Out-of-Service Debt
Waivers and Remissions
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can collection be suspended while my application is being processed?
2. How long does it take to process a remission application?
3. How long does it take to process a waiver application?
4. What happens if a military member has a projected separation date soon after the application is submitted?
5. Are there appeal options if I don't agree with a decision?

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1. Can collection be suspended while my application is being processed?

Answer:   Before initiating any collection action other than a routine adjustment, you should be initially provided with at least 30 days written notice of the debt and available options. During those 30 days, you have the opportunity to seek remission (if you are an active duty enlisted member) or waiver. If there is insufficient time remaining before your date of separation, collection may start sooner because the government would be substantially prejudiced in its ability to collect the debt. Upon receipt of a remission application, the servicing finance office is to suspend collection until a determination is made. The waiver law is permissive in nature, which means the gross amount of the indebtedness will be considered without regard to any collections, and if the debt is waived, a refund would be made for any amounts collected. Suspension is not done automatically, but may be requested through your servicing finance/payroll office.
2. How long does it take to process a remission application?

Answer:   Within 30 days of receipt of the application, the servicing finance office should transmit it to us in the Remission and Waivers Branch. Within 57 days of receipt of a complete application, we will have either completed the case if it falls under our authority, or we will have transmitted the case to either the Secretary of the Air Force or Commandant of the Marine Corps, as appropriate. Generally, the case is returned to us within 30 days. Once we receive the case back, final notification to the appropriate office and posting to your Master Military Pay Account is accomplished within 30 days.
3. How long does it take to process a waiver application?

Answer:   The processing time for waivers can vary anywhere from 30 days from receipt to 6 months, depending on adjudication authority. The average time is approximately 60-90 days.
4. What happens if a military member has a projected separation date soon after the application is submitted?

Answer:   If separation is within 30 days, the finance office should fax the application to us at 303-676-7052 (DSN 926-7052) for priority processing. In order to protect the interest of the government, collection will occur to the fullest extent possible at separation. The finance office should contact us before making any final separation payment to determine if a decision has been made. If so, any amount approved for remission or waiver would not have to be deducted at separation. If a decision has not been reached, collection would occur, and when the final determination is posted, any amount collected up to the approved amount would be credited back to your pay account.
5. Are there appeal options if I don't agree with a decision?

Answer:   If you are an active duty enlisted member who has received a remission determination, there are no appeal rights unless you have additional information that was not included in the original submission. If you do have additional information or new evidence, you should submit it to our office for review. If you have received a waiver denial determination from our office, the decision can be appealed to the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals. You must forward a letter of appeal to our office stating the reason for the appeal, along with supporting documentation that would substantiate a reversal of the original decision. All decisions made by our office are based on previous Comptroller General and Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals decisions that serve as legal precedence.