Retired and Annuitant Pay Director’s Message

Hello and welcome to the spring 2026 edition of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Survivor Newsletter. This edition features many articles that will help you better manage your SBP. The Active Duty/Line of Duty Survivors Spotlight highlights a change in the law from 2023 describing surviving spouses eligibility to receive SBP.

We also have an Active Duty/Line of Duty Survivors article on the upcoming virtual symposium hosted by the DoW on June 12, 2026.

Please check out article on recent upgrades made to AskDFAS. AskDFAS is a great tool for you to use when sending documents to us or if you have a question.

Other articles in this issue include information on DFAS 411, the school Certification process, and some quick hitting “Did You Know” articles and the pay calendar for the rest of 2026.

Thank you for taking the time to read about what we have been working on for you. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the families of the brave men and women who served this country. Have a great summer and please watch for the next edition in fall 2026.

Julie Burandt-Partin
Director, Retired and Annuitant Pay

Page updated May 1, 2026