by MyArmyBenefits staff

According to a Department of the Army memo dated 16 July 2025, big changes are coming to the Blended Retirement System (BRS) continuation pay benefit on 1 January 2026 that affect both the timing of eligibility and the multipliers used to compute the amount paid.

Continuation pay, a key component of the Blended Retirement System (BRS), provides a payout to mid-career service members as either a lump sum or series of equal installments in exchange for commitment to serve an additional four years. Starting in the 2026 calendar year, the timing for all Soldiers under the BRS to apply for continuation pay will begin at 7 years of service, instead of eight.

The multiplier will also shift for some service members. Those who are Active Component or Active Guard or Reserve (AGR) will all receive 2.5 times their monthly basic pay, a change from the previous variability of 2.5 to 13 times monthly basic pay depending on different factors. Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers will receive 0.5 times their monthly basic pay versus the previous range of 0.5 to 6 times monthly basic pay. Eligible Reserve and National Guard Soldiers that are within their opportunity window to apply and have performed 270 or more days of involuntary mobilization during a 730-day period will be eligible for 2.5 times their monthly basic pay.

For all the details, be sure to read the memorandum.