JANUARY 24, 2019 - For those serving as traditional Reserve Soldiers in the Army Reserve, receiving that 20-year retirement letter can feel like winning the lottery. But did you know that just because you have that golden ticket doesn’t mean you will automatically start receiving retirement pay when you turn 60? There are requirements that you must meet in order to start … [Read more...]
Defense Department Successfully Closes Blended Retirement System Opt-In Window
JANUARY 15, 2019 - The Blended Retirement System opt-in enrollment period closed at midnight on Dec. 31, 2018, capping off the successful roll-out of a new retirement system for members of the uniformed services. More than 400,000 DOD service members chose to opt into BRS during the enrollment period, and more than 150,000 new members were automatically enrolled upon entering … [Read more...]
Most States Offer Veterans Benefits – Here’s How to Find Them
JANUARY 10, 2019 - Did you know that most states offer special services and benefits to veterans? While veterans have access to benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies, veterans may not be aware of the benefits states have made available to them locally. These state services and benefits are in addition to those from federal … [Read more...]
Deadline Approaching to Opt in to Blended Retirement System
NOVEMBER 29, 2018 - Service members have just one month left to make a decision about opting in to the blended retirement system, Jeri Busch, the Defense Department’s director of military compensation policy, said here today. Congress authorized the new system in 2016 and it went into effect on Jan. 1. While all soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who … [Read more...]
How TAP Helps Transitioning Service Members Navigate the Intricacies of Higher Education
NOVEMBER 20, 2018 - Navigating the intricacies of higher education can be a challenge – and transitioning service members and veterans have many obstacles to traverse to achieve success – but there is help available. Melinda Manyx, curriculum program manager, Department of Defense (DoD), Transition to Veterans Program Office (TVPO), spoke to conference attendees at the 2018 … [Read more...]