same as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is a separate benefit program and is financed from the general funds of the United States Treasury.

Can you get both Social Security Benefits and Military Retirement?

Yes, and generally there is no offset between your Social Security Benefits and your Military Retirement.  In other words you get full Social Security benefits based on your earnings.  If you have health care benefits from the Department of Veteran's Affairs your health care benefits may end or change when you become eligible for Medicare.

Is proving I am disabled for Social Security Disability or SSI different for veterans?

No, the definition of disability,  proof required, and eligibility is the same as every other claim for Social Security Disability and SSI benefits.  The only difference for veterans is the way work credits are calculated as explained above.  To find out how Social Security determines if you are disabled and for tips on how to win a Social Security Disability claim explore this site.