The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) provides important updates and reminders for military members, retirees, and their families to ensure everyone manages their financial matters effectively and securely. Please Pay Extra Care For Using Tools and resources provided by DFAS, especially online platforms, to safeguard your information and finances. Here’s a summary of the latest news:
Tax Statement Availability for 2024
Be informed about the schedule for the release of your 2024 tax statements. Knowing when these documents will be available in your myPay account is crucial for your financial planning and tax preparation. Accessing your tax statements online through myPay is a convenient tool, but please pay extra care for using tools like myPay by ensuring you are on the official website and protecting your login credentials.
Important Updates for Secondary Dependency Claims
For Army and Navy members, as well as military retirees, DFAS has updated the process and requirements for submitting Secondary Dependency Claims (SDC). It is important to review these updated procedures on the official DFAS website (https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/SecondaryDependency) before submitting any claims. When dealing with sensitive claims like dependency claims, please pay extra care for using tools and ensure you are following the correct guidelines to avoid errors or delays.
Online Security Reminder: Protect Yourself from Scams
Always be vigilant online and ensure you are using the legitimate DFAS myPay site (https://mypay.dfas.mil/) for all financial transactions. Scammers often try to deceive individuals by creating fake websites or emails. To protect yourself, please pay extra care for using tools online and double-check the website address to ensure it is the official myPay portal. Learn more about online safety and how to protect yourself from imposters at [link to online protection article].
Attention Out of Service Debt Customers: Updated Notifications
If you are an Out of Service Debt and Claims Management Office customer, please note that DFAS is updating debt notification letters and billing statements. The revised letters will provide clearer information about your outstanding debt and payment options. If you have any questions or need assistance, please visit the Debt & Claims section of the DFAS website (https://www.dfas.mil/debtandclaims/) or contact the Customer Care Center at 1-866-912-6488. When managing debts and reviewing statements, please pay extra care for using tools like online portals or phone communication to clarify any uncertainties and ensure accurate debt resolution.
Retirees and SBP Annuitants: Easier Account Management Tools
Managing your retired pay or SBP annuity account has become more convenient with the new askDFAS online tools. You can now easily ask questions, upload forms or documents, and update your mailing address online. Explore these Quick Tools on the DFAS website: https://www.dfas.mil/raquicktools. These online tools simplify account management, but please pay extra care for using tools like askDFAS by ensuring secure login and carefully reviewing all information before submission.
Important News for Reserve and Guard Gray Area Retirees
A new type of myPay account has been created specifically for Gray Area Retirees. This account is designed to keep you informed with important news and updates between your retirement from service and eligibility for retired pay. Learn how to log in to this new account and update your contact information to stay connected: [link to Gray Area Retiree login instructions]. Utilizing this new myPay account is a helpful tool for staying informed; please pay extra care for using tools like this by regularly checking for updates and maintaining accurate contact details.
Air Force and Space Force Customers: New Contact Number
For all Department of the Air Force service members with military pay related questions, a new customer contact number is available: Total Force Service Center at 1-800-525-0102 or DSN 312 665-0102. You can also submit a myFSS ticket online ([link to myFSS ticket submission]). Please note that the DFAS Customer Care Center no longer handles these calls. When seeking assistance with pay inquiries, please pay extra care for using tools like phone lines and online ticketing systems by clearly explaining your issue and providing accurate information to receive effective support.
Report a Retiree Death Online for Efficient Processing
DFAS offers a convenient online form to report the death of a retiree. Using this online form (https://corpweb1.dfas.mil/askDFAS/ticketInput.action?subCategoryID=18004) streamlines the reporting process. Reporting a death is a sensitive matter, so please pay extra care for using tools like online forms to ensure all details are accurately and respectfully submitted.
Guidance for When a Military Retiree Dies
DFAS provides a comprehensive webpage outlining the steps to take when reporting a death and managing affairs after a military retiree passes away. A helpful checklist “When a Military Retiree Dies” Checklist is also available for download. Navigating these procedures can be complex; please pay extra care for using tools like checklists and online guides to ensure all necessary steps are followed during this difficult time.
Support for Spouses and Children of Deceased Retirees
New tools and information are available to assist spouses and children of recently deceased retirees with SF 1174 for claiming Arrears of Pay and DD Form 2656-7 for starting an SBP annuity. Arrears of Pay payments can now be directly deposited into an eligible claimant’s bank account. Find details on the “How to Claim Arrears of Pay Using the SF1174” webpage ([/retiredmilitary/survivors/1174RetireeAOP]) and the “Start an SBP Annuity” webpage ([/retiredmilitary/survivors/ApplySBP]). When dealing with survivor benefits and claims, please pay extra care for using tools like online forms and guides to correctly process claims and access the support you are entitled to.
Child and Spousal Support Information Available
For information regarding Child Support and Spousal Support, please visit the Garnishments page on the DFAS website: (/Garnishment/). Understanding garnishment processes is important, so please pay extra care for using tools like online resources to learn about your rights and obligations related to child and spousal support.
