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Key points
- You may receive Social Security and military retirement benefits at the same time; military retirement generally does not reduce your Social Security benefit.[1]
- SSA generally bases retirement benefits on covered earnings averaged over your working lifetime and the age you claim, not on 20 years of military service.[1]
- The 2026 OASDI employee tax rate is 6.2% and the taxable maximum is $184,500; the amount changes by year.[2]
- SSDI and VA disability compensation use different rules and generally do not reduce each other, while SSI is means-tested.[3]
Yes. If you meet Social Security's requirements, you may receive Social Security in addition to military retirement pay or VA benefits. Military retirement status does not create a special Social Security reduction. SSA generally looks at your covered earnings, work credits, and the age at which you claim. Disability programs have separate rules, so identify which benefit you are asking about before applying.[1][3]
Can you get military retirement and Social Security together?
Generally, yes. Active-duty military service has been covered by Social Security since 1957, and service members pay Social Security taxes like civilian workers. You can receive both Social Security and military retirement benefits; your Social Security amount is generally based on your earnings and the age you choose to start benefits.[1]
Military retirement pay is not the same thing as Social Security-covered wages. To qualify for retirement benefits, you need enough Social Security credits from covered work. SSA says no one needs more than 40 credits, or about 10 years of work, for retirement eligibility, but your actual benefit depends on your earnings record and claiming age.[1]
How is a retired veteran's Social Security amount calculated?
Military retirement does not determine your Social Security amount. SSA generally bases retirement benefits on covered earnings averaged over your working lifetime and the age you claim. You may claim as early as age 62, but claiming before full retirement age permanently reduces the monthly amount; the exact reduction depends on your birth year and claiming month. Review your estimate in your my Social Security account instead of using a military-service formula.[1]
Military service can also affect the earnings record in limited ways. SSA describes special extra earnings credits for some active-duty service from 1957 through 2001; these credits are added to the earnings averaged over your working lifetime, not directly to your monthly benefit. Check your Social Security record for errors and provide service documentation, such as a DD Form 214, when you apply.[1]
What happened to WEP and GPO?
The Social Security Fairness Act was signed on January 5, 2025, and ended the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Those provisions no longer apply to benefits payable for January 2024 and later. Earlier months and individual records can be fact-specific, so do not assume that a military pension automatically changes your Social Security amount; review your record and current SSA guidance.[4]
Can you receive VA disability, SSDI, or SSI?
VA disability compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) have different definitions and application processes. VA disability requires a service-connected condition. SSDI does not require service connection; it requires a qualifying condition that prevents substantial gainful activity, is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and sufficient recent work history. SSDI and VA disability compensation generally do not reduce each other, but you must apply to each program separately.[3]
SSI is different from SSDI. SSI is a needs-based program with income and resource limits, so VA payments may affect SSI eligibility or the payment amount. A VA disability rating does not by itself establish SSDI or SSI eligibility.[3]
Is military retirement pay taxable?
Military retired pay based on age or length of service is generally taxable pension income. VA disability compensation and certain other veterans' benefits may receive different treatment. Tax rules are fact-specific, so do not assume that completing 20 years of service creates a tax exclusion; check current IRS and DFAS guidance or consult a qualified tax professional.[5]
How do you apply or check your estimate?
- Review your earnings record Sign in to your my Social Security account and check that military and civilian covered earnings are recorded accurately.[1]
- Separate the benefit programs Decide whether you are asking about retirement benefits, SSDI, SSI, VA disability compensation, or military retired pay. Each program has different eligibility rules.[3]
- Compare claiming choices Use SSA's estimate and consider how claiming age affects the monthly amount. SSA can explain your record and application options.[1]
- Get case-specific help For insurance questions around Medicare and veteran coverage, you can book a call. Veterans Advantage Financial® is an independent insurance agency, not part of or endorsed by SSA, VA, Medicare, or any other government agency.
You can also read the Veterans Medicare FAQ or learn how VA health care and Medicare work together. For Social Security applications and official benefit estimates, use SSA.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.[1]
Common questions
Do retired veterans get Social Security and military retirement pay?
Generally, yes. If you meet Social Security's eligibility requirements, you may receive both; military retirement generally does not reduce your Social Security benefit.[1]
Does 20 years of military service determine my Social Security benefit?
No. SSA generally uses covered earnings averaged over your working lifetime and your claiming age. Military service can provide credits in some circumstances, but there is no special 20-year reduction formula.[1]
Does a VA disability rating qualify me automatically for SSDI?
No. VA disability and SSDI use different criteria. SSDI requires sufficient recent work history and a condition that prevents substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. A VA 100% Permanent and Total rating may support expedited processing, but SSA decides eligibility.[3]
Can VA disability compensation and SSDI be paid together?
Generally, yes. The programs do not reduce each other, but you must apply separately. SSI is different because it is means-tested and VA payments may affect eligibility or payment amount.[3]
Sources
- Social Security Administration. “Military Service and Social Security,” Publication No. 05-10017, June 2026. ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10017.pdf
- Social Security Administration. “Contribution and Benefit Base.” ssa.gov/oact/cola/cbb.html
- Social Security Administration. “Information for Military & Veterans.” ssa.gov/people/veterans
- Social Security Administration. “Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update,” last updated July 21, 2025. ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html
- Internal Revenue Service. Publication 4782, “Federal Income Tax Withholding after Leaving the Military,” revised August 2020. irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4782.pdf
Sources checked October 11, 2026. Dollar amounts are for 2026 unless noted.
This is general education, not personal advice, and it isn’t a recommendation of any specific plan. Veterans Advantage Financial® is a licensed insurance agency, not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Social Security, VA, TRICARE or any government agency. Plan availability, costs and benefits vary by plan, county and year. Check your own situation with the agency or plan before making changes.
Christopher Duncan
Christopher founded Veterans Advantage Financial® and has helped people with Medicare since 2006. He is a licensed insurance agent in all 50 states and DC (NPN 8613503). His dad, Wallace, is a Vietnam-era veteran.