How to Request Retired Military Pay

The federal government grants military retirement pay to retired service members pursuant to their retirement. To request military retirement pay, therefore, one must first request retirement. Monthly retirement pay is automatically granted once the service member attains retirement status.

Instructions

1. Ensure that you have reached at least 19 years of service.

2. Send a letter requesting retirement within one year of your desired retirement date, in accordance with Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) 1810-020, to your service's personnel bureau. Your unit's personnel office will transmit the request electronically, and you should receive an acknowledgment within five to seven working days. Also request an extension of your enlistment, if applicable, to reach your desired retirement date, and forward it with the letter.

3. Submit any changes to your account data to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), if desired. If you don't submit account changes, your military retirement pay will continue to be deposited as it was when you were on active duty, with an electronic funds transfer to your financial institution of choice. You can make changes to your account using the DFAS myPay web site.

References

• Retiree Payment Procedures
• Request for Retirement
• Preparing for Retirement