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Miscellaneous

Social Security Military Wage Credits

Extra earnings credited to a Social Security record for active duty from 1957 through 2001: $300 a quarter from 1957 to 1977, and $100 for each $300 of pay from 1978 to 2001, up to $1,200 a year.

Also called: military wage credits, Social Security military service, deemed wages.

For: Veteran or service member, survivor.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Military pay has been covered by Social Security since 1957. Under 20 C.F.R. 404.1341, Social Security adds deemed wage credits to the actual pay for active duty from 1957 through 2001, which can raise a retirement, disability or survivor benefit. From 1957 through 1977, $300 is credited for each calendar quarter with active-duty pay, whatever the pay was. From 1978 through 2001, $100 is credited for each $300 of military pay, up to $1,200 a year. No credits are added for service after 2001. A member who first enlisted on or after September 8, 1980, or entered active duty on or after October 14, 1982, generally must have completed 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period called up, unless discharged early for hardship, disability or the government's convenience, or entitled to VA compensation. Social Security adds the credits when the benefit is figured; there is nothing to file separately. Service before 1957 can earn gratuitous credits under different rules.

Thresholds

No rating or income gate is recorded. Read the detail and the official source.

Figures

Each figure is dated with the day it was read. A local figure moves whenever the statute or the local ordinance does, so confirm it with the office that grants it before you rely on it. Statute verified gives the day the weekly section check last found the statute standing on the legislature’s own code site; a figure without it rests on a statute the check does not read yet.

Dated figures for Social Security Military Wage Credits
FigureAmountRead from
Military wage credit, 1978 to 2001$100 per $300 of pay, up to $1,200 a year20 C.F.R. 404.1341(b), (c)20 C.F.R. 404.1341, Wage credits for a member of a uniformed serviceRead

Sources

Updated

Last updated .

What changed then:

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.