🎖️ Military Pension Calculator 2026
Estimate your military retirement pension under the High-3, Blended Retirement System (BRS), or REDUX system. Includes 2026 pay tables, COLA adjustments, and a full breakdown.
What Is a Military Pension Calculator?
A military pension calculator helps you estimate your retirement pay based on your years of service, pay grade, and retirement system. The U.S. military offers several retirement systems depending on when you entered service:
- High-3 (Legacy): 2.5% per year × average of highest 36 months of basic pay. 20 years = 50% of high-3 average.
- Blended Retirement System (BRS): 2.0% per year × high-3 average, plus TSP matching up to 5%. 20 years = 40% of high-3 average.
- REDUX (CSB/REDUX): 40% at 20 years + 3.5% per additional year, with a $30,000 bonus at 15 years and reduced COLA until age 62.
How Does the Military Pension Calculator Work?
The calculator uses the statutory formulas from 10 U.S.C. Chapter 71:
High-3: Monthly Pension = Years × 2.5% × High-3 Average
BRS: Monthly Pension = Years × 2.0% × High-3 Average
REDUX: Monthly Pension = (40% + (Years−20) × 3.5%) × High-3 Average (for Years ≥ 20)
The calculator also applies the 2026 COLA adjustment (2.8% for High-3 and BRS, 1.8% for REDUX) and projects future pension values.
Why Use This Military Pension Calculator?
- All Systems Supported: High-3, BRS, and REDUX , choose the system that applies to you.
- 2026 Pay Tables: Built-in reference table shows monthly basic pay by grade and years of service.
- COLA Projections: See how your pension grows with annual cost-of-living adjustments.
- Full Breakdown: Step-by-step calculation showing every component of your pension.
- Free & Private: No registration, no data storage , all calculations are done in your browser.
❓ Military Pension Calculator FAQ
What is the High-3 retirement system?
The High-3 system (also called High-36) applies to members who entered service between September 8, 1980, and December 31, 2017. It pays 2.5% per year of service × the average of your highest 36 months of basic pay. At 20 years, that's 50% of your high-3 average.
What is the Blended Retirement System (BRS)?
The BRS applies to members who entered service on or after January 1, 2018. It pays 2.0% per year × high-3 average (40% at 20 years) plus government TSP matching up to 5% of basic pay, continuation pay at 12 years, and an optional lump sum.
What is the REDUX retirement system?
REDUX (CSB/REDUX) was an option for members who entered service between August 1, 1986, and December 31, 2017. It offers a $30,000 Career Status Bonus at 15 years in exchange for a reduced pension: 40% at 20 years + 3.5% per additional year, and reduced COLA (CPI minus 1%) until age 62.
What is the minimum service requirement for a military pension?
You typically need 20 years of active service to qualify for a regular military pension. Medical retirements and reserve retirements have different requirements.
What is the 2026 COLA for military retirees?
Military retirees receive a 2.8% COLA increase in 2026, effective with December 2025 payments. REDUX retirees receive 1.8% (CPI minus 1%) until the age-62 catch-up adjustment.
Is military retirement pay taxable?
Yes, military retirement pay is subject to federal income tax. However, if any portion is attributable to a VA disability rating, that portion is tax-free. Many states exempt part or all of military retirement from state income tax.
Can I start receiving military retirement pay immediately?
If you retire with 20+ years of active duty, pension payments begin immediately upon retirement with no waiting period. Reserve and Guard members under the reserve retirement system must wait until age 60, though this can be reduced for qualifying active duty service.
What is the difference between High-3 and BRS?
High-3 provides a higher pension (2.5% per year) but no government TSP matching. BRS provides a lower pension (2.0% per year) but includes government TSP matching up to 5% of basic pay, continuation pay, and an optional lump sum. For a 20-year career, High-3 provides 50% of high-3 average while BRS provides 40% plus TSP savings.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides accurate estimates based on statutory formulas (10 U.S.C. Chapter 71) and 2026 pay tables from DFAS. However, actual pay may vary based on your specific circumstances, promotions, and legislative changes. Always consult your official service personnel portal (MyPay) for a final audit of your benefits.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, this calculator is completely free to use. No registration or personal data storage is required. All calculations are performed in your browser.