DFAS Retiree Newsletter
December 2025
Click here to download a PDF of the December 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Director's Message
Welcome to the December 2025 Retiree Newsletter!
2026 COLA for Military Retirees and SBP Annuitants
Retirees will see the change in their December 31, 2025, payment and SBP annuitants in their January 2, 2026 payment.
CRDP/CRSC Open Season Frequently Asked Questions
The 2026 CRDP/CRSC Open Season is January 1-31, 2026. Election change requests must be postmarked by January 31, 2026.
Direct Remittance Roundup: Billing Changes and Payment Options
There are significant changes for retirees who pay their Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums through direct remittance. DFAS has streamlined this process by mailing more detailed monthly bills directly to these individuals.
Gray Area Spotlight: Simplify Your Retired Pay Application with the New DD Form 2656 Smart Wizard
The new Smart Wizard for DD Form 2656, Data for Payment of Retired Personnel. The enhanced, web-based tool is designed to make applying for retired pay easier.
What Loved Ones Need to Know: Reporting the Death of a Retiree or SBP Annuitant
Take proactive steps to organize your affairs to alleviate the stress on your family.
Preparing for the 2026 Tax Season
Tax season will be here before you know it, and we want to make sure that you are prepared. Now is the best time to verify everything is correct in your myPay account so you can retrieve your tax documents when you need to file.
What Retirees Can Expect in the Year-End Mail from DFAS
As tax season approaches, DFAS is preparing important documents for retirees who request their tax statements to be sent by postal mail.
Visit Forms Library Webpage
A fully redesigned Forms Library is now available on our website! As part of the redesigned Forms Library, forms are now organized by customer and purpose.
September 2025
Click here to download a PDF of the September 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the September 2025 Retiree Newsletter!
Gray Area Spotlight: Check Your Contact Information
We want to continue communicating with our Gray Area Retiree (GAR) customers. In the next few months, we will send a SmartDoc email to remind GARs to keep their contact information up to date.
End of Checks To and From DFAS
Executive Order 14247 focuses on transitioning all federal payments to electronic methods. If you receive a monthly check from DFAS, we encourage you to switch to an electronic option for your payment.
Another Tax Season is Right Around the Corner: Are you Prepared?
The next tax season will be here before you know it, and we want to make sure that you are prepared. Now is the best time to verify everything is correct in your myPay account.
askDFAS: Rockin’ and Rollin’ in 2025
Last year we undertook our own long-term project to revamp the askDFAS suite of online tools and expand our capacity to serve you. You began seeing the fruits of our labor in May 2024 and continue seeing improvements to this day.
How to have your SBP premiums deducted from your VA Payment
The most convenient way to pay for SBP premiums is to have the money deducted from your VA disability payments and sent directly to DFAS. If you are in this situation, complete a DD Form 2891 Interim.
Retiree Appreciation Days: Stay Informed and Connected
Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) are valuable events designed to provide retirees with the latest information and resources related to their retirement benefits and services.
News From Our Partners: Uniformed Services Identification Cards for Retirees, Spouses, & Dependents
DoD has not issued a mandate for retirees and others with legacy paper-based Uniformed Services identification (USID) cards to have them replaced. The Department intends to execute a positive communications plan formally announcing the termination.
News From Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Charities
The four official charities of the Department of the Air Force can ensure Airmen, Guardians and their families are mission-ready, resilient and confident that they will never have to face hardship alone.
News From Our Partners: FEDPOINT - Open Season and Virtual Benefits Fair for Military Retirees
Explore your FEDVIP benefits at the virtual benefits fair from November 10-December 8, 2025. Visit benefeds.gov/webinars to register.
June 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Click here to download a PDF of the June 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the June 2025 Retiree Newsletter!
askDFAS Resource Roundup
It has been one year since we relaunched the module to serve you in new and better ways. The improvements aren’t finished; we continue to build upon the new foundation of our askDFAS platform.
Forms Library Webpage: Redesigned with You in Mind!
We’re pleased to share another improvement that you have been requesting – a fully redesigned Forms Library is now available on our website!
Understanding the Blended Retirement System (BRS)
The Blended Retirement System (BRS) became an option for eligible active service members and is the only retirement system for new service members since 2018. Read about valuable resources and commonly asked questions that can benefit you.
Direct Deposit Information
Direct deposit is the most efficient, timely, and secure way to receive your retired pay. Learn how to change your payment option to direct deposit.
Direct Remittance Changes Coming in August 2025
Starting in August 2025, DFAS will change the payment process for retirees who pay their Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums directly through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Centralized Receivables Service (CRS).
Gray Area Retiree Spotlight: What You Need to Know About the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)
Whether you are still drilling, in the Gray Area, or receiving your retired pay, it is important to understand how RCSBP benefits your loved ones.
Why You Should Attend a Retiree Appreciation Day
Retiree Appreciation Day events are a great way for retirees to get information regarding their retirement. These events are hosted by the Branch of Service’s Retirement Service Office or Retirement Activities Office.
News From Our Partners: Next Generation USID Card for Retirees, Spouses, & Dependents
Military retirees are encouraged to update their Uniformed Services Identification (USID) cards to the new Next Generation USID card at their convenience.
News From Our Partners: Have You Recently Retired from Service? Explore your FEDVIP options today
If you recently retired from the uniformed services, you’ve likely considered dental and vision benefits in your retirement plan. The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is available to you.
News From Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund 52nd Annual Campaign Sprint Finish
Time remains to donate to the Department of the Air Force’s annual Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign.
News From Our Partners: USID Online Renewal Saves Time for Navy Retirees and Dependents
A recent DOD self-service initiative helps Navy personnel, retirees, and family members save time by skipping the trip to the ID Card Office.
News From Our Partners: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: Programs and Services
Find out how the NMCRS continues to benefit Navy and Marine Corps families and learn how to become a volunteer.
March 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Page Updated December 18, 2025