By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Questions and Answers
Question:
I served in the military, and I’ll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Security benefits?
Answer:
You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same time. Generally, we don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, go to www.ssa.gov/apply. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply. For your convenience, you can always save your progress during your application and complete it later. We thank you for your military service!
Question:
I’m planning to retire next year. I served in the Navy back in the 1960s and need to make sure I get credit for my military service. What do I need to do?
Answer:
You don’t need to do anything to apply for the special credit for your military service—it is added automatically. For service between 1957 and 1967, we will add the extra credits to your record at the time you apply for Social Security benefits. For service between 1968 and 2001, those extra military service credits have already been added to your record. So, you can rest assured that we have you covered. Read our online publication, Military Service and Social Security, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10017.pdf. Then when the time comes to apply for retirement, you can do it conveniently and easily at www.ssa.gov/apply.
Question:
I was wounded while on military service overseas. What are the benefits for wounded warriors, and how can I apply?
Answer:
Through the Wounded Warrior program, Social Security expedites processing of disability claims of current military service members or veterans who developed a disability while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001. Service members and veterans who have a Veterans Administration compensation rating of 100%Permanent and Total (P&T) may also receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits. Keep in mind, this expedited process applies to only the application for benefits. To be eligible for benefits, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of “disability,” which means:
• You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s).
• Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.
You can apply online at www.ssa.gov/disability or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Find more information for veterans at www.ssa.gov/people/veterans.
Question:
How can I protect myself against identity theft?
Answer:
First, don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it secure at home with your other important papers. Second, don’t readily give out your Social Security number. While many banks, schools, doctors, landlords, and others will request your number, it is your decision whether to provide it. Ask if there is some other way to identify you in their records.
If you are the victim of identity theft, you should report it right away. To report identity theft, fraud, or misuse of your Social Security number, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (the nation’s consumer protection agency) recommends you:
• Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the following companies (The company you contact is required to contact the other two, which will then place alerts on your reports):
- Equifax, 1-800-525-6285.
- Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289.
- Experian, 1-888-397-3742.
• Review your credit report for inquiries from companies you have not contacted, accounts you did not open, and debts on your accounts you cannot explain.
• Close any accounts you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
• File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
• File a complaint with the FTC at 1-877-438-4338 (TTY 1-866-653-4261).
Question:
I haven’t received my Social Security Statement in the mail the last few years. Will I ever get one again?
Answer:
We currently mail Social Security Statements (Statement) to workers age 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a personal my Social Security account. We mail the Statements 3 months prior to your birthday. Anyone can access their Statement online if they have a personal my Social Security account. We encourage you to create your own account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and check your Statement at your convenience.
Hillary Hatch is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at hillary.hatch@ssa.gov