Retired & Annuitant Pay Processing: How Long Does It Take?
We work hard to process your requests accurately and promptly.
If all of the information needed is provided, we can process a typical request in 30 to 60 days.
However, when additional information, research or computation is required, it may take more time.
Please keep in mind that an unsigned or incomplete form or missing documentation will delay the processing of your request.
Below are typical time frames for the most common requests.
Typical Processing Time Frames
Click on the type of processing request below to jump directly to the time frame information:
New Retirements
Retired Pay account changes
CRSC – First monthly payment
CRSC or CRDP - Retroactive computation
Condolence letter with SF 1174 and SBP startup forms
Arrears of Pay – Payment
Survivor Benefit Plan - First annuity payment
New Retirements
Your first retired pay should be processed in 30 to 45 days after your retirement date. However, this can only happen if we receive a complete retirement package, including a correct DD Form 2656.
If you are a Gray Area Reservist turning 60 years of age, your first retired pay should be processed in 30 to 45 days after your retirement date. However, this can only happen if we receive a complete retirement package, including a correct DD Form 2656.
In some cases, additional information, research or computation is required. These cases require more time.
Retired Pay Account Changes(examples: address changes, bank account changes, changes to SBP coverage)
Changes made via myPay: Your account will be updated in three to seven business days. Keep in mind that if you make a change in the latter part of a month, it may not take effect until the next payday.
Changes sent via mail or fax: It can take 30 to 60 days to process a paper form.
In some cases, additional information, research or computation is required. These cases require more time.
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)– First monthly payment
Your first CRSC monthly payment should be processed in 30 to 45 days after we receive your approval letter from your Branch of Service.
In some cases, additional information, research or computation is required. These cases require more time.
CRSC or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)- Retroactive computation
Retroactive computations require significant research and manual calculations. Our priority is to start your monthly payments, and then calculate and make any retroactive payment due. This may take 60 to 90 days after we receive all of the information.
In some cases, additional information, research or computation is required. These cases require more time.
Condolence Letter (with SF 1174 - Arrears of Pay form) and SBP Startup Forms
Within 30 days after reporting the death of a retiree to DFAS, you should receive a letter containing the SF 1174 form to claim the retiree’s Arrears of Pay (AOP). If the retiree elected the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), you will also receive the forms to start SBP Annuity payments.
Arrears of Pay for Deceased Retiree – Payment
Arrears of Pay (AOP) payments should be processed within 30-45 days of receiving the SF 1174 and supporting documentation.
In some cases, particularly when there is not a designated beneficiary or when there are multiple beneficiaries, additional information or research is required. These cases require more time.
Survivor Benefit Plan - First annuity payment
Your first SBP monthly annuity payment should be processed within 30 days of receiving the DD Form 2656-7 and supporting documentation.
In some cases, additional information, research or computation is required. These cases require more time. It could take 45 days, or in complex cases, more than 45 days.
Page last updated February 15, 2023
