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Q: Can I receive both Social Security and military retirement?

A: Yes. Active duty military service has been Social Security covered employment since 1957. Generally, there is no reduction of your Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. More about this is here within the SSA Retirement Planner section.

VA-Walgreens Partnership Gives Vets 8,000 More Locations for Flu Shots

FARGO, N.D. – Flu season is here, and for eligible Veterans, getting a flu shot has never been easier as they can receive free flu shots through a VA-Walgreens partnership.

Eligible Veterans may opt to get a free flu shot at their local VA health care facility or they may choose to go to their neighborhood Walgreens. 

The 2016 annual retirement earnings test amounts will be the same as for 2015. They are not changing.

The annual retirement earnings test concerns how employment earnings in a year affects Social Security received in that year. The earnings test includes only the individuals personal gross wages or net self-employment for the full calendar year. Other income or income of a spouse is not applicable.

There will not be a 2016 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The following is from today’s Social Security press release.

With consumer prices down over the past year, monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 65 million Americans will not automatically increase in 2016.

The Fargo VA will be participating in the North Central Veterans Stand Down on Oct. 21 in Williston and Oct. 22 in Minot.

October 21
10 AM to 3 PM
Williston Armory
320 1st Ave SE, Williston ND

October 22
10 AM to 3 PM
Dakota Territory Air Museum
100 34th Ave N, Minot ND (North of Minot International Airport)

Please bring DD-214 or VA Card as proof of Veteran Status, if possible.

Free On-Site Resources:

At their September Conference in Florida the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) honored North Dakota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Lonnie Wangen with their highest award the “Iron Mike”. Admiral Clyde W. Marsh (ret.) and Colonel John Scocos (ret.) presented the Iron Mike award to Commissioner Wangen during an awards banquet.

2nd Annual All About Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Event

Friday, October 9, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the West Acres Shopping Center in Fargo

20th Annual Edith Sanford Run/Walk for Breast Cancer

Friday, October 9, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM in Fargo

FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota American Legion Department Commander, Dave Rice, will present the Fargo VA Health Care System with a $16,000 donation, Oct. 6 at 9 a.m., at the Fargo VA Medical Center. The donation, to be used in the development of the Fargo VA HCS’s Healing Gardens, is one of the largest monetary donations the Fargo VA HCS has ever received from a service organization. The donation became a project of Rice’s upon his being named Department Commander. “I was trying to decide where to designate my project funds while preparing my bid for Department Commander,” Rice said.

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - Veterans at the Fargo VA Health Care System have lost nine tons in the 10 years since the clinic began using the national MOVE! program.

This afternoon, coordinators manned an information booth marking the anniversary.

MOVE! provides free services emphasizing healthy nutrition, exercise and behavior changes.

New this year, the VA is rolling out a mobile app. It helps participants set, track and achieve weight loss goals.

FARGO – The Fargo VA Health Care System has scheduled several free flu shot clinics for enrolled veterans at the Fargo VA Medical Center and other community-based outpatient clinics during September and October.

Some of the area locations, dates and times include:

Fargo VA Medical Center third-floor auditorium:

• Sept. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to noon.

• Oct. 7, 13, 21 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.