Do I Get Extra Social Security for Military Service?

Your time in uniform can significantly increase your Social Security benefits through various crediting mechanisms. While there isn’t a direct “bonus” payment for military service, military earnings, like civilian earnings, contribute to your Social Security record. In some cases, special additional wage credits are applied. These mechanisms ensure your service is recognized when calculating future Social Security payments.

Military Service and Social Security Earnings

Military service contributes to Social Security in much the same way as civilian employment. Since 1957, active-duty military service earnings, including active duty for training, have been covered under Social Security. During military service, you pay Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes on your earnings. For example, in 2025, the Social Security tax rate is 6.2% on earnings up to $176,100, while the Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on all wages.

FICA taxes deducted from military pay are credited to your Social Security earnings record. Covered military earnings contribute to Social Security credits, necessary to qualify for benefits. In 2025, you earn one Social Security credit for each $1,810 of earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year. To qualify for most Social Security benefits, such as retirement, you need 40 credits (10 years of work).

Special Additional Wage Credits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides special additional wage credits for certain periods of military service, beyond regular military pay. These non-contributory credits are added to your earnings record to enhance your benefit calculation. These credits can help you qualify for or increase your Social Security benefit.

For military service performed from September 16, 1940, through December 31, 1956, you are credited with $160 in earnings for each month of active duty. For service between 1957 and 1977, an additional $300 is credited for each calendar quarter in which you received active-duty basic pay. If your active duty occurred from 1978 through 2001, for every $300 in active-duty basic pay, an additional $100 in earnings is credited, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year. These special credits ceased after 2001; service after this date does not receive them.

Adding Military Service Credits to Your Record

Ensure your military service credits are accurately reflected on your Social Security earnings record. Verify your earnings record by creating a mySocialSecurity account online or checking your annual Social Security Statement. The Social Security Statement provides a summary of your earnings history and estimated benefits.

If military service earnings or special credits are missing or incorrect, contact the Social Security Administration. For service before 1968, you may need to provide proof like a DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). For service between 1968 and 2001, these credits were generally added automatically. Contact the SSA by phone, online, or by visiting a local office.

Effect on Social Security Benefits

Military service credits, including regular covered earnings and special additional wage credits, directly impact your Social Security benefit calculation. These added earnings contribute to your “average indexed monthly earnings” (AIME). AIME is a key factor in determining your “primary insurance amount” (PIA), the basic Social Security benefit before adjustments for early or delayed claiming.

A higher AIME generally results in a higher PIA and a larger monthly Social Security benefit. The Social Security benefit formula applies different percentages to specific AIME brackets; higher total earnings, including military service, can increase your overall benefit. These credits also help you meet the required Social Security credits to qualify for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.