Your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) is your military paycheck stub, showing your pay, allowances, deductions, and leave balance. It’s a critical tool for understanding your finances, accessed via MyPay.
This guide breaks down each LES section, explains how to match pay codes to deposit amounts, and connects it to DFAS and deposit timing.
Whether you’re active duty, a reservist, or a retiree, you’ll learn to decode your LES with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Access your LES early via MyPay to plan around holidays and early pay dates.
- Use LES year-to-date figures to prepare for tax season or check TSP contributions.
- Leave balances update monthly—check before planning travel or requesting time off.
- Allotments are useful for automatic savings, loan payments, or rent transfers.
- DFAS issues your LES and payments; errors should be reported via MyPay or DFAS helpline.
- LES remarks often include important updates like promotions or new tax codes.
Understanding Your LES
The LES isn’t just a pay stub—it’s your roadmap to financial clarity. It details your base pay, allowances like BAH, deductions like taxes, and leave balances. Knowing how to read it helps you spot errors, budget effectively, and plan for deployments or PCS moves. According to DFAS, checking your LES monthly prevents issues like missed allowances or incorrect deductions. I once caught a tax withholding error on my LES that saved me hundreds after a quick call to DFAS.
Benefits of reading your LES:
- ✔Spot Errors: Catch mistakes in pay or deductions early.
- ✔Budget Smarter: Track income and plan for expenses.
- ✔Plan Leave: Monitor available leave for family or travel.
Breakdown of LES Sections
The LES is packed with information, divided into sections for clarity. Here’s a detailed look at each part, based on the standard format from DFAS.
1. Identification and General Information
At the top, you’ll find your personal details—name, SSN (last four), rank, pay grade, and branch. It also shows the pay period (e.g., January 2025) and your duty station. Always verify these details, especially after a promotion or PCS move.
2. Entitlements
This section lists your earnings, like base pay, BAH, BAS, and special pays (e.g., hazardous duty). Each has a code and amount. BAH rates vary by location, per Defense.gov.
3. Deductions
Deductions include taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and allotments like TSP. Confirm these are accurate, especially any voluntary deductions for savings or charities.
4. Allotments
Allotments are automatic transfers to accounts like savings or loan payments. You can manage these in MyPay. Each one lists the amount and destination (e.g., USAA, Navy Federal).
5. Summary
This area totals your entitlements and deductions and shows your net pay. You’ll also find year-to-date totals for income and taxes—useful for planning and tax filing.
6. Leave Information
Tracks your leave—earned, taken, and remaining. You earn 2.5 days of leave per month, per MilitaryOneSource. Essential for planning time off or block leave.
7. Bank Information
Lists your direct deposit info—account and routing numbers. For USAA, that’s 314074269. Double-check for accuracy to avoid delays.
8. Remarks
This final section highlights one-time updates, promotions, or tax changes. It’s easy to overlook but often contains important pay adjustments or alerts.
Key LES sections at a glance:
- ✔Entitlements: Your earnings (base pay, BAH, BAS).
- ✔Deductions: Taxes and other withholdings.
- ✔Leave: Tracks earned and available leave days.
Matching Pay Codes to Deposit Amounts
Pay codes on your LES identify specific earnings or deductions, helping you match them to your bank deposits. Here’s how to connect the dots, with common codes from DFAS.
Common Pay Codes
| Code | Description | Example Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BASE PAY | Monthly salary based on rank and years of service | $3,500 |
| BAH | Basic Allowance for Housing (varies by location) | $1,800 |
| BAS | Basic Allowance for Subsistence (food allowance) | $452.56 |
| HDIP | Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay | $150 |
| FITW | Federal Income Tax Withholding | $600 |
| SITW | State Income Tax Withholding | $200 |
| TSP | Thrift Savings Plan contribution | $300 |
How to Match Codes to Deposits
Your net pay (entitlements minus deductions) is what hits your bank account. For example, if your LES shows $5,000 in entitlements (base pay + BAH + BAS) and $1,200 in deductions (taxes + TSP), your deposit is $3,800. Compare this to your bank statement from USAA or Navy Federal. If the deposit doesn’t match, check for errors in the “Bank Information” section or contact DFAS at 1-888-332-7411.
Tips for matching pay codes:
- ✔Sum Entitlements: Add up base pay, BAH, BAS, etc.
- ✔Subtract Deductions: Deduct taxes, TSP, and allotments.
- ✔Check Deposits: Match net pay to your bank statement.
Connecting Your LES to DFAS and Deposit Timing
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) issues your LES and processes your military pay through MyPay. Understanding how DFAS connects to your LES and pay deposit timing can help you manage finances, especially during holiday shifts.
Accessing Your LES via MyPay
Log in to MyPay with your credentials to view or download your LES. LES documents are typically posted a few days before payday. Enable email alerts in your account to get notified. If you’re new, register using your SSN and follow the prompts to set your login.
Deposit Timing and DFAS
DFAS pays on the 1st and 15th of each month, or earlier if those dates fall on weekends or federal holidays. For instance, if January 1, 2025, lands on a holiday, you may receive pay on December 31, 2024, per Military.com. Banks like USAA (2 days early) and Navy Federal (1 day early) release funds ahead of time—if DFAS sends payment data promptly.
Common Deposit Timing Issues
Delays can happen if DFAS processes late or bank information is incorrect. Check the “Bank Information” section of your LES to confirm your routing number (e.g., USAA’s 314074269). If deposits are late, contact DFAS or your bank. Here’s a quick reference for deposit timing:
| Pay Date | USAA Early Deposit | Navy Federal Early Deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2025 | December 30, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | New Year’s Day holiday |
| January 15, 2025 | January 13, 2025 | January 14, 2025 | No holiday conflict |
| July 1, 2025 | June 27, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | Pre-Independence Day |
| July 15, 2025 | July 11, 2025 | July 14, 2025 | No holiday conflict |
Source: Navy Federal
Tips for managing deposit timing:
- ✔Verify Bank Info: Ensure your LES matches your bank’s routing number.
- ✔Use Early Pay: Enroll with USAA or Navy Federal for early deposits.
- ✔Check MyPay: Monitor LES updates for payment alerts.
Practical Tips for Using Your LES
Once you understand your LES, use it to manage your finances effectively. Here’s how:
1. Check Monthly for Errors
Review your LES every month to catch mistakes, like incorrect BAH or tax withholdings. A friend missed a BAS increase for months because he skipped this step. Fix errors via MyPay or call DFAS.
2. Budget with Net Pay
Use the net pay from your LES to create a bi-weekly budget. Split monthly expenses (e.g., $1,600 rent = $800 per paycheck) to align with pay dates. Apps like YNAB or USAA’s mobile app can help.
3. Track Leave for Planning
Monitor your leave balance to plan vacations or family time, especially around holidays like Memorial Day. Coordinate with your chain of command to avoid conflicts.
4. Set Up Allotments
Use MyPay to set up allotments for savings or loan payments. For example, send $200 per paycheck to a USAA savings account for an emergency fund. This keeps your budget on track.
5. Prepare for Tax Season
The year-to-date totals in the “Summary” section help with tax filing. Use them to estimate your tax return or consult a tax professional via MilitaryOneSource.mil.
LES management tips:
- ✔Regular Reviews: Check your LES monthly for accuracy.
- ✔Automate Savings: Use allotments for consistent savings.
- ✔Plan Ahead: Use leave and pay data for budgeting.
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.
- 2025 USAA Military Pay Dates – Plan your finances with USAA’s early deposit schedule and updated pay calendar.
- 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.
- 2025 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
Reading your LES is like decoding a financial map—it shows exactly where your money comes from and where it’s going.
By understanding its sections, matching pay codes to deposits, and connecting it to DFAS and deposit timing, you can budget smarter and catch errors early.
Check your LES monthly via MyPay, leverage early pay programs, and use resources like Military OneSource to stay financially secure.
FAQs About Reading Your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
1. What is a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)?
An LES is your military pay stub, detailing base pay, allowances, deductions, and leave balance. Access it via MyPay. It helps you verify deposits, track income, and plan finances.
2. How do I access my LES?
Log in to MyPay with your credentials to view or download your LES. Set up email alerts for availability. If new, register with your Social Security Number and follow the prompts.
3. What are common LES pay codes?
Common codes include BASE PAY (salary), BAH (housing), BAS (food), FITW (federal tax), and TSP (savings plan). Check DFAS for a full list.
4. How do I match LES to my bank deposit?
Add entitlements (e.g., base pay, BAH), subtract deductions (e.g., taxes), and compare the net pay to your bank deposit. Verify routing numbers in the “Bank Information” section.
5. Why is my deposit different from my LES?
Discrepancies may stem from incorrect bank details, delayed DFAS processing, or errors in allowances. Check your LES and contact DFAS at 1-888-332-7411 to resolve issues.
6. How does DFAS affect deposit timing?
DFAS processes pay on the 1st and 15th, adjusted for holidays. USAA offers two-day early deposits, Navy Federal one-day. Check USAA for schedules.
7. What should I check on my LES monthly?
Verify entitlements (BAH, BAS), deductions (taxes, TSP), bank details, and leave balance. Errors in these can affect your pay or benefits. Fix via MyPay or contact DFAS.
8. How do I use my LES for budgeting?
Use net pay to create a bi-weekly budget, splitting monthly expenses. Set up allotments in MyPay for savings. Apps like YNAB or USAA’s app help track spending.
9. Can I use my LES for taxes?
Yes, the year-to-date totals in the “Summary” section show earnings and taxes withheld. Use them for tax filing or consult Military OneSource for free tax help.
10. What if my LES shows incorrect leave?
Incorrect leave balances can affect planning. Check the “Leave” section and contact your unit’s personnel office or DFAS to correct errors before scheduling leave.
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