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Terminal Leave Calculator

Calculate your last day of work, terminal leave start date, and sell-back value. See exactly when you can start your civilian job search while still receiving military pay.

Your Separation Details

The official date you separate from active duty.

Check your current leave balance in myPay or with your admin.

You can sell back up to 60 days of unused leave upon separation.

Your Last Day of Work

Thursday, April 23, 2026

60 days of terminal leave begins the next day

Terminal Leave Starts

Friday, April 24, 2026

Terminal Leave Days

60 days

Separation Date

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Leave Sell-Back Value

Calculation Breakdown

Base Pay (E-7 at 20 YOS)$5,693.00/mo
Daily Rate (base pay / 30)$189.77/day
Days Sold Back0 days
Sell-Back Payment (before taxes)$0.00
Note: Leave sell-back is calculated as base pay only (base pay / 30 x days). It does not include BAH, BAS, or other allowances. Sell-back pay is taxable income.

Pay During Terminal Leave

While on terminal leave, you continue to receive your full military pay and allowances as if you were still on active duty.

Base Pay
$5,693/mo
BAH (est. medium)
$2,000/mo
BAS
$481.71/mo

Estimated Total Pay During Terminal Leave Period

$16,349

~2.0 months of full pay & allowances

Terminal Leave Calendar

Last day of work
Terminal leave
Separation date

Apr 2026

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Terminal Leave vs. Sell-Back: Which is Better?

Advantages of Terminal Leave

  • +Full pay & allowances continue — base pay, BAH, and BAS all keep coming
  • +Job hunting time — you can interview, relocate, and start a new job while still receiving military pay
  • +TRICARE continues — full active duty medical coverage until your separation date
  • +Still technically active duty — you retain military ID, commissary/exchange access, and all benefits
  • +Can start a civilian job — many service members begin their new career during terminal leave (double-dipping is legal)
  • +Worth more than sell-back — terminal leave includes all allowances, while sell-back only pays base pay

Advantages of Sell-Back

  • +Lump sum payment — get cash in hand at separation for moving expenses or emergencies
  • +Work until the end — useful if you need to complete a mission or want to maximize time in service
  • +Good option for excess leave — if you have more than 60 days, sell back 60 and take the rest as terminal leave

Pro Tip: The Hybrid Approach

Most financial advisors recommend taking terminal leave rather than selling it back, because the total value (base pay + BAH + BAS + benefits) far exceeds the sell-back payment (base pay only). If you have more than 60 days, consider selling back 60 days and taking the remainder as terminal leave. You can also combine terminal leave with PTDY (Permissive Temporary Duty) for house-hunting — ask your command about the 10-day PTDY entitlement for separating members.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 pay tables. Actual dates and amounts may vary based on your command's policies, leave accrual, and individual circumstances. Terminal leave must be approved by your commanding officer. Sell-back pay is subject to federal income tax. Always verify dates and amounts with your finance office and chain of command. This tool does not store or transmit any of your information.