Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Help?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
You’re here because you want to know about the 2025 Military Retiree Pay Days.
Good news!
We’ve made planning simple with our 2025 Military Retirement Pay Dates Calendar—available for download or printing to keep you organized all year long.
When are military retirees paid by the government?
Military retirement pay is paid monthly, typically on the 1st of each month.
However, if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are made on the last business day of the previous month.
Keep in mind—military retirement pay is paid in arrears, meaning the payment you receive on the 1st covers the previous month’s pay.
Pro Tip: Some banks and credit unions, such as USAA and Navy Federal, offer early crediting of military retirement pay as a perk to attract military members and veterans. For example, USAA deposits military retirement pay up to two business days early while Navy Federal is up to one business day early.
Table of Contents
2025 Military Retirement Pay Schedule
Military Retiree Pay Period | Official Military Retiree Pay Dates | Official Annuitant Pay Dates | Navy Federal Early Military Retiree Pay Dates | USAA Early Military Retiree Pay Dates |
---|---|---|---|---|
January 2025 | January 31 | February 3 | January 30 | January 29 |
February 2025 | February 28 | March 3 | February 27 | February 26 |
March 2025 | April 1 | April 2 | March 29 | March 28 |
April 2025 | May 1 | May 2 | April 30 | April 29 |
May 2025 | May 30 | June 2 | May 29 | May 28 |
June 2025 | July 1 | July 2 | June 28 | June 27 |
July 2025 | August 1 | August 4 | July 31 | July 30 |
August 2025 | August 29 | September 2 | August 28 | August 27 |
September 2025 | October 1 | October 2 | September 30 | September 29 |
October 2025 | October 31 | November 3 | October 30 | October 29 |
November 2025 | December 1 | December 2 | November 27 | November 26 |
December 2025 | December 31 | January 2, 2026 | December 30 | December 29 |
Notes:
- 2025 Military Retiree Pay: Paid on the first business day of the month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is made on the last business day of the previous month.
- 2025 Annuitant Pay: Paid on the first business day of the month. Unlike military retirees, if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, annuitants are paid on the next business day following the retiree pay date. The December 2025 annuitant payment will be made on January 2, 2026.
- Navy Federal Credit Union: Members with Free Active Duty Checking™ accounts receive their military retirement pay up to one business day early.
- USAA: Credits military retirement pay up to two business days early.
2025 Pay Dates for Military Retirees Calendar (Download or Print)
Click the link or button below to download or print our official 2025 Military Retirement Pay Calendar PDF:
Important PDF Calendar Notes:
- The official 2025 military retirement pay dates are highlighted in green.
- The official 2025 annuitant pay dates are highlighted in purple.
- 2025 Navy Federal military retiree early pay dates (one business day early) are highlighted in blue.
- 2025 USAA military retiree early pay dates (two business days early) are highlighted in gold.
2025 Military Retiree Pay Days: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the official military retiree pay dates for 2025?
Military retiree pay is typically issued on the first business day of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is made on the last business day of the previous month. For example, in January 2025, since February 1st is a Saturday, the payment will be made on January 31, 2025.
How does the payment schedule differ for military annuitants in 2025?
Military annuitants receive their payments on the first business day of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, annuitant payments are made on the first business day of the month. For instance, if the 1st is a Saturday, annuitants would receive their payment on the following Monday.
What is the difference between a military retiree and an annuitant?
A military retiree is a former service member who served at least 20 years or qualified for medical retirement. They receive retirement pay based on rank, years of service, and retirement type (active-duty, reserve, or disability). An annuitant is a survivor or beneficiary—such as a spouse, child, or dependent—of a deceased retiree who is eligible for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or RSFPP payments. Key Difference: Retirees are former service members receiving retirement pay, while annuitants are survivors receiving annuity payments after the retiree’s death.
Are there differences in pay dates between retirees and annuitants?
Yes, there are differences. While both are scheduled to be paid on the first business day of the month, if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, retirees are paid on the last business day of the previous month, whereas annuitants are paid on the first business day of the month.
Do financial institutions offer early crediting of military retirement pay?
Yes, many banks and credit unions offer early crediting as a perk. For example, Navy Federal Credit Union credits military retirement pay one business day early for members with Free Active Duty Checking™ accounts. Similarly, USAA credits military retirement pay up to two business days early, depending on processing times.
Is military retirement pay taxable?
Yes, military retirement pay is generally considered taxable income and is subject to federal income tax. Some states may also tax military retirement pay, while others offer exemptions. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or refer to state tax regulations for specific information.
How can I access the 2025 Military Retirement Pay Dates Calendar?
You can access and download the 2025 Military Retirement Pay Dates Calendar from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) website. This calendar provides detailed information on payment dates for both retirees and annuitants.
What should I do if I don’t receive my payment on the scheduled date?
If you do not receive your payment on the scheduled date, it’s recommended to:
- Verify with your financial institution to ensure there are no delays on their end.
- Check your myPay account for any notifications or issues.
- Contact the DFAS Retiree and Annuitant Pay Customer Service for assistance.
Note: Delays can occur due to banking processing times, especially around weekends and holidays.
Are there any cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for military retirees in 2025?
Yes, based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), there is a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2025 for most retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities, effective December 1, 2024. Retirees will see the change in their December 31, 2024 payment, and annuitants in their January 2, 2025 payment. For more detailed information and updates, you can visit the DFAS Retired Military & Annuitants page.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.