Social Security Provides Protection
Everyone in the military pays into Social Security. Social Security provides protection
in four areas:
Retirement income: Retirement benefits may be paid as early as age 62.
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Hot Tip: Checking Your Account Status
Transition is a good time to ensure that your Social Security account has been properly
posted. Check your account now, and check it again every few years. Here's how:
Information on Social Security benefits is available from any local Social Security office;
these are listed in the telephone book under "U.S. Government." You can also go to
www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Explain that you would
like to check your account balance. The Social Security office will send you a form. Fill
it out and mail it back. You will receive your account information in a few weeks. Read
the statement closely. If there are errors, this is the time to get them corrected.
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Disability insurance: Disability benefits are paid at any age to those who
qualify.
Medicare medical insurance: Medicare coverage is available at age 65. If
you're disabled, then you may be eligible earlier.
Survivors' insurance: Upon your death, benefits are paid to your survivors at any
age, assuming they qualify.
