Military members work for the United States government, and when it comes to government employees, sometimes there are some special rules related to being covered for Social Security purposes. Here is how Social Security covers service members.
Are Services Performed By Members Of The U.S. Uniformed Service Covered By Social Security?
Your work as a member of the uniformed service of the U.S. is covered by Social Security beginning January 1, 1957, if performed while on active duty or active duty for training. This work is not covered by Social Security during any period when you are on leave without pay, or if the work is creditable under the Railroad Retirement Act.
Are Services Performed By Members Of The Armed Forces Reserve Covered By Social Security?
Your work as a member of the Armed Forces Reserve, while on inactive duty training (such as weekend drills), is covered beginning January 1, 1988. This work is not covered by Social Security during any period when you are on leave without pay, or if the work is creditable under the Railroad Retirement Act.
Before 1957, How Is Armed Forces Service Credited For Social Security Purposes?
Before 1957, the service of a member of the Armed Forces of the U.S. was not covered by Social Security. However, you may be given military service “wage credits” for Social Security purposes based on this service.
Who Is Considered A Member Of A Uniformed Service?
You are considered a member of a uniformed service if you are any of the following:
- An appointed, enlisted, inducted, or retired member of:
- One of the armed services without a specified component; or
- A component of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, including any of the following Reserve components: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard Reserve, the Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service, the U.S. National Guard, the Air National Guard of the U.S., and, under limited circumstances, the National Guard or Air National Guard of the States or the District of Columbia;
- A commissioned officer (including a retired commissioned officer) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service;
- A member of the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve;
- A midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, and a cadet at the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, or Air Force Academy;
- A member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the Naval or Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, when ordered to annual training duty for 14 days or more, and while performing authorized travel to and from that duty; or
- In route to or from a place of final acceptance for entry upon active military or naval service, provided that you:
- Were ordered or directed to proceed to such place; and
- Have been provisionally accepted for duty, or have been selected for active military, or naval service under the Universal Military Training and Service Act.
