The askDFAS Refresh is Here: Come, Take it for a Spin! 

In the last edition of the Retiree Newsletter, we provided a series of detailed articles about the new online tools available as part of the askDFAS Refresh. In this edition, we’ll survey the supporting resources available to assist you with the new tools. 

On May 16, 2024, we refreshed the “Ask Retired Pay” module of askDFAS to make it easier to navigate and more robust. The changes combine the familiar functionality that you’ve come to enjoy, while also expanding your options and reorganizing tools in a thoughtful way, so you can be sure you’re using the correct tool for your request. 

Have you had a chance to visit and take the new askDFAS for a spin?

If not, don’t delay! We have many resources to support you as you take advantage of the new and reorganized suite of tools.

The Quick Tools Page is our hub to help you locate our most-requested capabilities.
You can find it here: https://www.dfas.mil/raquicktools 

On the Quick Tools page, there is a dedicated section for the askDFAS Refresh! It is called Check Out Our New Online Tools to Make Managing Your Pay Account Easier!

From this section, you will find links to full explainer webpages. One explainer page is for retirees and the other is for SBP annuitants. Each page provides full details of the functionality and helps direct you to the appropriate place to complete your request.

Whether you’re there to upload a form or document, ask a question, complete a self-service request, or report a death, these pages provide all the information you need! 

While you familiarize yourself with the askDFAS Refresh, don’t forget that the bottom of each explainer page includes a link to our helpful PDF Customer Guide to Online Tools. Save or print this guide and keep it handy as you manage your pay and entitlements. Please share it with fellow retirees or with SBP annuitants, as well. You may also find the guide here: https://www.dfas.mil/raguideonlinetools 

We know that change can bring about uncertainties, but we are confident that you will find these online tools intuitive and convenient. With all these support resources, you have everything you need to succeed! 
 

List of askDFAS Online Tools for Retirees, Annuitants, and Survivors 

Below you will find a complete overview of askDFAS Online Tools available following the askDFAS Refresh. The list below includes an overview of ALL tools, including those for SBP annuitants and survivors, so that you can be aware of all the ways we can serve customers. Each section explains which tools pertain to retirees, SBP annuitants/survivors, or both. 
 

Category Name: Report a Death/Survivor-Ask a Question 

Tool: Retiree Notification of Death  
Reminder: At this time, the “Report the Death of a Retiree” online tool is still housed in the “Retired Pay” category. It will be moved to this category soon.  

New Tool: SBP Annuitant Notification of Death  

New Tool: Final Pay of a Deceased Retiree – Questions 

New Tool: Starting SBP Annuity Pay – Questions 
 

TOOLS FOR RETIREES 

Self-Service Account Change Tools for Retirees 

Category Name: Self-Service Account Changes 

Tool: Mailing Address Update – Retirees 
New Tool: Request Verification of Pay Letter 

Online Form Upload Tools for Retirees 

Category Name: Retiree-Form Upload Tools
 
Tool: General Retiree Documents – Upload 
(Use this tool if the document does not fit one of the specific tools below) 
Tool: Active Duty Retirement Ppwk – Upload 
Tool: DD 2558 – Allotment Updates – Upload 
Tool: DD 2894 – Desig of Beneficiary – Upload 
Tool: Power of Attorney/3^rd Party Doc – Upload 
Tool: Reserve/Guard Retirement Ppwk – Upload 
Tool: Retiree DOHA Appeal – Upload 
Tool: SBP DD 2656-1 – Upload 
Tool: SBP DD 2656-2 – Upload 
Tool: SBP DD 2656-6 – Upload 
Tool: SBP DD 2656-8 – Upload 
Tool: SBP Open Season Discontinuation 
Tool: SBP Open Season Enrollments 
Tool: Tax Withholding Changes – Upload 

All New: Ask a Question Options for Retirees 

Category Name: Retiree – Ask a Question 

Tool: Disability Entitlements – Questions 
Tool: General / Form / Document – Questions 
Tool: General Disability Pay – Questions 
Tool: International Direct Deposit – Questions 
Tool: Payment Inquiry – Questions 
Tool: Survivor Benefit Plan – Questions 
 

TOOLS FOR SBP ANNUITANTS 

Self-Service Account Tools for SBP Annuitants 

Category Name: Self-Service Account Changes 

New Tool: Mailing Address Update – SBP Annuitants 
New Tool: Request Verification of Pay Letter 

Online Form Upload Tools for SBP Annuitants 

Category Name: SBP Annuitant/Survivor-Form Upload Tools 

Tool: SBP Annuitant Documents – Upload 
(Use this tool if the document does not fit one of the specific tools below) 
Tool: DD 2656-7 – Claim SBP Annuity – Upload 
Tool: DD 2788 – Child Ann School Cert -Upload 
Tool: DD 2828 – Child Ann Phys Cert – Upload 
Tool: DFAS 9415 – Ann Rep Payee Cert – Upload 
Tool: Power of Attorney/3^rd Party Doc – Upload 
Tool: SBP Annuitant DOHA Appeal – Upload 
Tool: SBP-Marital Status Update – Upload 
Tool: SF 1174 – Arrears of Pay (AOP) – Upload 
Tool: Tax Withholding Changes – Upload 

All New: Ask a Question Options for SBP Annuitants 

Category Name: SBP Annuitant-Ask a Question 
 
Tool: Annual Eligibility/School Cert-Questions 
Tool: General / Form / Document – Questions 
Tool: Payment Inquiry – Questions 
Tool: Starting SBP Annuity Pay – Questions