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Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Updated Nov. 7, 2013
I didn't receive my mid-month/end-of-month pay because I entered the wrong account routing number when I changed my Direct Deposit in myPay. When will I get those funds back? How can I be paid for it?
When a mid-month or end-of-month pay is returned from the financial institution to the DFAS Disbursing Office due to an invalid account number, DFAS will issue a credit for the payment which should appear on your LES the following month. In some instances, once the credit is issued, you may go to your servicing finance office and request a Casual Pay for those funds. If the payment is not made by the local office, the credited pay will be sent along with the next scheduled payment.
My allotment didn't go to the bank because I entered the wrong account/routing number when I started it in myPay. When will I get those funds back? How can I be paid for it?
When an allotment is returned from the financial institution to the DFAS Disbursing Office due to an invalid account number, DFAS will issue a credit for the allotment, which should appear on your LES the following month. You are responsible for ensuring that the input to stop or change the allotment is made. In some instances, once the credit is issued, you may go to your servicing finance office and request a Casual Pay for those funds.
How do allotments process?
Allotments are only disbursed once a month. The system withholds half of the allotment amount from the mid-month pay. This amount is held by the system until the second half is withheld from the end-of-month pay. The full amount of the allotment will disburse to the designated account on the 1st of every month. Allotments will never disburse on the 15th of the month.
Example: If you start an allotment for $400, the system will take $200 from your mid-month pay and hold it until the other $200 is taken out of your end-of-month pay. The total $400 will disburse to the designated account on the 1st of the following month.
When will I get paid for my Selective Re-enlistment Bonus (SRB)/Selective Enlistment Bonus (SEB)?
The initial payment of your Selective Re-enlistment Bonus (SRB) should take no longer than 30 days from the date of re-enlistment. If, after 30 days, you have not received your payment, you should contact your servicing finance officer, career planner, or admin or personnel office.
NAVY MEMBERS: You should receive your bonus installment payment on Oct. 1, which is the first day of the federal fiscal year.
The Service Enlistment Bonus (SEB) is paid upon completion of training and may be paid in a single lump sum (USMC) or in periodic installments.
How can I get copies of my old Leave and Earning Statements (LES)?
Army Service Members
Active Army Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months are available on myPay. Copies of an LES greater than one year old should be requested from your servicing finance office.
Reserve/Guard Army Service Members: Your LES's for the past 13 months are available on myPay. Copies of an LES greater than three months old should be requested from your servicing finance office.
Separated Army Active Service Members: Once you are separated from the service, your LESs will no longer be available from myPay. You must send your request to the Military Pay Historical Records Branch and you must provide a photo copy of your government issued identification (i.e. your military identification card, driver’s license), name, social security number, Branch of Service, component, period of LESs being requested, reason for request, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address. All requests must be signed. If they are not signed, they cannot be processed. Signed requests should be sent as an e-mail attachment to AMPO-VERIFY-LES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 317-275-0123.
Separated Reserve Army Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months will remain available until they have cycled off through normal monthly updates. For a LES greater than one year old , you must send your request to the Military Pay Historical Records Branch and you must provide a photo copy of government issued identification (i.e. your military identification card, driver's license), name, social security number, Branch of Service, component, period of LES being requested, reason for request, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address. All requests must be signed. If they are not signed, they cannot be processed. Signed requests should be sent as an e-mail attachment to AMPO-VERIFY-LES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 317-275-0123.
Navy Service Members
Active Navy Service Members: Your last 12 months of LES's are available on myPay. For copies of an LES greater than one year old, call 888-332-7411 and choose option #2. To send your request via e-mail, please click on the askDFAS icon located in the top right hand corner of the www.dfas.mil home page.
Reserve Navy Service Members: Your LES's for the past 13 months are available on myPay. For copies of an LES greater than 13 months old, call 888-332-7411 and choose option #2. To send your request via e-mail, click on the askDFAS icon located in the top right hand corner of the www.dfas.mil home page.
Separated Active Navy Service Members: Once you are separated from the service, your LESs will no longer be available from myPay. For copies of of an LES, call 1-888-332-7411 and choose option #2. To send your request via email, click in the top right hand corner of the www.dfas.mil homepage.
Separated Reserve Navy Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months are available on myPay and will remain available until they cycle off through normal updates. For copies of an LES greater than 13 months , call 1.888-332-7411 and choose option #2. To send your request via e-mail, click on the askDFAS icon located in the top right hand corner of the www.dfas.mil home page.
Air Force Service Members
Active Air Force Service Members: Your last LES's for the past 12 months are available on myPay. Copies of an LES greater than one year old should be requested from your servicing finance office.
Reserve Air Force Service Members: Your LES's for the past 13 months are available on myPay. Copies of an LES greater than three months old should be requested from your servicing finance office.
Separated Air Force Service Members: Once you are separated from the service, your LESs will no longer be available from myPay. You must send your request to the Military Pay Historical Records Branch and you must provide a photo copy of your government issued identification (i.e. your military identification card, driver’s license), name, social security number, Branch of Service, component, period of LESs being requested, reason for request, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address. All requests must be signed. If they are not signed, they cannot be processed. Signed requests should be sent as an e-mail attachment to AMPO-VERIFY-LES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 317-275-0123.
Separated Reserve Air Force Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months will remain available until they have cycled off through normal monthly updates. For a LES greater than one year old , you must send your request to the Military Pay Historical Records Branch and you must provide a photo copy of government issued identification (i.e. your military identification card, driver's license), name, social security number, Branch of Service, component, period of LES being requested, reason for request, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address. All requests must be signed. If they are not signed, they cannot be processed. Signed requests should be sent as an e-mail attachment to AMPO-VERIFY-LES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 317-275-0123.
Marine Corps Members
For Active, Reserve and Separated USMC Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months are available on myPay. For copies of an LES more than one year old, send an e-mail to CCL-MC-RECORD-SERVICES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 216-367-3606.
Active Army Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months are available on myPay. Copies of an LES greater than one year old should be requested from your servicing finance office.
Reserve/Guard Army Service Members: Your LES's for the past 13 months are available on myPay. Copies of an LES greater than three months old should be requested from your servicing finance office.
Separated Army Active Service Members: Once you are separated from the service, your LESs will no longer be available from myPay. You must send your request to the Military Pay Historical Records Branch and you must provide a photo copy of your government issued identification (i.e. your military identification card, driver’s license), name, social security number, Branch of Service, component, period of LESs being requested, reason for request, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address. All requests must be signed. If they are not signed, they cannot be processed. Signed requests should be sent as an e-mail attachment to AMPO-VERIFY-LES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 317-275-0123.
Separated Reserve Army Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months will remain available until they have cycled off through normal monthly updates. For a LES greater than one year old , you must send your request to the Military Pay Historical Records Branch and you must provide a photo copy of government issued identification (i.e. your military identification card, driver's license), name, social security number, Branch of Service, component, period of LES being requested, reason for request, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address. All requests must be signed. If they are not signed, they cannot be processed. Signed requests should be sent as an e-mail attachment to AMPO-VERIFY-LES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 317-275-0123.
Navy Service Members
Active Navy Service Members: Your last 12 months of LES's are available on myPay. For copies of an LES greater than one year old, call 888-332-7411 and choose option #2. To send your request via e-mail, please click on the askDFAS icon located in the top right hand corner of the www.dfas.mil home page.
Reserve Navy Service Members: Your LES's for the past 13 months are available on myPay. For copies of an LES greater than 13 months old, call 888-332-7411 and choose option #2. To send your request via e-mail, click on the askDFAS icon located in the top right hand corner of the www.dfas.mil home page.
Separated Active Navy Service Members: Once you are separated from the service, your LESs will no longer be available from myPay. For copies of of an LES, call 1-888-332-7411 and choose option #2. To send your request via email, click in the top right hand corner of the www.dfas.mil homepage.
Separated Reserve Navy Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months are available on myPay and will remain available until they cycle off through normal updates. For copies of an LES greater than 13 months , call 1.888-332-7411 and choose option #2. To send your request via e-mail, click on the askDFAS icon located in the top right hand corner of the www.dfas.mil home page.
Air Force Service Members
Active Air Force Service Members: Your last LES's for the past 12 months are available on myPay. Copies of an LES greater than one year old should be requested from your servicing finance office.
Reserve Air Force Service Members: Your LES's for the past 13 months are available on myPay. Copies of an LES greater than three months old should be requested from your servicing finance office.
Separated Air Force Service Members: Once you are separated from the service, your LESs will no longer be available from myPay. You must send your request to the Military Pay Historical Records Branch and you must provide a photo copy of your government issued identification (i.e. your military identification card, driver’s license), name, social security number, Branch of Service, component, period of LESs being requested, reason for request, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address. All requests must be signed. If they are not signed, they cannot be processed. Signed requests should be sent as an e-mail attachment to AMPO-VERIFY-LES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 317-275-0123.
Separated Reserve Air Force Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months will remain available until they have cycled off through normal monthly updates. For a LES greater than one year old , you must send your request to the Military Pay Historical Records Branch and you must provide a photo copy of government issued identification (i.e. your military identification card, driver's license), name, social security number, Branch of Service, component, period of LES being requested, reason for request, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address. All requests must be signed. If they are not signed, they cannot be processed. Signed requests should be sent as an e-mail attachment to AMPO-VERIFY-LES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 317-275-0123.
Marine Corps Members
For Active, Reserve and Separated USMC Service Members: Your LES's for the past 12 months are available on myPay. For copies of an LES more than one year old, send an e-mail to CCL-MC-RECORD-SERVICES@DFAS.MIL or fax your request to 216-367-3606.
I started an allotment in myPay, but don't see it. Why?
In keeping with government streamlining efforts and to reduce the use of paper, myPay takes advantage of existing technology and is paperless; therefore, you will not receive any written confirmation. However, myPay does display a "NO LATER THAN" date before and after your change is accepted. Any change you make to your account should be posted no later than this date. You must receive this notification message to ensure that your action has been accepted. If your change does not appear on your account by the date indicated, contact your customer service representative. If you have a registered e-mail address, an e-mail notification will be sent when the transaction is sent to your pay system for processing.
How can I change my state of legal residence?
In order to make a state change, you will need to fill out a form DD-2058. Please submit your change through your pay office or admin office for processing. Changes to your state of legal residence may not be made retroactively.
When will I get my final pay?
Different branches have different timeframes to issue a member's final pay:
Air Force/Navy: Regular pay is suspended pending separation processing. The separating command will release pay due within 20 days via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If this fails to occur, the final payment will be made by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) when a final audit is completed on the member's account. DFAS will issue any regular pay due, as well as any other unpaid balance on the account. The DFAS payment will be made via check to the separation address that was provided during separation processing, unless EFT is specifically requested and a valid Routing Transit Number/Account Number is furnished.
Army: Regular pay is suspended during the month of separation to ensure that no overpayment exists. On the member's Date of Separation (DOS), the servicing finance office will have a payment sent to the member's bank account using the EFT process. From DOS through the next 20 days, the member's pay account will be monitored and additional pay action will be made for the final pay computation as required. Post separation pay audits are conducted regularly and may identify residual payments that are due to the member. If this occurs, DFAS (or in limited instances, the member's servicing finance officer) will pay the residual payments via paper check to the address that the service member provided during separation processing.
Marine Corps: Pay is suspended prior to the Marine's end of current contract (ECC). The Marine's administrative unit is required to submit the request for his/her final pay (NAVMC 11060: Separation/Travel Pay Certificate) to Disbursing no later than 10 workings days prior to the member's ECC. If the Marine has been approved for permissive TAD (TDY) and/or terminal leave, the NAVMC 11060 is then required to be submitted no later than 10 days prior to beginning of the approved status. Once the NAVMC 11060 is received by Disbursing, the Disbursing Office is required to settle the account and issue any monies due to the Marine on the Marine's ECC. If the NAVMC 11060 is not received by Disbursing within the required timeline, the settlement is required to be completed and monies issued within 10 working days of when the request was received. The time it takes to receive final payment varies, based on when the Marine's 11060 is received by Disbursing. All final settlement pay will be issued by EFT. Marines are instructed during their pre-separations brief to keep their current direct deposit bank account open for a minimum of 6 months after separation. This guidance is given in the event that a late pay adjustment is required on the Marine's account that results in the issuance of a supplemental payment to the Marine. If final pay is not received within 2-3 days after discharge, the Marine should contact their servicing administrative unit for inquiries regarding the status of his/her final pay.
Air Force/Navy: Regular pay is suspended pending separation processing. The separating command will release pay due within 20 days via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If this fails to occur, the final payment will be made by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) when a final audit is completed on the member's account. DFAS will issue any regular pay due, as well as any other unpaid balance on the account. The DFAS payment will be made via check to the separation address that was provided during separation processing, unless EFT is specifically requested and a valid Routing Transit Number/Account Number is furnished.
Army: Regular pay is suspended during the month of separation to ensure that no overpayment exists. On the member's Date of Separation (DOS), the servicing finance office will have a payment sent to the member's bank account using the EFT process. From DOS through the next 20 days, the member's pay account will be monitored and additional pay action will be made for the final pay computation as required. Post separation pay audits are conducted regularly and may identify residual payments that are due to the member. If this occurs, DFAS (or in limited instances, the member's servicing finance officer) will pay the residual payments via paper check to the address that the service member provided during separation processing.
Marine Corps: Pay is suspended prior to the Marine's end of current contract (ECC). The Marine's administrative unit is required to submit the request for his/her final pay (NAVMC 11060: Separation/Travel Pay Certificate) to Disbursing no later than 10 workings days prior to the member's ECC. If the Marine has been approved for permissive TAD (TDY) and/or terminal leave, the NAVMC 11060 is then required to be submitted no later than 10 days prior to beginning of the approved status. Once the NAVMC 11060 is received by Disbursing, the Disbursing Office is required to settle the account and issue any monies due to the Marine on the Marine's ECC. If the NAVMC 11060 is not received by Disbursing within the required timeline, the settlement is required to be completed and monies issued within 10 working days of when the request was received. The time it takes to receive final payment varies, based on when the Marine's 11060 is received by Disbursing. All final settlement pay will be issued by EFT. Marines are instructed during their pre-separations brief to keep their current direct deposit bank account open for a minimum of 6 months after separation. This guidance is given in the event that a late pay adjustment is required on the Marine's account that results in the issuance of a supplemental payment to the Marine. If final pay is not received within 2-3 days after discharge, the Marine should contact their servicing administrative unit for inquiries regarding the status of his/her final pay.
How long does it take for my Savings Deposit Program (SDP) deposit to show on my account statement?
You will be able to view deposits on your Savings Deposit Program (SDP) Statement in myPay as soon as payment is received by DFAS. Deposits by allotment will post at the end of each month the allotment is open. Cash deposits made within theatre could take longer.
How do I register for myPay?
Once your pay account has been established by your payroll office and your first system generated payment has been issued, your myPay account is established and you will automatically be sent a temporary Password. Generally, it will be four weeks from the time you receive your first paycheck to when you receive your temporary Password in the mail. Once you receive your new Password, you must customize it within 45 days. If you do not customize the Password it will expire and you will have to request a new one.
Upon initial log on, use your full SSN and the temporary Password provided to you. The system will prompt you to customize your Login ID and Password. If you have any inquiries or need to make pay changes prior to your myPay account being established, you must contact your servicing payroll office or Customer Service Representative.
What day do Active Duty members get paid?
Active duty members are paid twice a month. Pay days are the fifteenth of the month and the first of the following month. The fifteenth is the mid-month pay and includes pay due from the 1st through the 15th of the month. The first of the following month is the end of month pay and includes pay due from the 16th through the last day of the previous month. If the 1st or the 15th is on a weekend/holiday, payday is the business day before.
If I elect to have an additional amount to be withheld for federal or state tax, how will the additional amount be withheld?
Members have the option to request an additional amount to be withheld for federal/state taxes. The amount you input on myPay is the amount withheld per pay period. Please keep in mind the pay period schedule for your pay system when choosing your additional amount to be withheld. All requests for changes to tax withholding are effective the first day of the month following your input in myPay.
Active Duty military have a monthly pay period. Half of the amount input for additional taxes will be withheld from mid-month pay and half from end-of-month pay.
For Reserve military, a pay period is one drill or one full day of active duty performed. Therefore, the amount input is withheld per drill or per active duty day. Example: A typical drill weekend consists of four drills. If you enter $5, then $20 will be withheld from your pay for that weekend.
How is a debt displayed on my LES?
Debts are posted and deducted within a three month cycle:
- The 1st month: The debt will be displayed as a negative number in the Entitlements column
- The 2nd month: The debt will be annotated in the Remarks section. If a payment plan is not set up with your pay office, the debt will be automatically collected from your pay during the 3rd month.
- The 3rd month: The debt will be displayed as a deduction from your pay.
- For USMC members: Debts will appear in the deductions section on the LES. However, if it is a delayed debt, the debt is posted and deducted within a two month cycle:
- The 1st month: The debt is displayed within the comments section at the bottom of the LES.
- The 2nd month: The debt will be displayed as a deduction from your pay.
What is the maximum amount of money that can be garnished from my pay for a commercial debt?
A maximum of 25 percent of your disposable pay can be garnished for a commercial debt. Disposable pay is defined as gross pay minus authorized deductions. Authorized deductions include, but are not limited to, applicable federal, state and local taxes, health insurance premiums, normal life insurance premiums, normal retirement contributions, including contributions to TSP, and debts owed the United States.