What Days Do the Military Get Paid? The Pay Schedule
Understand the military pay schedule, how service members receive their pay, and the key components of their compensation.
Military compensation is a significant aspect of financial planning for service members and their families. It includes base pay, allowances, and benefits. Understanding the pay schedule allows for effective personal financial management.
Understanding the Regular Pay Schedule
Active duty service members receive their pay bi-monthly, on the 1st and 15th of each month. The 15th payment covers the period from the 1st through the 15th of that month, while the 1st of the following month covers the 16th through the last day of the previous month.
When a scheduled payday falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the payment is advanced to the preceding business day. This ensures service members have access to funds without delay. This pay schedule applies to all active duty military branches and Reserve components.
Receiving and Accessing Your Pay
Military pay is primarily disbursed through direct deposit, the standard method for service members to receive funds. This electronic transfer sends pay directly to a financial institution of the service member’s choice. Federal law has mandated direct deposit for all federal wages, including military pay.
Some financial institutions offer “early pay” options, allowing service members to access deposits a day or two before the official pay date. This is a feature provided by individual banks, not a change to the military’s official pay schedule. Service members can monitor deposits and manage banking information through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) MyPay portal.
The Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) is the official record of a service member’s pay. This document provides a detailed breakdown of earnings, deductions, and leave balances. Service members can access and view their LES online through the MyPay system.
Key Components of Military Pay
Military compensation includes base pay and various allowances. Basic pay is determined by a service member’s rank and years of service, and is subject to federal and state income taxes.
In addition to basic pay, service members receive various allowances. The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) helps offset housing costs, while the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) covers meal expenses. Most military allowances, including BAH and BAS, are not subject to federal income tax.
Deductions on a service member’s LES include federal and state income tax withholdings, and FICA taxes. Premiums for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) are also deducted.
Many service members contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a government retirement savings plan. Contributions are deducted from pay and can be pre-tax or Roth. Other deductions include allotments, which are voluntary payments for purposes like savings or debt repayment.