Continuation pay is a direct cash payout, like a bonus, available to service members enrolled in the Blended Retirement System (BRS). It is targeted at the mid-career mark, payable between completion of seven years of service, but before completion of 12 years of service (calculated from a service member's Pay Entry Base Date). Most service members will be eligible for continuation pay, but the timing and the amount is determined by your service.

Note: The 2026 Continuation Pay Rates remain the same as 2024-2025.

For CY27, the service member must complete no less than seven years of service and not more than 10 years of service, as computed from the Soldier’s PEBD to be eligible for Continuation Pay.

Retired Service members are not eligible for Continuation Pay.  

The Blended Retirement System (BRS) Continuation Pay Fact Sheet:
https://militarypay.defense.gov/Portals/3/Documents/BlendedRetirementDocuments/Fact%20Sheet-Continuation%20Pay.pdf

Blended Retirement System (BRS):
https://militarypay.defense.gov/BlendedRetirement/

DoD Continuation Pay Instructional Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UebsjCDrfhs

DoD 7000.14-R – Financial Management Regulation: Volume 7A, Chapter 66: “Continuation Pay (CP)”
https://comptroller.war.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/current/07a/07a_66.pdf