I hear this question frequently and the answer is Yes and No, depending on when a person served in the military.
Unfortunately there are rumors going around that recent veterans are entitled to these "special extra earnings." This is not the case. Only those who served between 1957 and 2001 on active duty or active duty training are eligible.
This is because in January 2002, Public Law 107-117, the Defense Appropriations Act, stopped the "special extra earnings" that had been credited to military service personnel.
However, for those who served between 1957 and 2001, it is important to check your Social Security Statement to ensure that you are receiving, or will receive, these "special extra earnings."
These extra earnings credits may help you qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of your monthly Social Security benefit.
Here's how the special extra earnings are credited on your record:
Service in 1957 Through 1977: You are credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter in which you received active duty basic pay.
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.
Note that 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 eligible to receive the additional earnings.
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