Retirement Center
Plain-language explainers on military retirement pay, VA benefits, TRICARE, and transition planning — each reviewed against official sources. Benefits information is educational only and does not replace official guidance from your service, DFAS, VA, or TRICARE. Checklists are planning aids and do not replace official service requirements. This platform does not provide tax, investment, legal, medical, or individualized claims advice, and does not predict disability ratings or VA outcomes.
Looking for the source sites themselves? Browse the free Official Resources directory (DoD-wide and by service).
CRDP and CRSC: Restoring the VA Offset
Retired pay is normally reduced dollar-for-dollar by VA disability compensation, but Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) or Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) can restore some or all of that offset for qualifying retirees.
DD 2656 and Survivor Benefit Plan Overview
Form DD 2656 is the core retired-pay setup document for most DoD retirees; it captures banking, tax withholding, beneficiaries, and Survivor Benefit Plan elections that feed DFAS processing.
Setting Up Your DFAS Retiree Pay Account
Retired pay is administered by DFAS through the myPay online account, where retirees manage direct deposit, tax withholding, and annual pay statements.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): What Happens at Retirement
TSP balances remain in the account after retirement and continue to be managed and withdrawn under TSP's own rules, separate from military retired pay and VA benefits.