For individuals receiving payments through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the primary proof of income often includes the Retiree Account Statement (RAS) or other standard financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.
Understanding Proof of Income for DFAS Recipients
DFAS is responsible for managing the pay of military members, retirees, and annuitants. When an external entity, such as a creditor or landlord, requires verification of your income, they are seeking official documentation that validates your earnings from DFAS.
Key Documents for DFAS Income Verification
Several documents can serve as proof of income, particularly for those receiving payments through DFAS.
Retiree Account Statement (RAS)
The Retiree Account Statement (RAS) is a critical document for military retirees.
- Detailed Breakdown: The RAS provides a comprehensive overview of your retired pay, including gross pay, deductions, and net pay.
- Creditor Acceptance: Many potential creditors specifically require the RAS to verify retired military pay due to its detailed nature and direct correlation with your DFAS income.
- Accessibility: The last 12 months of your Retiree Account Statement (RAS) are conveniently available online. You can securely access and download these statements through the official myPay portal. This online resource simplifies the process of obtaining your proof of income whenever needed.
General Proof of Income Documents
Beyond the RAS, other common financial documents that reflect your DFAS income are widely accepted by various institutions:
- Pay Stubs/Statements: For active duty service members, regular pay statements (accessible via myPay) serve as proof of income.
- Tax Returns: Your annual tax returns (such as Form 1040) report your total gross income for the year, which includes any payments received from DFAS. This makes them a comprehensive document for income verification.
- Bank Statements: If your DFAS payments are directly deposited into your bank account, your bank statements will show these recurring deposits. These statements provide a clear transactional history of your income.
Summary of Proof of Income Documents
Here's a quick reference for common proof of income documents relevant to DFAS recipients:
| Document Type | Description | How to Access (DFAS-Related Income) |
|---|---|---|
| Retiree Account Statement (RAS) | Detailed breakdown of retired pay and deductions. | Online via myPay (last 12 months). |
| Pay Stubs/Statements | Itemized list of earnings, deductions, and net pay. | Online via myPay. |
| Tax Returns | Annual summary of all income, including DFAS payments. | From your tax preparer or the IRS. |
| Bank Statements | Reflects direct deposits of DFAS pay. | Through your bank's online portal or physical statements. |
Why Proof of Income is Needed
Proof of income is a standard requirement for various financial and administrative purposes, including:
- Applying for loans (e.g., mortgages, car loans, personal loans)
- Renting a property
- Applying for credit cards
- Qualifying for certain government assistance programs
Ensuring you have access to these documents, especially your Retiree Account Statement via myPay, can streamline processes where income verification is required.
