Claiming Rules
Understanding Military Service Credits for Social Security
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 18, 2026
The short answer
Military service credits are noncontributory wage credits granted to veterans for periods served in the military. These credits can increase Social Security benefits and help meet the insured status and quarters of coverage requirements. Eligible veterans with active service from September 16, 1940, through December 31, 1956, receive $160 per month. For service after 1956, deemed military wages are provided based on the period of service and other criteria.
Eligibility for Military Service Credits
Military service credits are available to veterans who served in the active military or naval service of the United States. The credits apply primarily to periods between September 16, 1940, and December 31, 1956. Eligibility extends to those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Credits for service before 1957 are $160 for each month of qualifying service. After 1956, service members can receive deemed military wages (DMWs). These credits support insured status and compute Social Security benefits, including retirement benefits and lump-sum death payments.
20 CFR 404.1301 View source ›Crediting Deemed Military Wages (DMW)
For the period 1957 through 2001, DMWs are credited based on military service reports. The wage credit amounts vary from $100 to $300 per quarter before 1978 and $100 per $300 of military pay for service from 1978 to 2001, up to a maximum of $1,200 annually. No DMWs are granted post-2001. Service members who commenced service after September 7, 1980, must meet minimum service requirements to qualify for DMWs. DMWs are credited to quarters most advantageous to the claimant.
RS 01701.002 View source ›Disqualifications for Military Service Credits
Veterans with a dishonorable discharge cannot receive noncontributory wage credits for any associated period of service. Additionally, service members receiving other Federal benefits based on pre-1957 military service are typically ineligible for these social security wage credits unless active duty occurred after 1956. Similarly, credits can't be granted if they increase earnings over the maximum for Social Security purposes.
HBK 0956 View source ›Special Cases for Foreign Military Service
Noncontributory wage credits may apply to military service under a foreign country allied with the U.S. during World War II. This applies if the service member entered into foreign service before December 9, 1941, was a U.S. citizen throughout the period, and fulfilled residency conditions. The service member must have been discharged honorably after 90 days or because of a service-related disability.
HBK 0957 View source ›Impact of Other Federal Benefits
Receipt of other Federal benefits, not from the Department of Veterans Affairs, may affect eligibility for military service credits. If another agency grants benefits for military service before 1957, eligibility for wage credits may be compromised. However, active duty post-1956 remains valid for credits.
HBK 0959Frequently asked
Can I get Social Security credits for my military service?
Yes, if you served actively from September 16, 1940, to December 31, 1956, you may qualify for military service credits, adding noncontributory wage credits to your record.
Do military service credits count if I have a dishonorable discharge?
No, a dishonorable discharge makes you ineligible for noncontributory military service wage credits for the affected period of service.
What are deemed military wages (DMWs)?
Deemed military wages credit service from 1957 onward by recognizing additional non-taxable wages for quarters of active duty. This helps fulfill Social Security coverage requirements.
How do foreign military service credits work?
Noncontributory credits may also apply for service in foreign military during WWII under conditions like prior U.S. residency and U.S. citizenship through service.
Will other federal benefits impact my military service credits?
Yes, receiving benefits from other federal agencies based on pre-1957 service might affect eligibility for Social Security credits, unless there’s service post-1956.