DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) Basics

What is DFAS?

DFAS stand for the Defense Finance and Account Service.



What is a LES?

LES stands for Leave and Earning Statement. This is similar to a civilian pay stub. A service member may obtain a copy of his or her LES on-line at DFAS.mil or by calling 1-877-DOD-EMSS.



How much will our paycheck be?

Calculating military pay rates can be confusing. Not only is a service member entitled to their base pay, but based on the branch of service and several other factors such as length of service, deployment and housing status and the duty location a service member may be entitled to additional pay. Base pay rates as well as information on extras may be obtained at DFAS.mil. To determine which extras you service member is entitled to they should contact their Finance and Accounting Officer or Dispersing Officer.



What is BAH and how much will we be paid for it?

BAH or Basic Allowance for Housing is intended to provide service members compensation based on local civilian housing costs when government housing is not provided or available. Payment rates are based on geographic location, pay grade and dependency status. To determine the BAH rate for your area visit DFAS.mil.



What is COLA?

COLA or Cost of Living Allowance is designed to help service members stationed overseas in high cost living areas. Not all overseas duty stations will qualify for COLA. To determine if your duty station qualifies for COLA or to find more information on COLA visit Rate Info.



What extras are we entitled to when my spouse deploys?

Each branch of the military will vary in the extras that are available to deploying service members. To determine what your branch offers your spouse may contact his Finance and Accounting Officer or Dispersing Officer. If your spouse is already deployed and you have questions, you may contact your Ombudsman, Key Volunteer or FRG Liason.

A common "extra" includes Hazardous Duty Pay (about $150/month) so long as your spouse is performing one of the following duties while on deployment:

  • Parachute Duty
  • Flight Deck Duty
  • Demolition Duty
  • Experimental Stress Duty
  • Toxic Fuels (or Propellants) Duty
  • Toxic Pesticides Duty
  • Dangerous Viruses (or Bacteria) Lab Duty
  • Chemical Munitions


In addition you may receive Combat Pay along with a Combat Zone Tax Exclusion. If your spouse is assigned to duty in one of the following areas:
  • Persian Gulf
  • Red Sea, Gulf of Oman
  • part of the Arabian Sea that is north of 10o N latitude and west of 68o E longitude
  • Gulf of Aden
  • Iraq
  • Kuwait
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Oman
  • Bahrain
  • Qatar
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Afghanistan


you may be eligible to receive $150/month extra pay. In addition, all bonuses received while a servicemember is serving in a combat zone are tax exempt.

You may also be entiled to a Seperation Pay. For exact rates and to see if you qualify for this pay, contact your finance office.



How can we get at copy of my husband's W-2?

Active and former service members may find instructions to obtain a copy of their W-2 at this DFAS Page.



Where can I find additional information about DFAS?

You may locate addition information about DFAS on-line at DFAS.mil or a service member may contact the Finance and Accounting Officer or Dispersing Officer with questions.



How long does it take to receive bah and the millitary allowance for being married?

While you are eligible for BAH as soon as you are married, the more important question would be how long after you submit the necessary documentation will it be before you receive your BAH?  This can vary.  In most cases it is less than 30 days.  There is however, no written time line for which anyone can guarantee the payment of BAH.  Assuming the paperwork was filled out correctly and submitted prior to your husbands departure you should be obtaining your BAH shortly.   

If you find yourself in an emergency situation you may contact the American Red Cross or Army Emergency Relief Society.  If your BAH is not contained in your April 15th paycheck it would be advisable for you to contact the Family Readiness Group Leader for your husband's unit.  She may be able to assist in correcting any paperwork issues that maybe holding up your BAH.