The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) establishes, maintains, and pays military retirees, surviving spouses, and other family members. Here are the 2026 military retiree and annuitant pay dates.
Military retiree paydays always fall on the first day of the month, except when the first day is a holiday or weekend. In those cases, the pay date will be the first business day prior to the holiday or weekend that falls on the first of the month.
Military annuitant paydays are always on the first day of the month, except when the first day is a holiday or weekend. In those cases, the pay date will be the first business day after the holiday or weekend that falls on the first of the month.
2026 Military Retiree and Annuitant Pay Schedule
| Entitlement Month | 2026 Retiree Pay Dates | 2026 Annuitant Pay Dates |
|---|---|---|
| January | Jan. 30, 2026 | Feb. 2, 2026 |
| February | Feb. 27, 2026 | Mar. 2, 2026 |
| March | Apr. 1, 2026 | Apr. 1, 2026 |
| April | May 1, 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| May | June 1, 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| June | July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| July | July 31, 2026 | Aug. 3, 2026 |
| August | Sept. 1, 2026 | Sep. 1, 2026 |
| September | Oct. 1, 2026 | Oct. 1, 2026 |
| October | Oct. 30, 2026 | Nov. 2, 2026 |
| November | Dec. 1, 2026 | Dec. 1, 2026 |
| December | Dec. 31, 2026 | Jan. 4, 2027 |
DFAS R&A Pay issues monthly payments for the following accounts:
- Regular and reserve retirement payments
- Combat-related special compensation payments
- Survivor Benefit Plan
- Concurrent retirement and disability pay
- Temporary and permanent disability retirement payments
For earlier payments, try banking with a military-friendly bank or credit union that offers early direct deposits, such as Navy Federal Credit Union, USAA, Service Credit Union, Pacific Marine Credit Union or Armed Forces Bank.
The above pay charts apply to eligible retired veterans and survivors of the United States Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Space Force and Public Health Service.
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Jon Rehagan is a 2-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who covers financial topics and military news for the veteran community. With 16 years in broadcast media (including roles in radio and television) Jon has spent his career writing, shooting, editing, and producing everything from long-form investigative specials to daily news broadcasts and digital content. His work has been recognized by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and he brings that same commitment to accurate, accessible reporting to helping service members, veterans, and military families navigate complex benefits and financial decisions.
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Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).