DFAS Retiree Newsletter
September 2025
Click here to download a PDF of the September 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the September 2025 Retiree Newsletter!
Gray Area Spotlight: Check Your Contact Information
We want to continue communicating with our Gray Area Retiree (GAR) customers. In the next few months, we will send a SmartDoc email to remind GARs to keep their contact information up to date.
End of Checks To and From DFAS
Executive Order 14247 focuses on transitioning all federal payments to electronic methods. If you receive a monthly check from DFAS, we encourage you to switch to an electronic option for your payment.
Another Tax Season is Right Around the Corner: Are you Prepared?
The next tax season will be here before you know it, and we want to make sure that you are prepared. Now is the best time to verify everything is correct in your myPay account.
askDFAS: Rockin’ and Rollin’ in 2025
Last year we undertook our own long-term project to revamp the askDFAS suite of online tools and expand our capacity to serve you. You began seeing the fruits of our labor in May 2024 and continue seeing improvements to this day.
How to have your SBP premiums deducted from your VA Payment
The most convenient way to pay for SBP premiums is to have the money deducted from your VA disability payments and sent directly to DFAS. If you are in this situation, complete a DD Form 2891 Interim.
Retiree Appreciation Days: Stay Informed and Connected
Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) are valuable events designed to provide retirees with the latest information and resources related to their retirement benefits and services.
News From Our Partners: Uniformed Services Identification Cards for Retirees, Spouses, & Dependents
DoD has not issued a mandate for retirees and others with legacy paper-based Uniformed Services identification (USID) cards to have them replaced. The Department intends to execute a positive communications plan formally announcing the termination.
News From Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Charities
The four official charities of the Department of the Air Force can ensure Airmen, Guardians and their families are mission-ready, resilient and confident that they will never have to face hardship alone.
News From Our Partners: FEDPOINT - Open Season and Virtual Benefits Fair for Military Retirees
Explore your FEDVIP benefits at the virtual benefits fair from November 10-December 8, 2025. Visit benefeds.gov/webinars to register.
June 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Click here to download a PDF of the June 2025 Retiree Newsletter
Director’s Message
Welcome to the June 2025 Retiree Newsletter!
askDFAS Resource Roundup
It has been one year since we relaunched the module to serve you in new and better ways. The improvements aren’t finished; we continue to build upon the new foundation of our askDFAS platform.
Forms Library Webpage: Redesigned with You in Mind!
We’re pleased to share another improvement that you have been requesting – a fully redesigned Forms Library is now available on our website!
Understanding the Blended Retirement System (BRS)
The Blended Retirement System (BRS) became an option for eligible active service members and is the only retirement system for new service members since 2018. Read about valuable resources and commonly asked questions that can benefit you.
Direct Deposit Information
Direct deposit is the most efficient, timely, and secure way to receive your retired pay. Learn how to change your payment option to direct deposit.
Direct Remittance Changes Coming in August 2025
Starting in August 2025, DFAS will change the payment process for retirees who pay their Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums directly through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Centralized Receivables Service (CRS).
Gray Area Retiree Spotlight: What You Need to Know About the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)
Whether you are still drilling, in the Gray Area, or receiving your retired pay, it is important to understand how RCSBP benefits your loved ones.
Why You Should Attend a Retiree Appreciation Day
Retiree Appreciation Day events are a great way for retirees to get information regarding their retirement. These events are hosted by the Branch of Service’s Retirement Service Office or Retirement Activities Office.
News From Our Partners: Next Generation USID Card for Retirees, Spouses, & Dependents
Military retirees are encouraged to update their Uniformed Services Identification (USID) cards to the new Next Generation USID card at their convenience.
News From Our Partners: Have You Recently Retired from Service? Explore your FEDVIP options today
If you recently retired from the uniformed services, you’ve likely considered dental and vision benefits in your retirement plan. The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is available to you.
News From Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund 52nd Annual Campaign Sprint Finish
Time remains to donate to the Department of the Air Force’s annual Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign.
News From Our Partners: USID Online Renewal Saves Time for Navy Retirees and Dependents
A recent DOD self-service initiative helps Navy personnel, retirees, and family members save time by skipping the trip to the ID Card Office.
News From Our Partners: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: Programs and Services
Find out how the NMCRS continues to benefit Navy and Marine Corps families and learn how to become a volunteer.
March 2025 Retiree Newsletter
December 2024 Retiree Newsletter
Click here to download a PDF of the December 2024 Retiree Newsletter
Director's Message
Welcome to the December 2024 Retiree Newsletter!
Gray Area Retiree Spotlight-How VA Disability Compensation Can Affect Your Retired Pay
Many military retirees who are eligible for Department of Defense (DoD) retired pay are also eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pay. The laws and regulations that apply when a retiree is eligible for both types of pay are complex and can be confusing.
Pay.gov Website Replacing the payDFAS Mobile App for SBP Premium Payments
For retirees who receive a monthly Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premium bill from DFAS and prefer to make those payments online, you should now use Pay.gov to make payments instead of the payDFAS Mobile App.
Watch for Changes in Mid-2025 If You Pay SBP/RCSBP Monthly Premiums Through Treasury CRS
In mid-2025, DFAS will change the payment process for retirees who pay their SBP or RCSBP premiums directly through Treasury CRS.
The askDFAS Refresh – Greatest Hits of 2024
We hope that you find the new suite of online tools available from the askDFAS Refresh is a great improvement to your experience.
There’s Still Time to Get a Head Start on Tax Season
This is the perfect time to double check that everything is correct with your tax documents, so you have them when you are ready to file.
2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index, there is a 2.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for most retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities, effective December 1, 2024.
What Retirees Can Expect in the Year-End Mail from DFAS
For retirees who request their tax statements via postal mail from DFAS, each January we will mail your 1099-R, along with a special print edition of the DFAS Retiree Newsletter with important news for the coming year.
CRDP/CRSC Open Season - Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re eligible for both CRDP and CRSC, CRDP/CRSC Open Season is when DFAS will send you a letter with instructions on how to change your election from one type of payment to the other if you choose.
Retiree Appreciation Events
Come say hello to us at one of these events.
News From Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund 51st Annual Campaign Sprint Finish
The 2024 Department of the Air Force’s annual Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign at Air and Space Force Bases worldwide may have wrapped up on Flag Day, but time still remains for a year-end donation, on or after Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, to make an impact!
2025 Pay Calendar
To help you plan for 2025, below is a list of the days you should expect to receive your pay.
Click here to download a PDF of the December 2024 Retiree Newsletter
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Page Updated September 24, 2025