Planning your finances in 2026 starts with knowing when your retiree or annuitant pay will hit your account.
Military retirees receive payments on the first business day of the month, adjusted to the prior business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday.
Annuitants are paid on the first business day, or the next business day after a weekend or holiday. This guide details the 2026 pay schedule, explains adjustments, and offers tips to manage your funds, with insights from DFAS.
Key Takeaways
- Annuitants often experience payment delays if banking info isn’t updated before the 15th of the month.
- COLA adjustments are visible on the RAS in the month they are applied—review December and January closely.
- Holiday pay shifts can vary for retirees and annuitants, so check each month’s timing independently.
- Even minor discrepancies in routing/account numbers can delay your deposit by several business days.
- International retirees should allow extra time for currency conversion and clearing processes.
- DFAS phone support is busiest on paydays—use MyPay or call mid-month for faster assistance.
Understanding Retiree and Annuitant Pay Schedules
Military retirees and annuitants rely on predictable payment schedules to manage budgets, pay bills, and plan for expenses like travel or healthcare. Retirees, including those from all military branches, get paid on the first business day of the month, per Military.com. If the first is a weekend or holiday, payments shift to the last business day of the prior month. Annuitants, such as surviving spouses or family members, receive payments on the first business day, or the next business day if the first is non-working. Knowing these dates helps you avoid financial surprises, especially around holidays like New Year’s or Labor Day.
Why tracking pay dates matters:
- ✔Aligns bill payments with deposit dates.
- ✔Prepares for holiday-related payment shifts.
- ✔Supports budgeting for healthcare or travel.
2026 Pay Schedule for Retirees and Annuitants
The 2026 pay schedule accounts for federal holidays and weekends, which shift payment dates. Below is a detailed table of retiree and annuitant pay dates, adjusted for holidays like those listed on OPM. Retirees can expect early deposits with banks like Navy Federal (one day early) or USAA (up to two days early).
2026 Pay Schedule Table
| Month | Retiree Pay Date | Annuitant Pay Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | December 31, 2024 | January 2, 2026 | Jan 1 is New Year’s Day (Wednesday) |
| February | January 31, 2026 | February 3, 2026 | Feb 1 is a Saturday |
| March | February 28, 2026 | March 3, 2026 | Mar 1 is a Saturday |
| April | April 1, 2026 | April 1, 2026 | No adjustment needed |
| May | May 1, 2026 | May 1, 2026 | No adjustment needed |
| June | May 30, 2026 | June 2, 2026 | Jun 1 is a Sunday |
| July | July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 | No adjustment needed |
| August | July 31, 2026 | August 1, 2026 | Aug 1 is a Friday |
| September | August 29, 2026 | September 2, 2026 | Sep 1 is Labor Day |
| October | October 1, 2026 | October 1, 2026 | No adjustment needed |
| November | October 31, 2026 | November 3, 2026 | Nov 1 is a Saturday |
| December | December 1, 2026 | December 1, 2026 | No adjustment needed |
Source: DFAS Retired Military
How Holiday Adjustments Work
Federal holidays and weekends shift pay dates, as outlined by OPM. For retirees, if the first falls on a non-business day, payment moves to the last business day of the prior month. Annuitants get paid on the next business day. For example, in September 2026, Labor Day (September 1) pushes retiree pay to August 29 and annuitant pay to September 2. I learned this the hard way when a holiday delayed my payment, leaving me short for a bill. Planning ahead saved me stress later.
Holiday adjustment tips:
- ✔Mark holiday-adjusted pay dates on your calendar.
- ✔Use early deposit programs with Navy Federal or USAA.
- ✔Keep a small buffer in your account for delays.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026
In 2026, retirees and annuitants will see a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), effective December 1, 2026, reflected in the December 31, 2026, retiree payment and January 2, 2026, annuitant payment, per OPM. This adjustment, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), helps offset inflation. If your annuity started after December 31, 2023, the COLA is prorated (one-twelfth per month of benefits received). For example, a November 30, 2026, start date means a 1/12th COLA.
COLA key points:
- ✔2.5% increase for full-year recipients.
- ✔Prorated for newer annuitants.
- ✔Minimum $1 increase for small annuities.
Banking Options for Early Deposits
Military-friendly banks like Navy Federal and USAA offer early direct deposits, which help you access funds before official pay dates. Navy Federal credits retiree and annuitant pay one business day early with Free Active Duty Checking, while USAA offers up to two days early, per Navy Federal and USAA. These programs are a game-changer for budgeting around holidays or unexpected expenses.
Bank Comparison for Early Deposits
| Bank | Early Deposit | Account Type | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navy Federal | 1 day early | Free Active Duty Checking | None | Global branch access |
| USAA | Up to 2 days early | Classic Checking | None | Faster deposits |
Sources: Navy Federal, USAA
Why early deposits help:
- ✔Pay bills before holiday bank closures.
- ✔Access funds for unexpected expenses.
- ✔Plan budgets with predictable timing.
Tips for Managing Retiree and Annuitant Pay
1. Monitor Your Retiree Account Statement (RAS)
Access your RAS via MyPay to track payments, deductions, and COLA adjustments. Review it monthly to catch errors, like incorrect tax withholdings. I caught a deduction mistake once that saved me hundreds after a quick DFAS call.
2. Set Up Direct Deposit
Use MyPay to route payments to Navy Federal (routing number 114993731) or USAA (314074269). Direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive funds, avoiding mail delays.
3. Budget Around Adjusted Pay Dates
Plan for holidays like Memorial Day or Independence Day, which shift pay dates. Set aside a small buffer in your account to cover bills if deposits are delayed.
4. Automate Bill Payments
Schedule bills to align with early deposits using Navy Federal or USAA’s mobile apps. This ensures timely payments, especially during holiday-heavy months like December.
5. Plan for COLA Adjustments
The 2.5% COLA in 2026 boosts your income slightly. Adjust your budget to account for this increase, directing extra funds to savings or debt repayment.
- ✔ Check RAS monthly for accuracy.
- ✔ Automate bills to match deposit dates.
- ✔ Save extra COLA funds for emergencies.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Retirees and annuitants face unique financial challenges. Here’s how to tackle them:
Payment Delays
Bank processing or incorrect routing numbers can delay deposits. Verify your bank details in MyPay and contact DFAS at 1-888-332-7411 if funds don’t arrive. Early deposit programs help mitigate this.
Tax Withholdings
Military retirement pay is taxable, and some states tax it too. Check your RAS for federal and state tax withholdings. Consult a tax professional via MilitaryOneSource.mil to optimize exemptions.
International Banking
Retirees overseas may face slower processing. Navy Federal’s global branches help, but confirm deposit timing with your bank. Use MyPay to update bank details for international accounts.
Explore More Military Pay & Budgeting Resources
Want to take full control of your finances and military pay schedule? These in-depth guides walk you through everything from LES statements to early direct deposit tips, budgeting strategies, and how pay aligns with holidays.
- 2026 USAA Military Pay Dates – Plan your finances with USAA’s early deposit schedule and updated pay calendar.
- 2026 Navy Federal Military Pay Dates – See how NFCU processes military deposits around federal holidays and weekends.
- USAA vs. Navy Federal: Early Pay Comparison – Compare timing, reliability, and features of both military-friendly banks.
- Federal Holidays That Affect Military Pay – Stay ahead of pay disruptions with this holiday calendar and planning guide.
- How to Set Up USAA Military Direct Deposit – Step-by-step instructions to get paid faster with USAA.
- Navy Federal Direct Deposit Setup for Military Pay – Ensure accurate deposit setup with this NFCU-specific guide.
- Budgeting Tips for Military Families with Biweekly Pay – Learn how to budget around early pay dates, PCS moves, and variable income.
- How to Read and Understand Your LES – Break down every section of your Leave and Earnings Statement for smarter money management.
- 2026 BAH Rates by Rank and Location – Review updated Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) charts to estimate your monthly housing benefit.
- Using Military Pay to Qualify for a VA Loan – Learn how lenders evaluate LES, BAH, BAS, and ETS dates when approving VA loans.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 pay schedule for retirees and annuitants is your guide to financial planning.
By understanding pay dates, holiday adjustments, and the 2.5% COLA, you can budget effectively. Use MyPay to manage direct deposits, leverage early pay with Navy Federal or USAA, and check your RAS monthly.
With these strategies, you’ll handle bills, taxes, and unexpected expenses with confidence.
FAQs About the 2026 Pay Schedule for Retirees and Annuitants
1. When are retirees paid in 2026?
Retirees are paid on the first business day of the month. If it’s a weekend or holiday, pay shifts to the last business day of the prior month, per DFAS.
2. When do annuitants receive payments in 2026?
Annuitants get paid on the first business day of the month. If the first is a weekend or holiday, payment moves to the next business day, e.g., February 3, 2026.
3. How does the 2026 COLA affect payments?
A 2.5% COLA applies from December 1, 2026, seen in December 31, 2026 (retirees) and January 2, 2026 (annuitants) payments. New annuitants get a prorated COLA.
4. Can I get my pay early?
Yes, Navy Federal offers one-day early deposits, and USAA up to two days early. Enroll in Free Active Duty Checking or Classic Checking for this perk.
5. How do I update my bank for direct deposit?
Log in to MyPay, enter your bank’s routing number (e.g., Navy Federal: 114993731), and account number. Changes take one pay cycle to process.
6. What if my payment is delayed?
Check your bank and MyPay for issues. Contact DFAS at 1-888-332-7411 or your bank (e.g., Navy Federal: 1-888-842-6328) if funds don’t arrive on time.
7. Are retiree and annuitant pay dates the same?
No, retirees are paid on the prior business day if the first is a non-working day. Annuitants are paid the next business day, e.g., January 2, 2026, for annuitants.
8. How do I check my payment details?
Access your Retiree Account Statement (RAS) via MyPay to review payments, deductions, and COLA adjustments. Check monthly to catch errors early.
9. Is military retirement pay taxable?
Yes, it’s subject to federal tax, and some states tax it. Review your RAS for withholdings and consult Military OneSource for tax advice.
10. Can I split my pay across multiple accounts?
Yes, use MyPay to set up allotments, directing portions of your pay to different accounts, like savings or checking, for better budgeting.
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