On this page
- Does military pay count toward Social Security?
- How the special extra earnings are calculated
- How SSA uses the credits
- When are the credits added?
- How to check your Social Security record
- What this means for your retirement planning
- Questions about Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits?
- Common questions
- Sources
Key points
- From 1957 through 2001, qualifying active-duty or active-duty-training service may receive special extra Social Security earnings credits; eligibility depends on the service and SSA rules.[1]
- The credits are added to the earnings used in the benefit calculation, not paid as a separate military check.[1][2]
- SSA says credits for service from 1968 through 2001 were added automatically, while credits for 1957 through 1967 are added when you apply.[2]
- Review your earnings record in your my Social Security account and contact SSA if you see an omission or error; SSA may request a DD-214 or other proof.[2]
Watch: How military service may affect your Social Security record
If you had qualifying active-duty service, including active-duty training, from 1957 through 2001, you may have special extra Social Security earnings credits. The credits can help some people qualify for Social Security or increase a benefit, but eligibility and the amount depend on the service and other SSA rules. Confirm your own record with the Social Security Administration (SSA).[1]
Does military pay count toward Social Security?
Yes. Earnings for active-duty military service or active-duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957. Since 1988, inactive-duty Reserve service such as weekend drills has also been covered. You generally pay Social Security taxes on covered military earnings just as civilian employees do.[2]
In addition to regular covered pay, SSA may credit special extra earnings for qualifying active-duty service from 1957 through 2001. These credits are not a separate payment. They are added to the earnings SSA averages over your working lifetime, which may help with eligibility or the benefit amount.[1][2]
How the special extra earnings are calculated
| Service period | Special extra earnings |
|---|---|
| 1957 through 1977 | $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter in which you received active-duty basic pay. |
| 1978 through 2001 | $100 in additional earnings for every $300 of active-duty basic pay, up to $1,200 per year. |
| After 2001 | No new special extra earnings credits; regular covered military earnings may still count when Social Security taxes apply. |
If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, and did not complete at least 24 months of active duty or your full tour, you may not be eligible for the additional earnings. Ask SSA about the rule for your service.[1][2]
How SSA uses the credits
Your Social Security benefit is based on your earnings, averaged over your working lifetime. Special extra military earnings are credited to that earnings record; they are not added directly to your monthly payment as a separate bonus. The effect varies with your complete earnings record and claiming decision.[1][2]
SSA adds the additional earnings to the earnings it averages throughout your working lifetime, not directly to your monthly benefit amount. Ask SSA for a benefit estimate before making a retirement decision.[1][2]
When are the credits added?
For active-duty service from 1968 through 2001, SSA says the special credits were added automatically. For service from 1957 through 1967, SSA adds the extra earnings when you apply for Social Security benefits. When you apply, SSA verifies military service and may request your DD-214 or other proof of service.[2]
Automatic does not mean you should never review your record. Check the years and earnings shown in your Social Security Statement, and report any suspected omission or error to SSA. The effect varies with your full earnings history; do not assume a particular dollar increase without an SSA estimate.[2][1]
How to check your Social Security record
- Open your my Social Security account Use ssa.gov/myaccount to review your Social Security Statement and earnings history.[2]
- Review the years you served Look at your covered earnings year by year and identify the periods of active duty, active-duty training, Reserve, or National Guard service.
- Gather your records Compare the information with your DD-214, old leave and earnings statements, or other service documents. SSA may ask for proof when it reviews your military service.[2]
- Contact SSA about a discrepancy If a year or amount appears wrong, ask SSA to review it. Call 1-800-772-1213 or use SSA's online services; do not rely on an estimate from this article.[2]
What this means for your retirement planning
Special extra earnings may help some veterans qualify for Social Security or increase a benefit, but the result is individual. Your complete earnings record, the age you claim, and how long you receive benefits all matter. Ask SSA to review your record and use its benefit estimate before making a retirement decision.[1]
If you are also comparing Medicare costs, CMS lists the 2026 standard Part B premium as $202.90 per month, or $2,434.80 per year. Some beneficiaries pay more because of income-related adjustments, and payment may be deducted from Social Security or made directly to Medicare. Check your own premium and payment method.[3]
Questions about Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits?
Veterans Advantage Financial® is an independent insurance agency, not part of or endorsed by Social Security, Medicare, CMS, VA, TRICARE, or any government agency. If you want help understanding how Medicare choices fit with your broader retirement questions, you can book a call. There is no cost to you for our help; if you enroll, we are paid by the insurance company. No purchase is required. For Social Security record corrections, contact SSA directly.
You can also read the Veterans Medicare FAQ or our guide to VA health care and Medicare.
Common questions
Who may qualify for special military earnings credits?
People with qualifying active-duty service, including active-duty training, from 1957 through 2001 may qualify. The rules include service and enlistment conditions, so confirm your circumstances with SSA.[1]
Are the special credits a separate Social Security payment?
No. SSA adds them to the earnings used in its calculation rather than paying a separate military bonus. The effect depends on your complete record and claiming decision.[1][2]
Were the credits added automatically?
SSA says credits for service from 1968 through 2001 were added automatically. For service from 1957 through 1967, SSA adds them when you apply for benefits.[2]
What should I do if my military service is missing from my record?
Review your earnings history, gather your DD-214 or other proof, and contact SSA to report the suspected omission or error. SSA verifies military service when you apply and may request documentation.[2]
Sources
- Social Security Administration. “Special Extra Earnings for Military Service.” SSA.gov. ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/military.html
- Social Security Administration. “Military Service and Social Security,” Publication No. 05-10017, June 2026. ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10017.pdf
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles” (fact sheet), November 14, 2025. cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles
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.