Military Retirement Pay Calculator
Estimate your monthly and lifetime military retirement pay under High-3 (Legacy) or BRS (Blended Retirement System). Includes SBP, CRDP, CRSC, and tax guidance.
Your Service Details
Members who entered service before Jan 1, 2018 and did not opt into BRS.
Used for lifetime estimate (assumes life expectancy of 78).
Retirement Pay Estimate
Calculation Breakdown
Formula: 2.5% x Years of Service x High-3 Average Base Pay. At 20 years this equals 50% of your High-3 average.
CRDP & CRSC
Concurrent Retirement & Disability Pay (CRDP)
Normally, VA disability pay offsets military retired pay dollar-for-dollar. CRDP eliminates this offset for retirees with a combined VA disability rating of 50% or higher, allowing you to receive both full retired pay and full VA disability compensation.
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
CRSC is a separate, tax-free monthly payment for retirees whose disabilities are directly related to combat or combat-related duties. Unlike CRDP, there is no minimum rating threshold for CRSC (any rating 10%+ may qualify).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Retired with 20+ years of service, or medically retired with a combat-related disability
- VA-rated disability must be the result of: direct combat, hazardous military duty, an instrumentality of war, or simulated war conditions
- Must apply through your branch of service (not the VA)
- Cannot receive both CRDP and CRSC for the same disabilities — you receive whichever is greater
CRSC is paid as a tax-free benefit, making it potentially more valuable than CRDP depending on your tax bracket.
Tax Implications
Federal Taxes
Unlike BAH and BAS which are tax-free during active duty, military retirement pay is fully subject to federal income tax. It is reported on your 1099-R and taxed as ordinary income. VA disability compensation remains tax-free.
State Tax Exemptions for Military Retirement Pay
Many states offer partial or full exemptions on military retirement income. The following states have no state income tax at all:
The following states exempt military retirement pay from state income tax (even though they have a state income tax):
State tax laws change frequently. Some states listed above may offer partial rather than full exemptions depending on age or income. Always verify current tax rules with your state's Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional.