DFAS Retiree Newsletter
June 2026
Click here to download a PDF of the June 2026 Retiree Newsletter
Retired and Annuitant Pay Director's Message
Welcome to the June 2026 Retiree Newsletter!
For over three years, the DFAS Retiree Newsletter has proudly featured the "Gray Area Retiree Spotlight Article" as a dedicated space for retirees navigating the transition to retired pay. In celebration of this milestone, we thought it would be the perfect time for everyone to revisit some fundamental and important information and resources
We are sharing this information for retirees to prepare loved ones and help ease the emotional and financial burdens that can occur during a difficult time.
Direct Remittance: News You Can Use
We have some important updates for retirees who pay Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums directly to DFAS. Learn how to ensure your direct remittance SBP payments are processed efficiently and how to keep your account in good standing.
Your Essential Annual Retired Pay Account Check-Up
Summer is a perfect time to ensure your DFAS retired pay account is accurate and up to date. An annual check-up is a simple way to prevent payment delays and ensure we can reach you with important information.
Why You Should Attend a Retiree Appreciation Day
Get ready to take charge of your retirement! Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) are much more than just a meeting—they are your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about your benefits.
News from Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund 2026 Kickoff Memo to Retirees
For over five decades, your Air Force Assistance Fund charities have been able to support Airmen, Guardians, and their families because of your generosity.
News from Our Partners: Uniformed Services Identification Cards for Retirees, Spouses, & Dependents
Card holders have the option to update their legacy paper-based USID card to a new USID card.
News from Our Partners: Customer Connect
The new DMDC Customer Connect Portal is your 24/7 centralized hub for self-service support. You can easily find helpful resources and search our knowledge base for answers to common questions.
News from Our Partners: myAuth
The Department of War is transitioning from DS Logon to myAuth, a new digital credential system that simplifies access to various online services using a single account.
News from Our Partners: FEDVIP Retiring Military Campaign
Retiring from service? Explore your FEDVIP options today.
March 2026
Click here to download a PDF of the March 2026 Retiree Newsletter
Retired and Annuitant Pay Director's Message
Welcome to the March 2026 Retiree Newsletter!
Gray Area Retiree Spotlight: New AI Tool for Establishing Retired Pay Accounts
As part of our commitment to innovation, we are pleased to announce that we are now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to assist with establishing retired pay accounts.
Direct Remittance Roundup: Help Us Process Your SBP Payments More Efficiently
DFAS is always working to improve processes for retirees and are focusing on direct remittance for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums.
Enhancing DFAS411: Important Updates to Phone Menu Options
We’re excited to share updates to the DFAS Customer Care Phone Menu to make it easier to reach the right representative to assist with your inquiry.
In Case You Missed It: Our AskDFAS Tips Video is a Hit!
The video, titled “AskDFAS Tips: A Simple Way to Manage Your Retired or SBP Pay Account,” is a short, five-minute guide to the helpful online tools available on AskDFAS.
Tax Season Tips for Military Retirees
The April 15, 2026 tax deadline is quickly approaching and now is a good time to make sure you have all your tax documents ready. Here is a summary of retired pay tax season tips and the DFAS tools available if you are missing documents.
Why You Should Attend a Retiree Appreciation Day
Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) are much more than just a meeting—they are your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about your benefits.
News from Our Partners: Military OneSource Support for Your Transition to Civilian Life
If you’re newly retired from the military, Military OneSource is available to help ensure your transition is successful.
News from Our Partners: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
In 2025, NMCRS provided more than $47 million in financial assistance to almost 40,600 active duty and retired Sailors, Marines, and their family members.
News from Our Partners: Retiring from Service? Explore your FEDVIP options today
If retiring from service is on the horizon, you’re likely considering dental and vision benefits as you transition to civilian life. The good news is that coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is available to you.
News from Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign Ramping Up!
The start of the 53rd annual Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) Campaign is underway. Learn more about how the four official charities of the Air & Space Forces have been helping DAF families.
December 2025
Click here to download a PDF of the December 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Retired and Annuitant Pay 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.
News From Our Partners: Uniformed Services Identification (USID) Cards for Retirees, Spouses, & Dependents
Individuals with extended or indefinite (INDEF) expiration dates on their legacy paper-based USID card may replace those cards with a plastic-based USID card at their convenience.
News From Our Partners: myAuth
The Department of War is transitioning from DS Logon to myAuth, a new digital credential system that simplifies access to various online services using a single account.
News From Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Charities Thank You!
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.
September 2025
Click here to download a PDF of the September 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Retired and Annuitant Pay 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.
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