A Guide to Informing DFAS When You Change Banks

Active duty and civilian personnel have an obligation to inform DFAS (Defence Finance Accounting Service) when they change banks, so that their pay can be sent to the correct bank or financial institution when it is due. However, it is not just active duty and civilian personnel who need to keep in contact with DFAS whenever they change banks. Military retirees and annuitants must also inform DFAS of a change in banks so that their pay can be deposited into the correct account. Here's how.

Retiree Requirements

Retired military personnel who change banking institutions must complete a Standard Form 1199A, Direct Deposit Sign-up Form, which is a 4-page form that must be carefully filled in and then sent to DFAS as soon as possible. Pick up this form at any banking institution or online at www.usaid.gov/forms/FormSF-1199A-June1987.pdf After you have completed the form, the financial institution must then verify the information you have included on the form before sending it to the following address:

Defence Finance and Accounting Service,
US Military Retirement Pay,
P.O. Box 7130, London KY, 40742-7130.

Standard Form 119A can also be Faxed to (800) 469-6559, or commercial, (216) 522-5955.

Annuitant Requirements

Annuitants, such as widows and widowers of military retirees, must also contact DFAS whenever they change financial institutions by using the same form that retirees are required to submit. Download the form from www.fms.treas.gov/eft/2231.pdf and submit the completed form to the following address:

Defence Finance and Accounting Service,
US Military Annuitant Pay,
P.O. Box 7131, London KY, 40742-7131

Or Fax Form 1199A to (800) 982-8459, commercial, (216) 522-5955.

General Instructions

Be sure to read all instructions on the Standard Form 1199A, Direct Deposit Sign-up Form so that you fill in the form correctly. Some portions are marked "payee", while others are for the financial institution to complete. If you are a joint account holder, make sure you read the special notice to joint account holders and then certify the form.

Further Information

If you need further information about submitting Standard Form 1199A or have any questions, contact a DFAS representative toll-free at (800) 321-1080.

Keep DFAS informed of a change in bank or financial institution so that funds directly deposited into your account, such as your retiree or annuitant pay, get to you on time, every time without being sent to the old account. That is why it is so important to fill in the Standard Form 1199A, Direct Deposit Sign-up Form each time you change banks or financial institutions.

Source:

Air Force Retiree Services