When you’re in the military, you get a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) each month to list all your pays, allowances, deductions, and allotments. Once you transfer to the retired side, the same information is available on your Retiree Account Statement (RAS) or electronic Retiree Account Statement (eRAS).
An eRAS is available each month via the online MyPaysystem. MyPay is the official online account management system for military members and DoD employees, managed the Defense Finance and Accounting System (DFAS). If you create a MyPay account, you can access your monthly eRAS at any time. Statements are issued by the first of each month and will remain available for 12 months. Your monthly eRAS is the first item listed on the MyPay menu for retirees.
Yearly RAS are provided, by mail, to all retirees each December, even if they do not have a MyPay account. Also, you will receive a mailed RAS whenever you make changes to your retirement pay account.
Because the other choices are slow, I strongly encourage everyone to set up a MyPay account. It will take a little time in the beginning, but it will provide you with instant access to your RAS, make changes to direct deposit easy and fast, and will let you keep track of your tax statements without having to wait for help via the telephone or mail.
Sometimes, however, MyPay isn’t an option for you. Perhaps your MyPay account is stuck, or you need an older RAS. In that case, you may obtain your RAS by telephone or by mail.
Telephone
My readers tell me that the telephone option does not work well, but I will give you the information anyway. The customer service telephone number for retired service member is 800-321-1080. Once you get through, select option 1. This number is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Written Requests
You can send a written request to DFAS at the address listed below, but expect to wait up to 60 days for a response. Requests should include your name, Social Security Number, signature, and the specific information you are requesting. Requests can be submitted to:
DFAS Retired Pay
P.O. Box 7130
London, KY 40742-7130
Fax: 800-469-6559
Your RAS is an important tool in your financial plan. Having easy access is a fabulous thing, but how you get your statement is not as important as making sure that you do get your statement. Whether you use MyPay or the mail, it isn’t hard. Good luck!
If you liked this post, you might also like:
Changing Direct Deposit for VA Benefits
Benefits for Military Widows and Widowers
Everything About the Survivor Benefit Plan
Do you want to know more about your military pay and benefits?
Things change fast around here! Keep up-to-date with email alerts about the topics that are important to you!
James O. Hendry says
16 February 2018 at 8:57 amHow can I get my 1099 tax statement?
Kate Horrell says
18 February 2018 at 5:34 amMr. Hendry, 1099R tax statements are available online via the MyPay system. https://mypay.dfas.mil/ If you have not elected to suppress physical copies, they are also mailed to the address you have on record.
If you do not have access to MyPay, and did not receive the physical copy, you may request a copy using any of the methods listed at this webpage: https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/manage/taxes/getting1099r.html
Bev says
12 August 2018 at 6:57 amMy divorce decree states retiree must forward the RAS 5 days after receipt to former spouse but it is a struggle to get them. I heard DFAS can send them directly to me as well. I also have a MY Pay account. Is this true?