The Director’s Corner by Karl H. Bernhardt

“Welcome to the 3rd issue this year of the DFAS Retired Pay Newsletter. Included in this issue you will find information recommending that all retirees and annuitants establish a Direct Deposit account for secure and timely pay. Also included in this issue is current information regarding the VA Retro/Disabled Military Retiree Retroactive Pay." Read more from the director.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) For Secure and Timely Pay

In an effort to ensure military retirees and annuitants receive their pay on the payment due date, DFAS is highly recommending that all retirees and annuitants establish a Direct Deposit account either through the Direct Deposit System (DDS) or the International Direct Deposit System (IDD)... To read more about EFT, click here.

VA Retro/Disabled Military Retiree Retroactive Pay

On September 1, 2006, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) finalized plans for disabled military retiree retroactive pay, commonly called the VA Retro program. The program is designed to pay eligible military retirees any retroactive money due as a result of increases in their percentage of disability... To read more about VA Retiree Retroactive Pay, click here.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Automatic Coverage and Options

There appears to be some confusion regarding the application of the automatic coverage provision under the SBP and the SBP options available to the military retiree after retirement...To read more about SBP automatic coverage and options, click here.

Keep Retired Pay Records Current

It is very important to review your retired pay account information and ensure that it is current; things such as correct mailing address, marital status and designated beneficiaries, to name a few...To read more about keeping retired pay records current, click here.

Combat-Related Special Compensation Update

June 1, 2007, marked the fourth anniversary of the effective date of the Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) legislation. Unfortunately, many retirees may be missing out on money to which they are entitled. To read more about CRSC, click here .

Retiree Conferences and Seminars Update

As published in the May 2007 edition of the Retired Pay Newsletter, there are several retiree conferences and seminars held each year throughout the country, as well as in a few foreign locations. These seminars provide an opportunity for retirees to hear about current retired and annuititant legislative matters and activities, get questions answered and account changes made, gather information from other participating agencies (such as DVA and TRICARE), as well as enjoy camaraderie with fellow retirees and annuitants... To read more about retiree conference and seminars, click here.

Pay Dates

This is to provide you the schedule of retiree and annuitant pay dates through 2008 to avoid any confusion as to when you should expect to see the payment deposited to your account. Remember that payday is always on the first business day of the month. Click here for a complete listing of pay dates.