Separation Pay Timeline

See when your final paycheck, leave sell-back, retired pay, and first VA check actually land — so the gap doesn't catch you off guard.

Your Details

Date of Separation / Retirement

Are you separating or retiring?

Monthly basic pay (optional)

From your LES — used to estimate leave sell-back

Leave days you plan to sell (optional)

60-day max over your whole career

I have a VA disability claim in IDES (show my first VA payment)

Enter your separation date above to see your dated money timeline.

How these dates are calculated

Final pay (80% / 20% / audit): DFAS Military Separations & Final Pay guidance — ~80% within 3–5 business days, balance after a 30–45 day audit, 120+ days if a debt is found.
Leave sell-back: 37 U.S.C. + DoD pay policy — basic pay only, 60-day lifetime cap, lump-sum withholding (~25% federal, plus state).
First retired pay: DFAS / 10 U.S.C. § 1412 — first business day of the month after retirement, contingent on a complete DD 2656.
First VA payment: 38 CFR 3.31 / VA.gov — effective the day after separation (claim filed within a year via IDES); paid on the 1st of the following month, in arrears, with back pay for the gap.

Estimates and typical ranges for educational purposes — your actual timing depends on your finance office, DFAS processing, and your account status. Confirm with your servicing finance/pay office and DFAS (1-888-332-7411). Not financial or legal advice.