Desert Storm Service = Additional Social Security Benefit?
August 15th, 2008 . by JetmanApparently those who served from 1957 - 2001 get an add-in in retirement checks from Social Security Administration (SSA). Whether you served or retired doesn’t make a difference. Along with that, there may be a provision for VHA/BAQ or flight pay into the calculation.
This just in from Bob “Johnny” Walker, formerly of the Red Griffins and last I heard flying for Northwest Airlines…
Please share this with anyone who’s had active duty service prior to January 2002 and planning for retirement. In a nutshell it boils down to this: You qualify for a higher social security payment because of your military service, for active duty any time from 1940 through 2001 (the program was done away with in January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit credited at time of application - which can make a substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your retirement.
You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office - and you must ask for this benefit to receive it!
Soc Sec website: http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm
This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social Security down the road. It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served on active duty prior to January 2002. FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it!
From SSA.GOV’s Retirement Planner page, this is confirmed, first with a note saying this:
Note: Change in special military service credits.
In January 2002, Public Law 107-117, the Defense Appropriations Act, stopped the special extra earnings that have been credited to military service personnel. Military service in calendar year 2002 and future years no longer qualifies for these special extra earnings credits.
… and particularly for those of us in this category:
Service in 1978 through 2001
For every $300 in active duty basic pay, you are credited with an additional $100 in earnings up to a maximum of $1,200 a year. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, and didn’t complete at least 24 months of active duty or your full tour, you may not be able to receive the additional earnings. Check with Social Security for details.
But wait, there’s more!!!
There’s another benefit that might apply for those of us with VHA/BAQ, special duty and flight pay, but I don’t know for sure:
Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for your military service from 1957 through 2001 can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes. These extra earnings credits may help you qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.
Normally only our base pay was taken into consideration for SSA benefits. This would come in particularly helpful in changing the calcs to your benefit.
Related Links:
