TRICARE, Medicare, and Social Security: how your entitlements work together

Are you curious about how TRICARE, Medicare, and Social Security work together?

Many service members and their families don’t realize that Social Security taxes deducted from each paycheck help build a foundation for future financial security. You’ve been paying into Social Security, so keeping tabs on your information is key.

Signing up for Medicare Part A and Part B is required to get TRICARE For Life coverage. And the Social Security Administration handles enrollment for Medicare.

By setting up a my Social Security account, you can see what you’ve earned, and how it all fits together. You don’t have to wait until retirement or age 65 to start managing your benefits. Setting up an account early in your military journey helps you:

• Track earned credits
• Verify your military earnings
• Plan for your family's future

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits.

What are my Social Security benefits?

• Retirement benefits: Your retirement benefit amount is based on your 35 highest earning years. This includes your military earnings covered by Social Security taxes. You may choose to begin receiving retirement benefits early as age 62. Or delay benefits for a higher monthly amount.
• Disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance may be available if you have a qualifying medical condition that prevents you from working and you meet work credit requirements. SSDI is separate from VA disability compensation. Some veterans may qualify for both.
• Survivor benefits: Are you an eligible spouse, child, or other family member? You may qualify for survivor benefits based on a worker’s earnings record. These benefits are separate from military survivor programs.
• Medicare and TRICARE For Life: Social Security taxes also help fund Medicare. Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. You need to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B to get and keep TFL coverage. You must pay Medicare Part B premiums.

How can a my Social Security account help me?

A personal my Social Security account gives you secure access to important Social Security information and online services. Creating an account is free. It can be done with your existing Login.gov or ID.me credentials.

I don’t currently get Social Security benefits. What can I do with a my Social Security account?

You can still:

• Apply for Social Security retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits
• Request a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain criteria
• View your Social Security Statement and earnings history
• Estimate future retirement, disability, and survivor benefits
• Compare different retirement ages and benefit amounts
• Check the status of an application or appeal
• Get instant proof that you don’t receive Social Security, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income

I currently get Social Security benefits. What can I do with a my Social Security account?

You can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain criteria or Medicare card
• Get instant benefit verification or proof of income letters
• Start or update your direct deposit information
• Update your mailing address and phone number
• View your benefit amount and information
• Get an instant Social Security 1099 form or SSA-1042S
• Report your wages if you work and receive disability benefits or SSI

Setting up your account is a simple step you can take. It will help you start making the most of your earned benefits. And make sure you get the TRICARE benefits you deserve. Visit the Social Security website to create your free my Social Security account today. Already have an account? Sign in to explore the features and services.