Military Buyback Program (Current as of June 2019)
Military Buy back is a Self-Service option for those members of FERS who wish to “buy back” their military time tocount towards retirement. If your military time is under USERRA, please follow the instructions/examples listed in
the MyPers Instructions provided below.
Cost of a Military Deposit under FERS:
For periods of service prior to 1999, the deposit equals 3% of your military base pay. For periods of service
performed during 1999, the deposit equals 3.25%. For periods during 2000, the deposit equals 3.4%. After 31
December 2000, the deposit equals 3% of your military base pay.
Interest of Military Deposit under FERS:
Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) law provides a two-year interest-free grace period on militarydeposits. After the grace period, interest begins to accrue and is compounded annually; although no interest will be
due if the deposit is paid in full before a full year minus one day goes by following the grace period.
How to Make a Military Deposit under Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)(MyPers Instructions: https://mypers.af.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/24222)

Step 1: Complete the RI 20-97, Estimated Earnings During Military Service-This form shows the periods of service for which you want to make a deposit
Ensure your name and home address are entered on the bottom of the RI 20-97 so DFAS can return theform to you

Step 2: Mail or fax the completed the RI 20-97, a copy of your DD214 (and DD 215, if applicable), ensure it is theMEMBER 4 copy, to DFAS. Please ensure you mail or fax your to the CORRECT military DFAS agency.
The addresses for DFAS can be found here:
https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/customerservice.html#Military
If you do not have a copy of your DD 214/215, you must submit a request:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63138

Step 3: Once you receive your Estimated Earning During Military Service statement from DFAS via postal mail,you will need to complete the SF 3108..
-Submit all completed forms, including your DD214/DD 215, RI 20-97 and SF 3108 to MyPers:

https://mypers.af.mil/app/dynamicforms/display/form/8

Step 4: The Benefits and Entitlements Services Team (BEST) will complete your military deposit package andforward to DFAS for the calculation of the amount of deposit owed. DFAS will compute the actual amount andcontact you to arrange payment (normally through postal mail).
-All military deposits must be paid in full prior to the effective date of separation/retirement

Step 5: When your military deposit is paid in full, your Leave and Earning Statement (LES) will reflect theinformation in Block 20. At that time, you will contact the base civilian payroll customer service office to request a“Paid in Full Letter” that will show proof of payment of your military deposit. You may also receive a “Notice ofMilitary Service Deposit Payment Completion” letter via postal mail directly from DFAS.

Step 6: Once you receive either letter, you will need to submit to BEST for inclusion in your official personnel
records. You can submit to BEST via MyPers:
https://mypers.af.mil/app/dynamicforms/display/form/9**Note, this process can take a few weeks/months to complete, not including payment period**For additional information regarding Military Deposits, please visit the MyPers knowledge article:
https://mypers.af.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/23623/kw/buy%20back/p/2