Severance Pay Discrepancies

Erinponte

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Hello All,

I have found myself between DFAS and my local Finance Office. For weeks, finance told me that they were waiting on DFAS to release my funds, I contact DFAS, they tell me that they had been waiting on finance. Finally this past Friday, my finance office tells me that they have done their part but the woman rudely comments that I've "only been waiting two months and that most wait six" (which is besides the point). Now, DFAS tells me that they cannot confirm if the funds have been released and that I should have my check before 1 April, if I haven't received them by the, finance didn't do their job.

Has anyone dealt with something similar? What is the normal timeline from when funds are released until they are received?

It is odd to me that DFAS could not confirm if finance HAD done their part but could confirm when the had NOT done it.

Any advice would help, thanks!
 
Hello @Erinponte .

Since the members of your local finance office represent DFAS, what you have shown is that DFAS does not know what certain DFAS elements are doing. Those individuals involved are all employees of DFAS, unless they are military personnel (few in number) assigned to external DFAS elements.

It seems that it would be easy to determine if a payment document has been prepared.

Recommend you call Wounded Warrior Pay: 1-888-332-7411 .

Please report on what they will do in your case. I have never used them, but the telephone number was provided on a DFAS page.

Ron
 
Last edited:
Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it.

I always hate bothering finance because I know they are swamped, especially here at this huge post, but the way that the woman (PFC) addressed the issue was as if I shouldn’t be complaining or asking because they’ll get to it whenever. Which to me, is the wrong answer in customer service.

The part about DFAS makes more sense now, I don’t understand how it works behind the scenes but unfortunately both parties that I reached out to did not want to really help me. If it get to the point where it’s clear nothing is being done, I will reach out to the leadership in the office on post.

Thanks again for the help
 
Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it.

I always hate bothering finance because I know they are swamped, especially here at this huge post, but the way that the woman (PFC) addressed the issue was as if I shouldn’t be complaining or asking because they’ll get to it whenever. Which to me, is the wrong answer in customer service.

The part about DFAS makes more sense now, I don’t understand how it works behind the scenes but unfortunately both parties that I reached out to did not want to really help me. If it get to the point where it’s clear nothing is being done, I will reach out to the leadership in the office on post.

Thanks again for the help
Hello @Erinponte

All of my 25 years in the Army were in the finance corps. I retired the year DFAS took over most of the processes.

The replies you received were inappropriate. I would not worry about bothering finance; they are there to serve you. Since those offices are populated primarily by civilians, I do not know who is in charge...but someone holds that title. You spoke to a PFC; while on active duty during my last four years, I was a SGM and it did not seem to bother those who wanted to see me about a problem. That was part of my job, if unsatisfactory service had been received. You could start with the NCOIC.

Good luck,
Ron
 
Hello @Erinponte

All of my 25 years in the Army were in the finance corps. I retired the year DFAS took over most of the processes.

The replies you received were inappropriate. I would not worry about bothering finance; they are there to serve you. Since those offices are populated primarily by civilians, I do not know who is in charge...but someone holds that title. You spoke to a PFC; while on active duty during my last four years, I was a SGM and it did not seem to bother those who wanted to see me about a problem. That was part of my job, if unsatisfactory service had been received. You could start with the NCOIC.

Good luck,
Ron
Update: DFAS told me 2-4 days Finance told me 3-5 days

Today is Day 5 and the last thing I was told by DFAS was what I said above - by April 1st I should have my severance and final check but if not they don't know what is wrong.

Finance will not answer the phone and it really feels like I am getting the run around on both ends. I can go back to the finance office tomorrow but odds are they will tell me the same thing.

AskDFAS even CLOSED my ticket and said they sent an email to another department because they can't help me but did not tell me what department or how to contact them.

So I am at the point that neither side will help me and both have given completely different timelines.

I feel defeated because they have proven there is nothing I can do. I am going to keep pushing them but it is clear that they do not care.
 
Hello @Erinponte ,

You mentioned there was a PFC with whom you interacted. It is my understanding that Army finance personnel are part of a Sustainment Brigade. If you are in the Army, search for the phone number of the brigade Command Sergeant Major. Give him or her a telephone call.

If that does not work, you can contact the Director, DFAS and/or your representative to Congress for help.

Audrey Y. Davis was appointed the Director of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) on June 21, 2020. Ms. Davis leads the day-to-day accounting and finance activities of the Department of Defense (DoD).
Address:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Attn: Audrey Y. Davis, Director DFAS
8899 East 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249

Ron
 
Last edited:
Hello @Erinponte ,

You mentioned there was a PFC with whom you interacted. It is my understanding that Army finance personnel are part of a Sustainment Brigade. If you are in the Army, search for the phone number of the brigade Command Sergeant Major. Give him or her a telephone call.

If that does not work, you can contact the Director, DFAS and/or your representative to Congress for help.

Audrey Y. Davis was appointed the Director of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) on June 21, 2020. Ms. Davis leads the day-to-day accounting and finance activities of the Department of Defense (DoD).
Address:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Attn: Audrey Y. Davis, Director DFAS
8899 East 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249

Ron
Thank you!

Luckily tonight I finally have an LES showing that I will be getting my severance (no date saying when). However, the amount on my DD214 and the amount in mypay is off by over $3000 before taxes, is this something I should bring up to DFAS?
For example, my 214 says $5000 but LES says $2000. With the 214 is that just an estimate or should it be the exact amount?

Thank you again
 
Thank you!

Luckily tonight I finally have an LES showing that I will be getting my severance (no date saying when). However, the amount on my DD214 and the amount in mypay is off by over $3000 before taxes, is this something I should bring up to DFAS?
For example, my 214 says $5000 but LES says $2000. With the 214 is that just an estimate or should it be the exact amount?

Thank you again
Hi,

Thank you for the update.

Recommend you visit with the local finance people. They should be able to help you.

Re: The amount of DoD disability severance pay that is shown on the DD 214:
Because the amount of separation benefits shown on DD Form 214 are not always accurate, they must be verified through the means described in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 4.B.6.b (by the VA) if a recoupment is required.


Ron
 
Last edited:
I was told by the lawyer that since I will be eligible for E7 and over 11.5 years that my severance pay would be calculated at the rate of E7 over 12 years. So basically on my final day of terminal leave I will be at 11.6 years of service and that’s what DFAS uses to calculate my the pay and since I will be eligible for to be looked at for E7 DFAS will promote to the next rank on my DD214 and use that in the calculations. I have searched high and low to find a better answer but no luck. Can anyone point me in the right direction or give me more information on this subject. Thanks
 
I was told by the lawyer that since I will be eligible for E7 and over 11.5 years that my severance pay would be calculated at the rate of E7 over 12 years. So basically on my final day of terminal leave I will be at 11.6 years of service and that’s what DFAS uses to calculate my the pay and since I will be eligible for to be looked at for E7 DFAS will promote to the next rank on my DD214 and use that in the calculations. I have searched high and low to find a better answer but no luck. Can anyone point me in the right direction or give me more information on this subject. Thanks
I assume you were selected for promotion to E7 rather than just being eligible for consideration.

That said, the following applies:
Disability Severance Pay is a one-time, lump sum payment and is computed as follows:

  • 2 x basic pay for applicable grade x years of service (subject to minimum 3 or 6 years) not to exceed 19 years.
  • Applicable grade is the highest of the following:
    • Current grade
    • Highest grade satisfactorily served
    • Grade to which the Soldier would have been promoted had it not been for the disability for which he is being separated. This is colloquially referred to as, "promotion list grade"
  • Soldiers are credited with a minimum of 3 years of service as computed under 10 USC 1208 unless they qualify for the minimum 6 years of service
  • To qualify for the minimum 6 years, the disability must be incurred in line of duty in a combat zone as designated by the Secretary of Defense OR incurred during the performance of duty in combat-related operations as designated by the Secretary of Defense. DoD policy for the "combat related operations" determination is that the disability must be incurred as a result of armed conflict.

Your separation orders are one of the most important documents in this matter. During my 20+ years in the Army finance crops, I never completed anything with just a DD 214; the orders are required.

Ron
 
Top