If you served on active duty between 1957 and 2001 or the Inactive Reserves from 1988 to 2001 you may be eligible for special extra earnings credit which can be applied to your Social Security benefits.

As an example, if you served on Active Duty between 1957 and 2001 the special extra earnings will be credited on your record as follows:

For Service between 1957 Through 1977

You are credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter in which you received active duty basic pay.

For Service between 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.

For Inactive Reserves, the credit only apply to time served while on drills or periods of time served in an Active state.

T find out more information on this very important benefit, please check with Social Security for details and eligibility. To locate the nearest Social Security Office use this form and submit your Zip Code.