While deciding on an SBP election is important for a service member, there are some instances where that election may be changed. One example of this is a divorce. In this case, a former spouse can submit a request for deemed coverage on DD Form 2656-10 within a year of the divorce decree. However, this is a rare event. DD Form 2656, or Data for Payment of Retired Personnel, is an important document that must be filled out and submitted before retiring from the military. It offers a few choices regarding how you would like to receive your retirement pay and allows you to select options for survivor benefits coverage (SBP). It also includes instructions on federal and state tax information and fund transfer instructions.
Generally, the form must be filed by all active-duty service members who will be retiring or separating from military service. It also must be submitted by service members who wish to change their SBP/RC-SBP beneficiary coverage or designations. This includes those formerly married and wishing to change to former spouse coverage. In addition, this form must be completed by divorced people who wish to have their deemed election reinstated as required by court order.
The DD 2656 Form Wizard will ask you questions and allow you to fill in the appropriate fields to complete your application. Once the information is entered, you can click a button to generate a PDF version of the form that you can sign, have notarized, and submit for processing.
Note that for members wishing to retire before July 2021, PPC/RAS is currently transitioning and will accept both the CG-4700 and DD 2656 forms. Once the transition is complete, DD 2656 will be the only form accepted. Upon submission of a complete DD 2656 and all other required documentation, your retirement pay account will be established, and you will receive your first payment within 30 days.
How to Fill out Form DD 2656?
When a soldier is ready to retire, they must fill out form DD 2656. This document asks for several pieces of information, including the dates of service and high average base amount. The form is due six months before the retirement date. It also needs a copy of all orders that authorize the payment, separation data, and a statement of service.
The form contains twelve sections and can be filled out by a trained Personnel Support Detachment office staff member. It is important that the form be filled out carefully. The applicant should be aware of the implications of their decisions on this document, as some are hard to change after retirement.
In addition to the personal information, this form asks for bank account information. It should include the name, address, type of institution, account number, and bank routing number. This section also requires a full legal name, social security number, and signature. The signature must be notarized.
A former spouse may also require this form to file for survivor benefits coverage in the event of divorce. If they choose to do so, the former spouse must submit a request for deemed election of survivor benefits (DD Form 2656-1) along with a copy of their divorce decree and settlement agreement to Defense Finance and Accounting Services.