New SBP Annuitant Communications You May See

Based on feedback from your fellow annuitants, we are starting two new pieces of regular communication to assist annuitants with their annual eligibility.  

Use myPay for Survivor Benefit Plan-Marital Status Update (SBP-MSU) 

First, each year every annuitant between the ages of 14 and 55 must complete a Survivor Benefit Plan-Marital Status Update (SBP-MSU). It is essential to complete this process before your birthday in order to keep your annuity from being suspended.

Did you know that you can complete the SBP-MSU in myPay, https://mypay.dfas.mil? Starting in February of 2025, DFAS began sending email notifications to annuitants 60-90 days before their birthday reminding of the pending due date and providing instructions on how to complete this in myPay. This notification is intended to reduce the number of annuitants who have their annuity suspended and save time completing and mailing forms.

Please note that if you do not have an active myPay account with an up-to-date email address, you will not receive this notification. Please be sure to check your information in myPay.

Regardless of whether you complete the SBP-MSU online, we will continue to mail the document to you.  Please be sure to check your information in myPay, and if you don’t yet have a myPay account, see the “MyPay-How to Get Started or Reactivate Your Account” article in this newsletter. 

Update for Age 55 Spouse Annuitants  

Once a spouse annuitant turns 55 years old, their marital status no longer impacts their eligibility to receive an annuity. Earlier in 2025, DFAS started sending letters to spouse annuitants who recently turned 55 years old to inform them they no longer need to complete an SBP-MSU.  

Here at DFAS, we are always listening and looking for ways to improve communication with our customers. We look forward to finding new ways to help you better understand your SBP annuitant pay. 

Note: The information on this website is provided to explain typical situations regarding retiree and annuitant benefits. For details and exceptions, please see applicable laws, financial management regulations, and instructions.

Page Updated April 30 2025