Extra SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT for those with active duty between January 1957 to December 31, 2001

From the C3F JAG: Recommend you print this out and put it in your financial files to ensure you collect additional social security payments based on your military service.

BLUF: When you apply for social security, bring your DD214 to the social security office and you may qualify for higher benefits. Additional payments based on military service are not automatic – you must request this benefit at the time of Social Security application in order to receive it. Additional details below.

Alcon,

See the web site & 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 1 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!

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.

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 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 Project State of Maryland- Southern Region Human Services Partnership Building La Plata, Maryland 20646

Captain Rory Suzuki, US Navy
Office of the Secretary of De