How Benefits Change for Reserve Retirees

By Maj. Zola B. Evans, Deputy Chief, Army Reserve Retirement Services Office

Reserve Soldiers are eligible for retirement pay after completing 20 or more years of qualifying service.

However, unlike active-duty Soldiers, Reserve Retired Soldiers do not start receiving their retirement pay immediately upon retirement. They are typically eligible to apply for non-regular (reserve) retired pay at the age of eligibility, which is usually age 60, unless they are eligible for a reduced age retirement for qualifying periods of service. If a Reserve Soldier serves on active duty under certain eligible sections of law, the age at which they can begin to receive retired pay may be reduced to as early as age 50. Soldiers who transfer into the Retired Reserve while awaiting eligibility to apply for retired pay are known as Gray Area Retired Soldiers.

Retired Reserve Soldiers are eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, such as disability compensation, educational benefits, and home loan programs, based on their service record and disability status. These benefits can be accessed once the individual has been retired for a certain period or has achieved the necessary service qualifications. They can also apply for VA benefits while still serving in the reserves, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

It's always a good idea for Reserve Retired Soldiers to consult with a military retirement counselor or a Veterans Affairs office for up-to-date information on their specific situation. 

Thank you for your service! We are here to assist you with any questions.

Key DOD Publications:

DOD Instruction: 1215.07 – “Service Credit for Reserve Retirement” – This is an official instruction for how military

reserve members earn retirement credits.