DFAS Pay Schedule 2025: When Your Retirement Check Arrives

Military retirement pay timing has gotten complicated with all the weekend adjustments and bank processing differences flying around. As someone who tracks these dates for fellow retirees, I learned everything there is to know about when DFAS actually sends money and when you can expect to see it in your account. Today, I will share it all with you.

2025 Payment Dates

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. DFAS pays on the first business day of each month. When the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, you get paid the last business day of the previous month instead.

• January: Thursday, January 2 (January 1 is New Year’s Day)
• February: Monday, February 3 (February 1 is Saturday)
• March: Monday, March 3 (March 1 is Saturday)
• April: Tuesday, April 1
• May: Thursday, May 1
• June: Monday, June 2 (June 1 is Sunday)
• July: Tuesday, July 1
• August: Friday, August 1
• September: Tuesday, September 2 (September 1 is Labor Day)
• October: Wednesday, October 1
• November: Monday, November 3 (November 1 is Saturday)
• December: Monday, December 1

When the Money Actually Appears

That’s what makes banking choice endearing to us military retirees—some institutions post deposits earlier than others.

DFAS sends payment files in advance. Your bank decides when to make funds available:

• USAA and Navy Federal: Often post the evening before the official date
• Major banks (Chase, BoA, Wells Fargo): Usually available by early morning on payment day
• Online banks: Typically midnight on payment date
• Regional banks: Varies—check with your institution

If your bank consistently posts late, consider whether the convenience of an earlier deposit is worth switching institutions.

Your First Retirement Check

New retirees: expect 30-45 days between retirement date and first payment. Sometimes longer. This depends on:

• DD-2656 processing completion
• Your branch closing out active duty records
• SBP and tax withholding elections being recorded
• Direct deposit verification

There’s usually a gap between your final active duty paycheck and first retirement check. Save 2-3 months of expenses before retirement to bridge this period comfortably.

Managing Your Pay Through myPay

Everything retirement pay-related lives at mypay.dfas.mil:

• View current and past pay statements
• Update bank account information
• Adjust tax withholding
• Download 1099-R forms for taxes
• Review SBP deductions

Keep your myPay login current. You’ll need it for tax documents every year and anytime you need to change banking or withholding information.