February - April 2026
The Official Newsletter for Retired Soldiers, Surviving Spouses & Families
COVER STORY
Your Voices are Vital
Last year, we celebrated the United States Army’s 250th anniversary, a milestone that reminds us of the enduring legacy of service. From the battles of Lexington and Concord to the campaigns of today, American Soldiers stood as the foundation of our nation, protecting its ideals even before the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Army’s history is a testament to the courage ...
MONEY MATTERS
Preparing for the 2026 Tax Season
The 2026 tax season is here and DFAS wants to make sure that retirees, annuitants, and former spouses are prepared. Now is the best time to verify everything is correct in your myPay account so you can retrieve your tax documents when you need to file ...
2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)
The following Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) are effective Dec. 1, 2025, based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) through the third quarter calendar year 2025. The term “retired pay” includes retainer pay and the term “members” ...
Your 2026 TRICARE Pharmacy Costs
Do you get prescription drugs through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program? You may have new copayments starting Jan. 1, 2026. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 established TRICARE prescription drug costs. The costs will be in effect through Dec. 31, 2027 ...
Direct Remittance Roundup
As of August 2025, DFAS improved the billing process for retirees who pay their SBP premiums directly, which is a process known as direct remittance. Direct remitters now receive monthly bills directly from DFAS, which are more detailed than the previous billing statements from the U.S. Department of Treasury centralized receivables service ...
NEW 2026 Retired Soldier Guide Available
The 2026 Retired Soldier Handbook is now available at your local Retirement Services Office and on the Post Retirement page here on the SFL website.
The purpose of the U.S. Army Retired Soldier Handbook is to provide current and updated information for Retired Soldiers and their families, about the benefits and entitlements they’ve earned through their years of faithful service.
It is important that all Retired Soldiers maintain a working knowledge of their benefits and entitlements in order to take full advantage of them. In addition to the information presented here, Retired Soldiers should refer to Army Echoes which also highlights changes in benefits and entitlements. The current and previous editions of Army Echoes dating back to 2022 are available here on the SFL website.
PLANNING
What is a Retiree Account Statement?
As a military retiree, your financial security is important. One of the most useful tools for managing your retirement pay is the Retiree Account Statement (RAS). Issued by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the RAS provides an overview of your pay, benefits, and deductions ...
Do you need to update your SBP election?
SBP premiums are suspended when DFAS is properly notified there is no eligible SBP beneficiary for an SBP category. However, a retired Reserve Soldier will continue to pay child RCSBP costs for the RCSBP coverage previously received even when there is no eligible child ...
Maintaining Your Records and Files
Retiring from the military can feel exhilarating, overwhelming, and deeply relieving all at once. With this transition comes a wide range of benefits, and the responsibility to stay organized. It’s essential to have a plan in place to maintain your records and important files ...
How to File Claims with TRICARE For Life
If you have TRICARE For Life (TFL), you’ll get health care from Medicare providers. There are certain times you may need to file your own claims with Wisconsin Physicians Services (WPS), the TFL contractor. Here’s what you need to know about when to file claims when you have Medicare and TFL ...
When to Sign Up for Medicare
Most people sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they're first eligible, typically at age 65. It's important to sign up promptly to avoid gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties. However, if you're already covered through an employer group health plan ...
COMMUNITY
Army Senior Leaders Town Hall
Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy A. George and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer, discussed transformation initiatives, emerging technologies and Soldier readiness on Jan. 12, during the first Army Senior Leader Situation Report, hosted by the ...
Happy 70th Army Retirement Services!
On Nov. 14, 1955, then-Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor created the Army Retirement Services Office (Army RSO) with the mission of serving as an advocate and resource for the approximately 79,000 Retired Soldiers at the time. By the mid-1990s, there were 500,000 Retired Soldiers, and ...
Attend a 2026 Retiree Appreciation Day in Your Area!
IN EVERY ISSUE
Joe Answers Reader Questions
In this issue Joe provides answers on education benefits for 100% disabled veterans and the phase-out of DS Logon
State Tax Breaks Expand
Two states recently passed legislation that partially exempts military retired pay from state income taxes, making it easier for military retirees and surviving spouses to keep more of their hard-earned benefits.
