Military Retirement Calculator

How to Use the Military Retirement Calculator

Step 1: Select Your Retirement System

Begin by selecting your retirement system from the options provided. The options available are:

• High-3 (Legacy): This system calculates your retirement pay based on the average of your highest 36 months of pay.
• Blended Retirement System (BRS): This newer system combines a traditional pension with a defined contribution plan.

Choose the appropriate option that applies to your service.

Step 2: Enter Your Years of Service

Input the total number of years you have served. This value must be entered as a number, and can range from 0 to 40 years, in increments of 0.5 years. Accurate entry of your service duration is crucial for calculating your retirement benefits.

Step 3: Input Your Average High-3 Base Pay

In the next field, enter the average of your highest 36 months of base pay. This figure is essential for determining your retirement pay and must be entered as a numeric value greater than or equal to zero.

Step 4: (Optional) Provide Your VA Disability Rating

If applicable, input your VA Disability Rating as a percentage. This value should be between 0 and 100, in increments of 10. Your disability rating can impact additional pays and compensations.

Step 5: (Optional) Enter Your TSP Contribution Percentage

If you have contributed to a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), enter the percentage of your base pay that you allocated to this plan. The acceptable range is from 0% to 100%, in increments of 1%.

Step 6: Select a Survivor Benefit Plan Option

Select your election for the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) from the following choices:

• No Coverage: Opt-out of the Survivor Benefit Plan.
• Full Coverage (55%): Provides your survivor with 55% of your retired pay.
• Reduced Coverage (27.5%): Provides your survivor with 27.5% of your retired pay.

This selection affects the calculation of SBP premiums and your monthly take-home pay.

Step 7: Review the Calculated Results

After entering all required information, the calculator will automatically provide you with a series of calculated results:

• Monthly Retirement Pay: This is calculated based on the selected retirement system and your base pay.
• Annual Retirement Pay: This is the total retirement pay you receive annually.
• Monthly VA Disability Pay: This amount is calculated based on your VA Disability Rating.
• Monthly SBP Premium: Shows the monthly cost associated with the SBP election.
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: Your net monthly income after SBP premiums and any disability pay.
• Annual Take-Home Pay: This is your annual net income, taking into account all deductions and disability compensations.

Carefully review these results to gain insights into your future financial standing upon retirement.