(This article originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

Your monthly retiree account statement (RAS) is an important document that helps you keep track of your retired military pay, taxes, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage, and TRICARE payments. Downloading and reviewing your RAS every month can help identify problems early so you can get them fixed.

The RAS is usually available five to seven days prior to the end of the month. Your RAS is available via your online myPay account. Once you’ve logged into myPay, the RAS is available in the left-hand menu bar. There is a button on the top of the statement to print it.

Once you’ve accessed your statement, verify the mailing address is correct. This is important if you ever get locked out of your online access. Every so often, check that myPay has your correct telephone number and email address. Then look at the amount of your military retirement pay. Ensure any federal and state tax withholdings are correct. If it is wrong, make changes in your myPay account.

[RELATED: New Survivor Benefit Plan Payment Setup Coming Soon for Some Retirees]

In the SBP section, make sure your beneficiary designation is correct and your premium is being paid — if you are still in a payment status. SBP payments end after 360 payments if you are over age 70. If you are under age 70 when you reach 360 payments, you’ll continue paying until you reach age 70. SBP benefits are 55% of the annuity base amount listed on your RAS. You can use this information as part of your financial plan.

In the Allotments section, verify you recognize any allotments listed and that the amount is correct. Most importantly, make sure your TRICARE enrollment fees are being deducted if you are enrolled in TRICARE Prime, Select, or Overseas. Sometimes there is a glitch between TRICARE and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and those allotments are dropped, which could mean you get dropped from TRICARE.

[RELATED: MOAA's TRICARE Guide]

This can be easily fixed if you notice it early. If you are using TRICARE For Life as a supplement to Medicare, there is no cost, so you won’t see an allotment.

Double-check the person and information listed as your arrears of pay beneficiary. This is the person who will receive any outstanding pay after your death.

The comments section at the end may include information about changes to your military retirement pay account as well as notices about general military and veteran pay and benefits. This is another source for new information.

Don’t put it off — check your RAS today!