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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
06:55
Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (Propensity Score) using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index
Published on: January 8, 2020
Military veterans and Social Security
1Office of Retirement Policy, Office of Policy, Social Security Administration, USA.
Social Security Bulletin
|August 2, 2006
Summary
Military veterans comprise a significant portion of Social Security beneficiaries. These veterans generally exhibit better economic and demographic characteristics compared to the overall beneficiary population.
Area of Science:
- Social Gerontology
- Public Policy
- Veterans Affairs
Background:
- Military veterans represent a substantial demographic within the Social Security beneficiary population, comprising nearly one-quarter of adult beneficiaries.
- Veterans and their families constitute approximately 40% of all adult Social Security beneficiaries.
- Government programs, including Social Security credits and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, acknowledge the unique needs of military veterans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the economic and demographic characteristics of military veterans receiving Social Security benefits.
- To compare the profile of veteran beneficiaries with the general adult Social Security beneficiary population.
- To project future trends in the veteran beneficiary population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the March 2004 Current Population Survey, a nationally representative survey of U.S. households.
- Analyzed demographic data including gender, marital status, and educational attainment.
- Examined economic indicators such as poverty levels and Social Security benefit amounts.
Main Results:
- Veterans receiving Social Security are predominantly male, in contrast to the more balanced gender distribution in the general beneficiary group.
- Military veterans are more likely to be married and possess a high school diploma compared to other beneficiaries.
- Veterans demonstrate a higher economic standing, with 14% falling below 150% of the poverty level, versus 25% of all adult beneficiaries.
Conclusions:
- Military veterans generally possess stronger economic and demographic profiles than the broader Social Security beneficiary population.
- The veteran beneficiary population is projected to remain significant, with evolving characteristics, including an increase in Vietnam War veterans.
- Future demographic shifts within the veteran beneficiary cohort necessitate ongoing policy consideration and program adaptation.
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