Financial Questions & Answers

I was told that my time in the reserves – serving on active duty for training and on active duty for such things as the Los Angeles riots, earthquake and fires – is not eligible for additional Social Security benefits. Who can I contact at the VA? – Joe

Answer: 

Here is a link to the Social Security website (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html) which discusses special extra earnings. It sounds like you may be eligible, but remember that this does not necessarily represent an increase in your Social Security benefit, but rather a small increase in the earnings figures that are used to calculate your Social Security benefit. Good luck.