Hello, I'm an expert in social security and retirement benefits. I'm here to provide you with a detailed explanation regarding your query about receiving both military retirement and Social Security benefits.

**Step 1: Understanding Military Retirement Benefits**
Military retirement benefits are a form of pension that you can receive after a certain number of years of service. The amount you receive is based on your years of service, your rank, and the basic pay you received during the last 36 months of your service. This is a separate benefit from Social Security and is provided by the military to reward you for your service.

**Step 2: Understanding Social Security Benefits**
Social Security is a federal program that provides benefits to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of workers. It's funded through payroll taxes that both employees and employers pay. When you work and earn wages, you earn Social Security credits. Once you have enough credits, you can qualify for retirement benefits when you reach retirement age.

**Step 3: The Relationship Between Military Retirement and Social Security**
Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement benefits. You'll get your full Social Security benefit based on your earnings. While you're in military service, you pay Social Security taxes, just as civilian employees do. This means that your military service counts towards your Social Security benefits, and you can receive both military retirement and Social Security benefits without one affecting the other.

Step 4: Coordination of Benefits
It's important to understand that there might be some coordination of benefits if you are eligible for both military retirement and Social Security. This means that if you are receiving a pension from the government based on work that wasn't covered by Social Security, Social Security may reduce your benefit to account for that pension. However, this is not typically the case with military retirement because most military service is covered by Social Security.

Step 5: Special Considerations
There are special considerations for certain groups of people. For example, if you are a veteran who is also a public safety officer (like a police officer or firefighter), you may be eligible for additional benefits. It's always a good idea to check with the Social Security Administration or a benefits expert to understand all your options.

Step 6: How to Claim Your Benefits
To claim your benefits, you will need to apply for each separately. For military retirement, you will need to follow the procedures set by your branch of service. For Social Security, you can apply online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.

Step 7: Conclusion
In conclusion, you can receive both military retirement and Social Security benefits. It's a good idea to plan ahead and understand all the benefits you are eligible for. Don't hesitate to reach out to experts or the relevant authorities for assistance.

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Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement benefits. You'll get your full Social Security benefit based on your earnings. While you're in military service, you pay Social Security taxes, just as civilian employees do.read more >>