Guide to Social Security Benefits for Veterans

Extra Social Security benefits for veterans are available to individuals who served in the armed forces. The Social Security Agency (SSA) determines who is eligible to receive benefits and who cannot. In order to collect veteran Social Security benefits, applicants need to meet general program eligibility requirements.

Many prospective enrollees wonder about additional Social Security benefits for veterans who apply. Generally, former military members are eligible to receive additional compensation for their service. However, it is important that beneficiaries understand where their funds come from and how much they can receive.

How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits for Veterans

In order to qualify for Social Security benefits for military veterans, you must have served in the armed forces. Additionally, you need to have worked enough years to apply for Social Security. Depending on when you served in the military, you may be able to earn additional work credits. However, this is not guaranteed. Furthermore, you are also required to meet all of the standard Social Security eligibility requirements that other applicants must meet. This usually relates to how old you are and the type of work you previously performed.

Do veterans get extra Social Security benefits?

You may be wondering about additional Social Security benefits for veterans that may be available to you. Remember, veterans generally collect similar monthly amounts of SS benefits as civilians do. Depending on when you served, you may qualify to receive special credits that can increase your benefits. However, Congress eliminated this program in 2001. Therefore, if your military service took place after 2001, you cannot collect special credits.

In any case, keep in mind that you can collect Social Security special veterans benefits through the SSA if you are also receiving military retirement funds. You may be eligible to receive additional retirement support because you draw from two sources.