Reserve-component retirees who have stopped drilling but aren’t yet eligible to receive retirement pay can register for a myPay account that will keep them connected and informed while they are in the so-called “gray area.”

These Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, and Air Force Reserve retirees can register for a Gray Area Future Retiree myPay account via the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Created in 2021, the account allows those in this specific group a convenient way to keep DFAS updated with their contact information and to receive important news on their upcoming benefits from DFAS and their branch of service, according to the DFAS website.

Account holders receive DFAS and service-specific retiree newsletters and are reminded as they approach retired pay eligibility.

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The application process for these accounts depends on whether a retiree has access to an existing myPay account. Download this DFAS guide (PDF format) for step-by-step instructions.

DFAS also maintains service-specific websites addressing the needs of gray area retirees, including guidance for the retirement pay application process:

• Army National Guard and Reserve Gray Area Retirees
• Marine Corps Gray Area Retirees
• Navy Gray Area Retirees
• Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Gray Area Retirees

DFAS suggests checking myPay annually to ensure that the correct contact information is on file. To update a mailing address, log in to the Future Retiree account and click on “Mailing Address” under “Pay Changes” in the left-hand column.

To update an email address or phone number, use the “Personal Settings” menu in the blue bar at the top of the page.

If you need additional assistance with updating your mailing address, contact the Retired & Annuitant Pay Customer Care Center at (800) 321-1080 or (317) 212-0551.

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Gray area retirees should be updating contact information with three entities: DFAS, the Defense Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and their branch of service. Updates to DEERS do not automatically update DFAS or the service branch.

The Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center does not have a similar option for Coast Guard gray area retirees to access a Direct Pay account.