DD 2656 and Survivor Benefit Plan Overview

When a DoD service member retires, personnel and finance offices typically assemble a pre-retirement package that culminates in Form DD 2656, Data for Payment of Retired Personnel. Completing that form is not a paperwork formality: it tells the Defense Finance and Accounting Service how to pay you, how to withhold taxes, whom to recognize for unpaid pay at death, and what Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) election you are making. SBP decisions are often made with a spouse present and can be difficult to change later, so couples should attend counseling with questions prepared. Coast Guard members may follow Pay & Personnel Center processes rather than a DFAS path — always follow your service's retirement office. After submission, monitor myPay (or your service equivalent) for the first retired payment and correct any banking or address errors promptly. This article is educational only; your retirement counselor remains the authority for your package.