March 2022 Retiree Newsletter
Click here to download a PDF of the March 2022 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the March 2022 Retiree Newsletter!
Tax Season Deadline Approaching: How to get a Duplicate Copy of Your 1099R Tax Statement
With the tax deadline rapidly approaching (Monday, April 18th), now is a good time to make sure you have all your tax documents in hand.
Update on askDFAS Online Upload Tools with Status Notification Feature
DFAS continues to roll out the use of status notifications to keep you in the loop as forms or documents you submit move through the retired pay or annuitant pay processing cycles.
Additional Forms Available for Upload Online Using the askDFAS Online Upload Tool
As part of our work to modernize Retired & Annuitant Pay and make the processes easier for you, we are building a suite of online tools that allow forms and required documentation to be uploaded through askDFAS on the DFAS.mil website
Retiree Form Wizard Now Available For Use: DD Form 2894 - Designation of Beneficiary
We are excited to introduce the Form Wizard for the DD Form 2894 – Designation of Beneficiary. This is the first Form Wizard available for use by retirees.
Gray Area Retirees: Get Connected and Get Informed
Check out the new, helpful information for military Gray Area Retirees
The SBP-DIC Offset Phased Elimination: Phase Two is Here
January 1, 2022 marked the start of the second phase of the SBP-DIC Offset Phased Elimination.
What Surviving Spouses Need to Know: Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) 2023 Elimination of the Optional Annuity for Dependent Children and Reversion of SBP Annuity to Surviving Spouses
as of January 1, 2023, the “Optional Annuity for Dependent Children” will be eliminated and the SBP monthly annuity payment must revert to the surviving spouse (if the surviving spouse submits documentation confirming eligibility).
Educating Your Beneficiaries Before Your Final Paycheck – AOP
It is very important that a beneficiary or beneficiaries are designated in your retired pay account for your Arrears of Pay, and that the information provided remains up to date,
Identifying the Status of Spouse/Former Spouse SBP Coverage on your Retiree Account Statement (RAS)
Under the law, SBP coverage for a spouse ends with a divorce. Coverage for a former spouse does not continue after the divorce unless certain actions are taken.
Elimination of Multiple RAS Mailings to Reduce Confusion and Costs
As part of our work to identify efficiencies that can speed up processing of requests and reduce costs, we will stop mailing multiple Retiree Account Statements (RAS) during the month.
School Cert Season Is Here Again – Steps to Take for Your College-Age SBP Child Annuitants
Child annuitants between the ages of 18 and 22, attending school on a full-time basis, will soon start receiving their annual school certification packets.
Direct Deposit Information for SBP Child Annuitants Turning 18
To avoid any disruption in direct deposit, DFAS allows SBP child annuitants to set up a direct deposit in their own name up to 60 days prior to reaching their 18th birthday.
News from Our Partners: Change in Temporary Guidance for USID Cards
All Uniformed Services ID (USID) Cards issued to retirees and their dependents, that were previously extended in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) temporary guidance for USID cards during the COVID-19 pandemic, expired January 31, 2022, and must be replaced
News from Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Kicks Off Annual Campaign for Charities
The long-standing principle of “Airmen taking care of our own” has been made a reality by you over the years, and you’re still leading today’s Airmen and Guardians by example! If you would like to support this year’s AFAF Campaign, giving is easier than ever and can be done at any time during the year.
News from Our Partners: Recently Retired from Service? Take Advantage of Your FEDVIP Enrollment Period
If you’ve recently retired from the uniformed services, you have a 91-day enrollment window to enroll in a FEDVIP dental and/or vision plan.Click here for a PDF of the March 2022 Retiree Newsletter
Download a PDF of the March newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose "Save As" to save to your computer)
December 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Click here to download a PDF of the December 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the December 2021 Retiree Newsletter!
Tax Season is Here Again
As we enter another tax season, we want to make sure you are aware of all of the options you have for getting your tax documents.
What Retirees Should Expect in the Year-End Mail from DFAS
For those who still request postal mail from us, here’s what you can expect.
Help Us Help You Protect Your Money: Protect Your myPay Login
We need your help to protect your account.
CRDP/CRSC Open Season 2022: Check Out Our FAQs
The 2022 CRDP/CRSC Open Season is January 1-31, 2022. Check out our helpful FAQs.
Simplifying the Retiree Report of Existence (ROE)
we are working to simplify the process of verifying continued eligibility for retirees. The newest change reduces the number of retirees who need to submit a Report of Existence (ROE).
Status Notifications Update
Status notifications are a three-step process that will update you when DFAS receives select forms or documents for processing by mail or fax.
Additional Forms Available for Upload Online via the askDFAS Online Upload Tool
We are building a suite of online tools that allow forms and required documentation to be uploaded through askDFAS on the DFAS.mil website.
Military Gray Area Retirees Now Have a New Avenue to Stay Connected: A New Kind of myPay Account
For Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Air Force Reserve Gray Area Retirees, there is a new avenue to stay connected and informed between the time they stop drilling and the time they start receiving retired pay.
2022 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index, there will be a 5.9 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
2022 Pay Calendar
The 2022 retiree and annuitant pay dates.
Surviving Spouses Currently Entitled to Both SBP and DIC in 2022: Watch Your Mailbox for Your Individual Estimate Letter
On January 1, 2022, Phase Two of the SBP-DIC Offset Phased Elimination will begin.
The SBP 2023 Active Duty/Line of Duty Optional Annuity for Dependent Children Elimination/Annuity Reversion to Surviving Spouses
What you need to know about the SBP 2023 Active Duty/Line of Duty Optional Annuity for Dependent Children elimination and annuity reversion to surviving spouses.
News from our Partners: Extension of USID Card Expirations Policy Guidance for USID Cards with Expiration Dates Between January 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021
USID Cards issued to retirees and their dependents extended in accordance with this guidance must be replaced by January 31, 2022.
News from our Partners: VA Presumptive Conditions and the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
If you meet the registry eligibility criteria, please consider joining the registry to document your exposure and health information and support the health of other service members and veterans.
News from our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Charities
The four official charities of the Department of the Air Force care for Airmen and Guardians across the Air Force family spectrum…active, guard, reserve, retired, and surviving spouses of retirees.
News from our Partners: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society – There When You Need Us for Unexpected Expenses and More
Since 1904, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has been there to assist active duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their families in their time of need.
News from our Partners: Navy Commander Spreads the Word about CFC Giving
Once a campaign exclusively for Federal employees, thanks to an executive order in 2016, civilian and military retirees can now continue their giving through CFC with the ability to make a direct deduction to CFC right from their annuity.
Click here for a PDF of the December 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Download a PDF of the December newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose "Save As" to save to your computer)
September 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Click here to download a PDF of the September 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the September 2021 Retiree Newsletter!
How Do Status Notifications Work?
Over the coming year, DFAS is rolling out the use of status notifications to keep you in the loop as forms or documents they submit move through the retired and annuity pay processing cycles.
Additional Forms Can Now Be Uploaded Online
As part of our work to modernize Retired & Annuitant Pay and make the processes easier for you, we are building a suite of online tools that allow forms and required documentation to be uploaded through askDFAS on the DFAS.mil website, which is also accessible on a mobile browser.
Check and Update Your Beneficiaries
It is vital for you to notify DFAS of any changes in your beneficiaries or beneficiary information for the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or for your Arrears of Pay (AOP).
Get an Early Start to Tax Season
Tax season will be here before you know it.
myPay Now Accepts Authenticator Apps For Two-Factor Authentication Login
myPay is now capable of accepting PINs generated by third-party authenticator apps.
Gray Area Retirees Now Have a New Avenue to Stay Connected: A New Kind of myPay Account
For Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Air Force Reserve Gray Area Retirees, there is a new avenue to stay connected and informed between the time they stop drilling and the time they start receiving retired pay.
Recoupment of Separation Payments
When a member separates from Service they may receive a separation payment. Laws and regulations require that DFAS recoup certain payments from a member’s retired pay.
Spouse SBP Annuitants and Active Duty/Line of Duty Surviving Spouses: Watch Your Mailbox for Special Mailings Later this Year
This coming January marks the start of the second phase of the SBP-DIC Offset Phased Elimination, in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which modified the law that requires an offset of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who are also entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
News from Our Partners: Extension of USID Card Expirations Policy Guidance for USID Cards with Expiration Dates Between January 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021
In its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on identification (ID) card site operations, effective June 2, 2021, the DoD extended temporary Uniformed Services ID (USID) card expiration policy guidance for USID cards with expiration dates between January 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021.
News from Our Partners: Army Colonel Extends His Commitment to Public Service after Retiring
When Colonel Colin Huckins retired from active duty in the US Army at Fort Sumter, he walked away from many things in his military career. However, he did not walk away from the charities he supported through the CFC.
News from Our Partners: TRICARE Asks Have You Updated DEERS Lately?
When TRICARE tried to reach a group of retirees with critical information recently, more than 6 out of 10 had incorrect information in DEERS. Is your information correct?
News from Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Charities
The four official charities of the Department of the Air Force care for Airmen and Guardians across the Air Force family spectrum…active, guard, reserve, retired, and surviving spouses of retirees. All have been impacted by the coronavirus health crisis. If you are, or know of a fellow Airman, Guardian, or a family member in need, you can rely on the assistance given by the four official charities of the Department of the Air Force.
News from Our Partners: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society - There When You Need Us
Donors like you make it possible for NMCRS to be there when there is a crisis. To learn more about how the Society is providing disaster assistance, as well as read some stories about clients, volunteers and donors please visit https://www.nmcrs.org/pages/legacy-newsletters
Click here for a PDF of the September 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Download a PDF of the September newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose "Save As" to save to your computer)
June 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Click here to download a PDF of the June 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the June 2021 Retiree Newsletter!
Status Notifications Roll Out in 2021
Over the coming year, DFAS is rolling out the use of status notifications to keep you in the loop as forms or documents they submit move through the retired and annuity pay processing cycles.
Your Retired Pay Account Needs a Regular Checkup
Use this handy checklist to do a retired pay checkup at least once a year.
How to Make the Payment of Your Final Paycheck Easier for Your Loved Ones
After you pass away, a one-time payment of your final paycheck is made to a beneficiary. This is called your Arrears of Pay (AOP).
Tip: Changing Bank Accounts for Your Pay? Start Early
If you need to change the bank account for your direct deposit, or change an allotment, make sure you allow a window of time for the change to be processed.
What SBP Annuitants Need to Know - How to Verify Eligibility to Keep Payments Coming
Survivor Benefit Plan annuitants need to verify their continued eligibility regularly to receive SBP annuity payments. See this article for an outline of the requirements.
News from Our Partners: Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
If you served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, you may be eligible for the registry.
News from Our Partners: CFC Giving Can Continue into Retirement
Once a campaign exclusively for Federal employees, civilian and military retirees can now continue their giving through CFC.
News from Our Partners: Air Force Retirees Again Bolster Air Force Assistance Fund
The men and women serving in the four official and affiliate charities of the Air Force thank you, our Air Force Retiree family, for your generous support during the 2021 AFAF Campaign.
News from our Partners: Armed Forces Retirement Home Offers Safe and Secure Residency Opportunities for Independent Living Veterans!
If you are considering a move to a safe and secure senior community that caters to independent living veterans, the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) may be for you!
Click here for a PDF of the June 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Download a PDF of the June newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose "Save As" to save to your computer)
March 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Click here to download a PDF of the March 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the March 2021 Retiree Newsletter!
Tax Season Update
Convenient options and tips if you still need a tax document
New, Helpful Status Notifications Start this Year
We are excited to announce one of our latest improvements that will soon be available to you.
myPay Two-Factor Authentication Mandatory April 2021
In late April, two-factor authentication will become mandatory for all myPay users.
Educate Your Beneficiaries Before Your Final Paycheck – AOP and SBP
There are two ways you can make preparations to leave money behind from your military retirement for your loved ones
How to Identify the Status of Spouse/Former Spouse SBP Coverage on your Retiree Account Statement
If you have divorced since retiring, please carefully check your Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) participation status.
Changes Coming to Mailed Retiree Account Statements
For those retirees who still have a Retiree Account Statements (RAS) mailed to them, there will soon be some changes
Retirees: You Can Now Upload Your SBP Election Change Form Online
We added a convenient, online upload tool for retirees for the DD2656-6 (Survivor Benefit Plan Election Change Certificate)
School Cert Season Approaching – Steps to Take for Your Children, Including High School Grads 18 and Over
Child annuitants between the ages of 18-22, attending school on a full-time basis, may soon start receiving their annual school certification packets.
News from our Partners: From the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force
"As we embark on our 48th year of the Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign, we again turn to our retired Air Force family!"
News from Our Partners: AER’s 2021 Annual Campaign Kicks Off
"As the Army kicks off its 79th Annual Army Emergency Relief Campaign on military installations around the world, we’re taking a look back at the enhancements AER implemented over the last year."
News from Our Partners: TRICARE
Update on Select Enrollment Fees for Group A Retirees
When You Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
News from our Partners: Armed Forces Retirement Home Now Welcoming Retired Enlisted Reserve and National Guard Members - Apply for Residency in 2021!
AFRH welcomes applications for new residency from Retired Enlisted Reserve and National Guard Members
Click here for a PDF of the March 2021 Retiree Newsletter
Download a PDF of the March newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose "Save As" to save to your computer)
December 2020 Retiree Newsletter
Click here to download a PDF of the December 2020 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the December 2019 Retiree Newsletter!
Tax Season is Here Again
Check out our easy options for getting your tax documents.
What Retirees Should Expect in the Year-End Mail from DFAS
For retirees who still request postal mail from us, here is what you'll receive in your year-end mail.
2021 Cost of Living Adjustment and Pay Schedule
There is a 1.3 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for most retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities, and the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA), effective Dec. 1, 2020.
CRDP/CRSC Open Season
The 2021 CRDP/CRSC Open Season is January 1-31, 2021. Check out our new, helpful FAQs.
Convenient Options for Getting Pay Information and Making Pay Account Updates
Instead of waiting on hold to talk to a customer service representative, you can use these convenient self-service options for getting your retired or annuity pay information, and for making updates to your pay account.
Additional Option for Managing Allotments
You have the option of transferring your discretionary allotment to your personal financial institution
The Phased Elimination of the SBP-DIC Offset Begins in January of 2021
Read all about the upcoming changes to the SBP-DIC Offset
News from Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Charities Thank USAF Retirees
Air Force Assistance Fund Charities thank you, the Air Force Retiree family, for your generous support.
News from Our Partners: Army Emergency Relief Support
Army Emergency Relief’s mission is to support Retired Soldiers and their Families, as well as your Active Duty brothers and sisters.
News from Our Partners: Armed Forces Retirement Home Accepting Applications for Residency in 2021!
AFRH welcomes applications for new residency
News from Our Partners: TRICARE Select Group A Retiree Enrollment Fee Payments Due Now
Now is the time to set up payment for your TRICARE Select Group A Enrollment Fees
Click here for a PDF of the December 2020 Retiree Newsletter
Download a PDF of the December newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose "Save As" to save to your computer)
September 2020 Retiree Newsletter
Download a PDF of the September newsletter
Director's Message
Thank you for taking the time to read our September 2020 newsletter!
Check and Update Your Beneficiaries
It is vital for you to notify DFAS of any changes in your beneficiaries or beneficiary information for the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or for your Arrears of Pay (AOP).
What Retirees Need to Know about the New IRS 2020 W-4
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 brought many changes, some of them quite recently.
Electronic RAS for New Retirees
As of July of 2020, all new retirees will automatically receive their Retiree Account Statements (RAS) via electronic delivery in myPay.
myPay Announces Two-Factor Authentication Coming Soon
Two-factor authentication is coming to myPay bringing an additional layer of protection in safeguarding pay account information for military retirees and annuitants.
Making School Certifications Easier with the New DD 2788 Form Wizard
We have a new tool for you: the School Certification (DD 2788) PDF Form Wizard!
Who to Contact for Pay or Benefit Questions
Have you ever wondered if you are contacting the correct agency? Read this to find out who to call about your question.
News from Our Partners: Navy Retired Activities Office (RAO) Programs
The Navy Retired Activities Office (RAO) provides support service to all military retirees (regular and reserve) from all branches of military service, their spouses, families, annuitants, authorized or designated beneficiaries, representatives or guardians worldwide.
News from Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Charities Thank USAF Retirees
Air Force Assistance Fund Charities thank you, the Air Force Retiree family, for your generous support during the 2020 AFAF Campaign.
News from Our Partners: Armed Forces Retirement Home Accepting Applications for Residency!
The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) - with locations in Washington, D.C., and Gulfport, Miss. – continues to welcome new residents.
News from Our Partners: TRICARE Open Season and Changes Coming Soon for Some TRICARE Select Retired Beneficiaries
The 2020 TRICARE Open Season begins November 9 and ends December 14, 2020. New Monthly TRICARE Select Enrollment Fee for Group A Retired TRICARE Select Beneficiaries.
Click here for a PDF of the September 2020 Retiree Newsletter
Download a PDF of the September newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose “Save As” to save to your computer)
June 2020 Retiree Newsletter
Director's Message
Thank you for taking the time to read our June 2020 newsletter!
Time for a Mid-Year Retired Pay Account Checkup
We have a handy checklist to help you review and update your retired pay account, including convenient self-service options using myPay.
Make the Payment of Your Final Paycheck Easier for Your Loved Ones
Important information to prepare your loved ones.
The SBP-DIC Offset Phased Elimination
Who is affected and what you need to know.
SBP School Certifications: Now Easier and More Convenient!
New form, new process, less paperwork!
News from Our Partners: Armed Forces Retirement Home Welcomes Applications
AFRH offers affordable independent living to eligible veterans in its Washington, D.C., and Gulfport, Miss. locations, and continues to accept applications for residency in 2020.
News from Our Partners: Army Emergency Relief
Army Emergency Relief’s singular mission is to provide financial assistance for Active Duty, Retired Soldiers, Surviving Spouses, Active Guard & Reserve Soldiers, and their dependents when they need it most.
News from Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Charities Combat COVID-19
Air Force Charities are responding to the effects of this virus on the Air Force family to support fellow Airmen and their families
Click here for a PDF of the June 2020 Retiree Newsletter
Download a PDF of the June newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose “Save As” to save to your computer)