Frequently Asked Questions About the Blended Retirement System

Q: Why did the military retirement system change?A: Under the legacy system, only those who serve 20 years receive a retirement benefit. That means about 81% of service members leave with no benefit. Under the Blended Retirement System, about 85% of service members will receive a retirement benefit, even if they don’t qualify for full retirement. Q: How did the military retirement system change?A: Service members who joined the service before 2006 will remain in the legacy retirement...

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How to get or renew a military ID Card: for Spouses, Dependents, Veterans and Retirees

As a veteran, military retiree, spouse or dependent of a service member, you may be eligible for a Next Generation Uniformed Services ID card. This military ID proves your identity and connection to the DOD and gives you access to certain military services and programs. Here are some frequently asked questions about military IDs for spouses, dependents, veterans and retirees. Who is eligible for a military ID?Those eligible for the Next Generation Uniformed Services ID card are: &...

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Veterans Have Options to Upgrade Discharge Characterization

By C. Todd Lopez, DoD News Individuals who left the military with a discharge that's less than fully honorable retain the right to upgrade that discharge even years later through their own military department's Discharge Review Board or through their military department's Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records.  "The department encourages all service members who believe they have suffered an error or injustice to request relief from their military department review boards,...

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How to report a Veteran’s death to VA

The passing of a Veteran is a solemn time that deserves to be recognized and reported with the utmost respect. Veterans have served their country and worked hard for their well-deserved benefits. However, after a Veteran passes away, family members should report the death of the Veteran to VA as soon as possible to stop current benefits payments. If the death is not reported promptly, survivors or executors of the Veteran’s estate may have to repay any overpayments received. Payments...

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