While non-judicial punishments (NJPs) are not severe relative to other military disciplinary actions, they can still have a significant impact on your record. If you faced or are facing an NJP, you might be worried about how it can affect your standing and, consequently, your benefits.
These answers might help you move forward.
Can an NJP affect my pay and benefits?
Yes, NJPs can potentially impact your military benefits, both during and after your service. These punishments may include:
- Forfeiting your pay for a specified period
- Reducing your rank, which might lead to lower pay and fewer privileges
- A delay in your promotions, which can affect future pay increases
These are the direct effects an NJP can have on your military pay and benefits during service. But as mentioned, it can also affect your benefits afterward.
For example, multiple NJPs might affect your ability to reenlist or extend your service. Also, while NJP alone does not determine your discharge character, having multiple may lead to a less favorable discharge, which can affect Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
Moreover, having multiple punishments can lead to your administrative separation before you reach retirement eligibility.
Will NJPs affect my Social Security benefits?
Generally, military NJPs do not directly affect Social Security benefits. Your military service time counts toward Social Security, and NJPs do not change this fact. This means you can still use your benefits, including disability and Supplemental Security Income.
How can a lawyer help?
Given the potential consequences of an NJP, you might want to consider mitigating it. With the help of a military attorney, you can appeal your NJP or refuse it altogether if you believe you do not deserve the punishment.
Whatever the case may be, understanding your rights can help you retain all the benefits you are entitled to.