See the web site and notes below to possibly increase your Social Security Benefits.
DD Form 214—Social Security Benefit, please share this with anyone who had active duty service between January 1957 to December 31, 2001 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 1957 through 2001 (the program was done away with January 1, 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.
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 $1200 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 the social security for details.
Soc Sec website: http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm
https://webmail.west.nmci.navy.mil/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ssagov/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 between January 1957 to December 31, 2001.
FYI- this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it? We’ve all been on active duty between 1957 and 2001 or know someone who has.
Passing on good information for all you military folks when you apply for social security. I know this may be too early for some of you to think about social security but, keep living and you will get there.
Regional Resource Coordinator
Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans projects State of Maryland- Southern Region Human Services Partnership Building La Plata, Maryland 20646
Captain Rory Suzuki, US Navy
Office of the Secretary of Defense