Key sections of your LES to understand first
- The identification block confirms name, Social Security number, grade, years of service, and the specific pay period that statement covers for your Military record.
- The entitlements column shows base pay, housing, subsistence, and special pays, so you can confirm that current orders and qualifications are correctly reflected in monthly pay.
- The deductions and allotments columns list taxes, insurance, debts, and voluntary transfers, which directly determine how much of your gross income actually reaches your bank account.
- The leave, remarks, and TSP sections track earned and used leave, special notes from finance, and retirement contributions, which influence both current flexibility and long term savings.
Why reading your LES every month matters
- Pay mistakes do occur, and your LES is the primary tool for maintaining situational awareness and catching incorrect entitlements, missed special pays, or outdated tax elections quickly.
- Tracking leave balances and use or lose projections each month helps you schedule time away before days are forfeited, preserving an important readiness and family resilience resource.
- Monitoring TSP contributions on your LES keeps you aligned with retirement goals and confirms that automatic and matching contributions are posting correctly to the right account.
Top questions about your Military LES
What allowances might a service member see in the entitlements section of their LES?
The entitlements section will usually show base pay, Basic Allowance for Housing, Basic Allowance for Subsistence, and any special or incentive pays. Examples include cost of living adjustments, imminent danger or hostile fire pay, and specialty pays tied to aviation, sea duty, or medical roles.
Are there other ways besides myPay to get LES information?
Yes. myPay is the primary self service portal, but units can often provide printed copies, and finance offices can pull statements directly from pay systems. DFAS also supports online request tools and mailed copies when you need older LES records for audits or benefits claims.
Tell me more about TSP contributions for Military members.
The Thrift Savings Plan lets Military members contribute part of their basic, incentive, or bonus pay toward retirement. Under the Blended Retirement System, the Department of Defense also makes automatic and matching contributions, so checking your LES ensures both your own and government contributions are posting correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Your LES is the definitive monthly snapshot of Military pay, deductions, leave, and retirement contributions.
- Verification of base pay, housing, subsistence, and special pays each month ensures one hundred percent accountability.
- Deductions, allotments, and net pay fields show exactly how gross income turns into an actual deposit.
- Leave balances and use or lose projections require routine attention to avoid forfeited time off and stress.
- TSP lines on the LES confirm contribution percentages, tax treatment, and receipt of any automatic matching.
- Alternative LES access routes exist if myPay is unavailable, but they require more time and formal requests.
How do you read the main sections of your LES?
The Leave and Earnings Statement is your official monthly pay summary, used by Defense Finance and Accounting Service systems to calculate entitlements, deductions, and leave. DFAS describes the LES as the primary record of pay information for Military members on its Understanding Your Pay page at the DFAS Military pay entitlements overview.
- The identification block at the top confirms personal data, pay grade, years of service, and the period covered, which drives base pay tables and eligibility for certain pays and allowances.
- The entitlements column lists all gross earnings for the pay period, including base pay, housing allowance, subsistence allowance, and any special or incentive pays the member currently qualifies for.
- The deductions and allotments sections show money withheld for taxes, insurance, debts, and discretionary transfers, which is essential for understanding why net pay changed from the previous month.
- The leave, remarks, and Thrift Savings Plan areas provide critical context about time off, recent actions on your account, and retirement savings progress, tying together short term and long term finances.
- Start each month by confirming name, Social Security number, grade, and years of service, validating that your pay is being calculated for the right person and career point before checking dollar amounts.
- Compare the current LES to the previous one, line by line, highlighting any differences in entitlements, deductions, allotments, or leave that you cannot immediately explain from recent orders or life events.
- Document questions or discrepancies in writing and contact your unit finance office or customer service channel promptly so corrections are initiated while the error is small and easy to reverse.
| LES section | Key fields | What to verify each month |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | Name, Social Security number, grade, years of service, period covered | Correct identity, rank, and service time, since these drive pay tables and many allowance calculations. |
| Entitlements | Base pay, BAH, BAS, special and incentive pays | Every authorized entitlement appears, amounts match expectations, and start or stop dates align with current orders. |
| Deductions and allotments | Taxes, insurance, debts, voluntary transfers | Required items are present and correct, and no unexpected deductions or allotments appear without proper documentation. |
| Leave and TSP | Leave balances, use or lose, TSP rate, TSP year to date | Leave totals match your own records, and retirement contributions align with your elected percentage and long term plan. |
Once you understand how the identification, entitlements, deductions, and summary blocks work together, your LES becomes a reliable instrument panel, not a confusing sheet of codes and numbers. That clarity is essential for maintaining financial situational awareness throughout your Military career.
What allowances typically show in the entitlements section of your LES?
The entitlements column of an LES lists base pay and every allowance or special pay you have earned for that period. DFAS field by field guides explain that this includes base pay, housing, subsistence, cost of living adjustments, and many specialty pays, as shown in the DFAS guide to reading an active duty LES.
- Basic Allowance for Housing compensates for typical rental and utility costs in your duty location and is non taxable income that significantly influences total monthly cash flow for many Military families.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence offsets a portion of your food cost as the member, so it does not cover full family groceries but still reduces pressure on the core budget for meals.
- Special pays, such as sea pay, flight pay, hazardous duty pay, and cost of living adjustments, reward specific duties, skills, or locations and can change quickly when orders or qualifications shift.
- Other entitlements can include family separation allowance, imminent danger pay, and various bonuses, which must be monitored closely so they start and stop correctly when your operational status changes.
- Compare each entitlement line to your current orders, assignment, and qualifications, confirming that any special pays shown on your LES match what your unit has documented in personnel systems.
- Track Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence over several months, noting any adjustments tied to promotions, dependency status changes, or moves between duty locations.
- When you see a new allowance appear or disappear, annotate why in a personal log, then confirm with your finance office if the change does not match your expectations or official paperwork.
A clear picture of your entitlements section helps you recognize how much of your income is base pay and how much depends on special duties or locations. That awareness matters when planning for future moves, promotions, or transitions that may change your allowance mix.
How do deductions, allotments, and net pay interact on your LES?
The deductions and allotments columns show where your gross pay goes before it hits your bank account. Federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, insurance, and voluntary allotments all reduce the final net amount. A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau handout on understanding Military pay statements highlights how these lines explain differences between gross and take home pay at the CFPB Military pay statement guide.
- Mandatory deductions typically include federal income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare contributions, and in some cases state or local tax withholding based on your legal residence elections.
- Insurance deductions can cover Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, Family SGLI, dental coverage, and other elected protection, which are easy to forget if you do not review your LES regularly.
- Allotments include both voluntary transfers, such as savings deposits or rent payments, and non discretionary items, such as child support or garnishments ordered through legal or administrative processes.
- The summary section at the bottom calculates total entitlements, total deductions, total allotments, and net amount, showing exactly how much will be deposited at mid month and end of month.
- Review tax withholding entries at least once a year, especially after promotions or major life events, confirming that claimed exemptions and state of residence match current IRS and state requirements.
- Audit all allotments and insurance deductions twice a year, verifying that each one still has a valid mission, such as savings, debt payoff, or required support, and cancel any that no longer serve your plan.
- If net pay drops unexpectedly, compare the current LES with a prior month, line by line, to identify which deduction or allotment changed, then contact finance or the relevant institution to correct any errors.
Understanding the interaction between entitlements, deductions, and allotments allows you to maintain complete accountability for every dollar that leaves your paycheck. That is essential for building savings, paying down debt, and avoiding surprise shortfalls.
How does your LES track Military leave and remarks?
The leave section of your LES shows how much chargeable leave you earn, use, and carry forward. Active duty service members normally earn two and one half days of leave each month, for thirty days per year, as explained on the Military OneSource leave overview at the Military OneSource guide to Military leave.
- The leave block usually lists beginning balance, days earned this period, days used, current balance, and use or lose projections for the end of the fiscal year if balances exceed standard carryover limits.
- Leave earned amounts confirm that you are receiving proper credit for each full month of active duty, which is important after long schools, deployments, or administrative status changes.
- Leave used entries reflect chargeable leave that has been processed through your unit, which should match your own records from leave forms and command approvals.
- Use or lose fields warn how many days will be lost at the end of the fiscal year if not scheduled, giving you advance notice to plan time off and avoid forfeiture.
- Compare your LES leave balances each month to your personal log or digital tracker, confirming that all approved leave has been properly recorded and no unauthorized usage appears.
- Watch the use or lose line especially in the final quarter of the fiscal year, coordinating with your chain of command early if you need to schedule leave to prevent losing days.
- Read the remarks section every month, since finance offices use it to explain unusual pay events, corrective actions, or pending changes that may affect future LES entries and leave calculations.
Treat leave balances and remarks as operational signals, not administrative noise. When you monitor them routinely, you protect both your time and your pay, which directly affects family readiness and morale.
How can you access your LES if myPay is not available?
myPay is the primary portal for viewing current and prior Leave and Earnings Statements online. DFAS explains that Military members, retirees, and many civilian employees can access pay information and statements through its secure system at the official myPay site. When access is limited, there are still backup options to obtain LES information.
- Unit administrators and finance offices can often print LES copies directly from pay systems, which is useful when you have connectivity issues or need statements for inspections or legal matters.
- DFAS supports formal LES request processes through customer service channels, including askDFAS tools, for members who need historical statements beyond what is immediately available online.
- Separated or retired personnel may receive final LES information alongside separation documents or retirement packets, but should still verify that myPay or successor portals show complete histories as available.
- Try to access myPay from a different device or network first, confirming that any access problem is not simply a local connection or browser issue on your primary system.
- If the portal is temporarily down or you lack access credentials, contact your unit finance office or Military pay customer service to request a printed or digital copy through internal channels.
- For older statements, follow DFAS instructions for historical LES requests, keeping copies of request confirmations and any mailed statements in a secure personal records file for future reference.
Maintaining multiple ways to retrieve LES information keeps you from losing visibility into your pay when a single system is unavailable. That redundancy is part of sound financial readiness planning for any Military member.
How do TSP contributions for Military members appear on your LES?
The Thrift Savings Plan is a defined contribution retirement plan for Federal employees and uniformed services members. The TSP explains that you can contribute from basic pay and other eligible pays to build long term savings at the official TSP overview for Federal and Military members. Your LES shows both current and year to date contributions.
- The TSP area of your LES usually lists the percentage of base pay you are contributing, which must match the election you set through your service or payroll system, not through TSP directly.
- Year to date TSP contributions help you track progress toward annual IRS limits, including both traditional and Roth contributions, which is critical if you also contribute from incentive or bonus pay.
- Under the Blended Retirement System, the Department of Defense provides automatic and matching contributions, which should appear in your TSP account statements, making LES monitoring a way to confirm that contributions are calculated correctly.
- Because TSP contributions reduce current spendable income but build future security, checking these lines ensures that your retirement savings plan remains aligned with your current budget and long term goals.
- Review the TSP contribution percentage on your LES after every promotion or major pay change, verifying that the percentage still matches your intended savings rate and has not reverted or changed unexpectedly.
- Track year to date contributions monthly, especially if you contribute from bonuses or special pays, so you do not accidentally exceed annual limits or fall short of your planned savings target for the year.
- Cross check LES contribution data with your online TSP account statements at least quarterly to confirm that all contributions, including any government matching, are posting correctly and to the correct investment funds.
| TSP related LES field | What it represents | Action for the Military member |
|---|---|---|
| Base pay rate percent | The percentage of base pay currently elected for TSP contributions in payroll systems. | Confirm it matches your intended savings rate and adjust through your service personnel or payroll channels if needed. |
| TSP year to date deduction | Total contributions taken from your pay so far in the current calendar year. | Compare against annual IRS limits and your personal goals, adjusting contributions if you are too far ahead or behind. |
| Traditional or Roth indicator | Shows whether contributions are pre tax traditional, after tax Roth, or a combination of both contribution types. | Ensure the mix matches your tax planning strategy and consult a financial professional if you need help choosing an allocation. |
Interpreting the TSP lines on your LES is a critical part of retirement planning. When you understand how those fields connect to your account on the TSP site, you can keep contributions aligned with both current obligations and future retirement objectives.
The bottom line
Your Leave and Earnings Statement is more than a pay stub. It is a detailed monthly report that shows how identification data, entitlements, deductions, leave, and retirement savings work together. When you understand each section and review it routinely, you can catch pay problems early, control cash flow, and protect your benefits.
By treating LES review as a recurring task, confirming the operational parameters of your pay, and documenting questions for finance, you maintain full accountability for every dollar you earn. That discipline supports both daily stability and long term planning, keeping your Military household in a high state of financial readiness.
References Used
- DFAS Military members pay and entitlements overview
- DFAS guide to reading an active duty Army LES
- CFPB handout on understanding Military pay statements
- Military OneSource overview of Military leave and how it works
- DFAS myPay online pay account access
- Thrift Savings Plan overview for Federal and Military members
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.
Final Thoughts
Check your LES monthly via MyPay, leverage early pay programs, and use resources like Military OneSource to stay financially secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I review my Military LES?
Review every LES as soon as it posts, ideally both mid month and end of month. Routine checks help you spot errors quickly, verify changes after new orders or promotions, and maintain complete awareness of your pay and leave situation.
What should I do if I find an error on my LES?
Document the issue with screenshots or printed copies, then contact your unit finance or personnel office immediately. Provide orders, contracts, or prior statements that support your concern. Follow up until you receive written confirmation that the correction has been processed correctly.
Why did my BAH change even though my rank stayed the same?
Basic Allowance for Housing can change when you move, your dependency status changes, or annual BAH tables are updated for your location. Compare orders, effective dates, and current BAH charts, then coordinate with finance if the amount does not match your expected entitlement.
How can I tell if my mid month pay is correct?
Your mid month LES shows projected entitlements, deductions, and net pay for that portion of the month. Compare it with previous mid month statements and the end of month LES. Large differences without clear reasons deserve immediate follow up with your finance office.
Does my LES show my credit score or personal debts?
No. Your LES only reflects official pay, allowances, deductions, and authorized allotments processed through Military payroll systems. Personal debts such as credit cards, auto loans, and personal loans are not shown unless you have chosen to pay them through formal allotments.
Can I access old LES statements after separating from the Military?
In many cases, you can still request historical LES records through DFAS or your former service’s finance channels. Access to myPay may change over time, so download and securely store copies of your LES statements before separation whenever possible for long term documentation.
How does my LES change when I deploy?
During deployment, you may see additional entitlements such as hostile fire or imminent danger pay, hardship duty pay, and tax exclusions. Housing arrangements and meal provisions can also affect BAH and BAS. Monitor each LES closely to confirm deployment related pays start and stop correctly.
Does the LES show my current TSP investment funds?
No. The LES typically shows contribution percentage and year to date TSP contributions, not your chosen investment funds or balances. To see allocations and performance, you must log into your TSP account directly. Use both tools together to maintain a complete retirement readiness picture.
What if my LES shows a negative leave balance?
A negative leave balance usually indicates you have used more chargeable leave than you have earned, resulting in leave taken in advance. Work with your chain of command to correct any reporting errors and plan future leave carefully until your balance returns to a positive number.
How can new Military members learn to read their LES more easily?
New members should start by reviewing LES guides from DFAS or their service, then walk through a current statement with a finance office representative or experienced leader. Taking notes on each field and reconciling it with real life events builds confidence and clarity quickly.
