Director’s Message
 
     Greetings from the home of Retired and Annuitant Pay here in Cleveland, Ohio! As I look out the window, I see that the days are getting shorter and snow is falling, which means 2022 is ending. This newsletter has the information you need to get 2023 off to a great start.
    
     Tax season is fast approaching. In this issue, we have a helpful article on getting your 1099-R tax statement, options if you need a duplicate tax statement, and what to expect in the end of year tax statement mailing. We also have a reminder that taxation of retired pay is based on an individual’s situation.

     We have a brand new feature debuting in this newsletter: a special spotlight article for Gray Area Retirees, those who have retired from their Service, but haven’t reached the age where they can receive their retired pay. We plan to have a spotlight article especially for Gray Area Retirees in each quarterly issue.

      If you are eligible for both Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), January is CRDP/CRSC Open Season when DFAS will send you a letter with instructions about how to change your election from one program to the other, if you choose. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to assist you in making your decision.

     The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 includes a Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Open Season. Please see the article in this issue about our preparations and where you can get more details when they become available.

     Did you know you can see the type of SBP coverage you currently have by checking your RAS? We have a short article with tips on how to check your coverage in this issue.

     We continue to add to our tools to make managing your pay account easier. Take a look at our Form Wizard round-up to see what’s new.

     There are changes for our SBP annuitants coming in 2023. These changes might affect you if (1) you are a surviving spouse who receives Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs or (2) if you are a surviving spouse who requested the SBP Optional Annuity for Dependent Children because your military loved one was a service member who died on active duty or inactive duty in the line of duty after October 7, 2001. Please be sure to read the articles to see if these changes apply to you and what you can expect.

     Finally, we have a number of articles from our partners with good information to know. Please be sure to check those out as well.

     Thank you for taking time out of your day to read about what’s happening and what’s coming up in 2023. We hope that you find the articles in this newsletter informative and useful.

     We honor the service and sacrifices made by you and your family. We are proud to serve those who have served, and we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.