Military Pension Calculator
Estimate your High-3 or Blended Retirement System (BRS) pension and model VA disability compensation stacking. Real math. No email gate.
Average of your highest 36 months of base pay.
Projected post-service income
DISCLAIMER: These are estimates for planning purposes only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Actual retirement pay depends on official DFAS/VA calculations, final pay tables, years of service verified by your service branch, disability ratings determined by the VA, and applicable laws at the time of retirement. CRDP/CRSC offsets, state tax, COLA adjustments, SBP survivor elections, and individual circumstances are not modeled. Always consult a qualified financial professional and official DoD/VA resources before making decisions.
Turn this number into a fortress.
A number isn't a plan. We map the gaps between this estimate and the income your family actually needs — tax sequencing, healthcare bridge, survivor coverage.
Schedule Your Threat ReconHow military pension is calculated
High-3 (Legacy): For service members who entered before 2018 (or grandfathered), pension equals 2.5% × years of service × average of your highest 36 months of base pay. 20 years = 50% of High-3.
BRS (Blended Retirement System): For service members who entered on or after Jan 1, 2018 (or opted in), pension equals 2.0% × years × High-3. The reduced multiplier is offset by TSP matching contributions and a mid-career continuation pay bonus.
VA disability stacking: VA compensation is generally added on top of military pension — tax-free at the federal level. CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay) and CRSC (Combat-Related Special Compensation) determine whether your pension is offset by VA pay; most retirees with 20+ years and 50%+ ratings receive both in full.
See SCN-07: Pension + VA stacking for the full planning scenario.
- Pension formula: Uses the standard High-3 (2.5%/yr) or BRS (2.0%/yr) multiplier without early retirement, sanctuary, or disability retirement adjustments.
- High-3 pay: You must enter your own average of the highest 36 months of basic pay. Future pay raises, promotions, or BRS continuation pay are not projected.
- VA rates: Uses 2024 VA compensation rates for a veteran with no dependents. Actual VA pay depends on your disability percentage, effective date, and dependent status (spouse, children, parents).
- Stacking: Assumes full concurrent receipt (pension + VA) without CRDP/CRSC phase-in or offset. Veterans with less than 20 years or ratings under 50% may be subject to VA offset rules ("VA waiver") under 38 U.S.C. § 5304.
- Taxes: Pension is federally taxable; VA disability is federally tax-free. State income tax treatment varies widely and is not included.
- COLA: No cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are applied to future-year projections. Actual benefits will adjust annually based on CPI-W.
- Survivor benefits: SBP/SSBP premiums and DIC offsets are not modeled. Electing survivor coverage reduces the monthly pension shown.
- Healthcare: TRICARE, VA healthcare enrollment, and Medicare integration are not costed in these figures.
- Lifetime estimate: 30-year nominal total assumes no COLA and static benefits. Actual lifetime value will differ significantly.
For official calculations, visit DFAS Retirement Estimator and the VA Compensation Rates.