Payment Dates
Military Retired Pay and SBP Annuity Pay Dates for 2026 and 2027
By the ForLowerBills Editorial Team · Reviewed by the ForLowerBills Editorial Team against official sources · Last updated: November 1, 2026 · Sources checked: November 1, 2026 · How we research
Military retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities are both due on the 1st of the month. They split when the 1st is a weekend or holiday: retirees get paid early, and annuitants get paid on the next business day. Here is the DFAS schedule through December 2027.
How DFAS Schedules Retired and Annuitant Pay
DFAS says retired and annuitant pay is due on the first of the month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, retirees are paid on the last business day of the month before, and annuitants are paid on the first business day of the month. Each payment covers the month before (the "entitlement month"). Source: DFAS Pay Schedule (opens in a new tab).
Next Retiree and SBP Payments
- Tue, Dec. 1, 2026: November 2026 pay, same day for retirees and annuitants
- Thu, Dec. 31, 2026: December 2026 retired pay
- Mon, Jan. 4, 2027: December 2026 SBP annuity
Retired and Annuitant Pay Calendar: October 2026 to December 2027
Copied from the DFAS Pay Schedule (opens in a new tab) (updated Sept. 16, 2026; verified Nov 1, 2026). Bold rows are months where the two dates differ.
| Entitlement month | Retired pay date | SBP annuitant pay date |
|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | Oct. 30, 2026 | Nov. 2, 2026 |
| November 2026 | Dec. 1, 2026 | Dec. 1, 2026 |
| December 2026 | Dec. 31, 2026 | Jan. 4, 2027 |
*DFAS lists Dec. 31, 2027 for December 2027 retired pay. OPM lists Friday, Dec. 31, 2027 as the observed New Year's Day holiday for most federal employees. We show the DFAS date as published. Confirm it with DFAS closer to the date.
Will Retired Pay Go Up in 2027?
We are not listing a 2027 cost-of-living percentage for military retired pay or SBP on this page. Check DFAS and your myPay account for official amounts. Status: Unknown here until DFAS confirms.
Ways to stretch each payment
Retired pay is fixed, so cutting a monthly bill is like a raise. Start here:
- Lower your internet bill: Ask about affordable plans and drop fees you do not need. See all tips
- Lower your heating bill: Cheap fixes and assistance programs before winter bills land. See all tips
- Lower your water bill: Find leaks and ask your utility about assistance. See all tips
Independent site, not a government agency
ForLowerBills.com is an independent, free resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by DFAS, the Department of Defense, or any government agency. Dates are copied from DFAS and can change. Confirm in myPay or with DFAS.
Frequently asked questions
When is military retired pay paid?
On the 1st of the month for the month before. If the 1st is a weekend or holiday, DFAS pays retirees on the last business day of the prior month.
Are SBP annuitants paid on the same day as retirees?
Usually yes. When the 1st is a weekend or holiday, DFAS pays annuitants on the first business day of the month instead, so they are paid a few days after retirees.
When is the December 2026 retired pay?
Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026 for retirees. SBP annuitants get December 2026 pay on Monday, Jan. 4, 2027.
Which 2027 months have different retiree and annuitant dates?
April 2027 (Apr. 30 vs. May 3), July 2027 (July 30 vs. Aug. 2) and December 2027 (Dec. 31 vs. Jan. 3, 2028), per DFAS.
Is there a November 2026 retired pay date?
October 2026 retired pay came Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, and SBP annuitants get it Monday, Nov. 2. November 2026 pay comes Dec. 1 for both.
Official sources
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