Gray Area Spotlight: Simplify Your Retired Pay Application with the New DD Form 2656 Smart Wizard

Retiring is a significant milestone, and we're committed to making the transition to retired pay as smooth as possible. We understand that navigating the application process can feel overwhelming, which is why we are excited to introduce the new Smart Wizard for DD Form 2656, Data for Payment of Retired Personnel.

This enhanced, web-based tool is designed to make applying for retired pay easier than ever. The web-based technology means you can access it directly in your web browser, eliminating the need to download and open the form in Adobe. This allows you to use it on a wider range of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.

Like our Form Wizards, the Smart Wizard "takes the form out of the form" by guiding you through a series of questions and automatically filling your answers in the appropriate areas of the form. Data validation is built into the wizard, ensuring all required fields are complete and correct. Additionally, there are helpful information pop-ups throughout the wizard to assist you in making informed decisions.

Once you’ve completed the Smart Wizard, you’ll have a ready-to-print form that includes a custom instructions page with essential steps, a reminder for signatures and any necessary supporting documents, and a direct link to upload everything to askDFAS. A CAC signature may be used electronically; otherwise, a wet signature will still be required.

Please note: to protect your information, the Smart Wizard must be completed in a single session. It’s recommended to have your required documents and information beforehand, as the session will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity, and your progress cannot be saved.

You can find the new DD Form 2656 Smart Wizard on our Forms Library:  https://www.dfas.mil/raforms.

Note: Gray Area Retirees should always work with their Branch of Service to complete their retired pay application. For specific information about your Service’s procedure and contacts, visit https://www.dfas.mil/grayarea.