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.

For CY26, the Soldier must complete no less than seven years of service and not more than 12 years of service, as computed from the Soldier’s PEBD to be eligible for Continuation Pay

For CY27, the Soldier 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/

Continuation Pay (Blended Retirement System) Request Form:
Continuation Pay Request Form 2025

Continuation Pay Financial Literacy resources:
https://www.financialfrontline.army.mil/Soldiers/Continuation-Pay/

ALARACT 100/2025 (Army Continuation Pay within the Blended Retirement System – Calendar Year 2026 Implementation Guidance):
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN45300-ALARACT_1002025-000-WEB-1.pdf