---
kind: "section"
citation: "10 U.S.C. § 1452"
title: "10"
title_heading: "Armed Forces"
number: "1452"
heading: "Reduction in retired pay"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/10/1452"
units:
  - "Subtitle A — General Military Law"
  - "Part II — Personnel"
  - "Chapter 73 — Annuities Based on Retired or Retainer Pay"
  - "Subchapter II — Survivor Benefit Plan"
---

# §1452. Reduction in retired pay

- (a) **Spouse and Former Spouse Annuities.—**
  - (1) **Required reduction in retired pay.—** Except as provided in [subsection (b)](#b), the [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4), other than [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) received as a lump sum under [section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title](/usc/10/1415.md?p=b-1-A), of a participant in the Plan who is providing [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) coverage (as described in [paragraph (5)](#a-5)) shall be reduced as follows:
    - (A) **Standard annuity.—** If the annuity coverage being provided is a [standard annuity](/usc/10/1447.md?p=2), the reduction shall be as follows:
      - (i) **Disability and nonregular service retirees.—** In the case of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who is entitled to [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under [chapter 61](/usc/10/chstA/ptII/ch61.md) or [chapter 1223](/usc/10/chstE/ptII/ch1223.md) of this title, the reduction shall be in whichever of the alternative reduction amounts is more favorable to that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2).
      - (ii) **Members as of enactment of flat-rate reduction.—** In the case of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who first became a member of a uniformed service before March 1, 1990, the reduction shall be in whichever of the alternative reduction amounts is more favorable to that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2).
      - (iii) **New entrants after enactment of flat-rate reduction.—** In the case of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who first becomes a member of a uniformed service on or after March 1, 1990, and who is entitled to [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under a provision of law other than [chapter 61](/usc/10/chstA/ptII/ch61.md) or [chapter 1223](/usc/10/chstE/ptII/ch1223.md) of this title, the reduction shall be in an amount equal to 6½ percent of the [base amount](/usc/10/1447.md?p=6).
      - (iv) **Alternative reduction amounts.—** For purposes of clauses [(i)](#a-1-A-i) and [(ii)](#a-1-A-ii), the alternative reduction amounts are the following:
        - (I) **Flat-rate reduction.—** An amount equal to 6½ percent of the [base amount](/usc/10/1447.md?p=6).
        - (II) **Amount under pre-flat-rate reduction.—** An amount equal to 2½ percent of the first $337 (as adjusted after November 1, 1989, under [paragraph (4)](#a-4)) of the [base amount](/usc/10/1447.md?p=6) plus 10 percent of the remainder of the [base amount](/usc/10/1447.md?p=6).
    - (B) **Reserve-component annuity.—** If the annuity coverage being provided is a [reserve-component annuity](/usc/10/1447.md?p=3), the reduction shall be in whichever of the following amounts is more favorable to that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2):
      - (i) **Flat-rate reduction.—** An amount equal to 6½ percent of the [base amount](/usc/10/1447.md?p=6) plus an amount determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Defense as a premium for the additional coverage provided through [reserve-component annuity](/usc/10/1447.md?p=3) coverage under the Plan.
      - (ii) **Amount under pre-flat-rate reduction.—** An amount equal to 2½ percent of the first $337 (as adjusted after November 1, 1989, under [paragraph (4)](#a-4)) of the [base amount](/usc/10/1447.md?p=6) plus 10 percent of the remainder of the [base amount](/usc/10/1447.md?p=6) plus an amount determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Defense as a premium for the additional coverage provided through [reserve-component annuity](/usc/10/1447.md?p=3) coverage under the Plan.
  - (2) **Additional reduction for child coverage.—** If there is a [dependent child](/usc/10/1447.md?p=11-A) as well as a [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) or [former spouse](/usc/10/1447.md?p=10), the amount prescribed under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) shall be increased by an amount prescribed under regulations of the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Defense.
  - (3) **No reduction when no beneficiary.—** The reduction in [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) prescribed by [paragraph (1)](#a-1) shall not be applicable during any month in which there is no eligible [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) or [former spouse](/usc/10/1447.md?p=10) beneficiary.
  - (4) **Periodic adjustments.—**
    - (A) **Adjustments for increases in rates of basic pay.—** Whenever there is an increase in the [rates](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) of basic [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15) of members of the [uniformed services](/usc/10/1072.md?p=1) effective on or after October 1, 1985, the amounts under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) with respect to which the percentage factor of 2½ is applied shall be increased by the overall percentage of such increase in the [rates](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) of basic [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15). The increase under the preceding sentence shall apply only with respect to [persons](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) whose [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) is computed based on the [rates](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) of basic [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15) in effect on or after the date of such increase in [rates](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) of basic [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15).
    - (B) **Adjustments for retired pay colas.—** In addition to the increase under [subparagraph (A)](#a-4-A), the amounts under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) with respect to which the percentage factor of 2½ is applied shall be further increased at the same time and by the same percentage as an increase in [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under [section 1401a of this title](/usc/10/1401a.md) effective on or after October 1, 1985. Such increase under the preceding sentence shall apply only with respect to a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who initially participates in the Plan on a date which is after both the effective date of such increase under [section 1401a](/usc/10/1401a.md) and the effective date of the [rates](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) of basic [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15) upon which that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) is computed.
  - (5) **Spouse coverage described.—** For the purposes of [paragraph (1)](#a-1), a participant in the Plan who is providing [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) coverage is a participant who—
    - (A) has (i) a [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) or [former spouse](/usc/10/1447.md?p=10), or (ii) a [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) or [former spouse](/usc/10/1447.md?p=10) and a [dependent child](/usc/10/1447.md?p=11-A); and
    - (B) has not elected to provide an annuity to a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) designated by him under [section 1448(b)(1) of this title](/usc/10/1448.md?p=b-1) or, having made such an election, has changed his election in favor of his [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) under [section 1450(f) of this title](/usc/10/1450.md?p=f).
- (b) **Child-Only Annuities.—**
  - (1) **Required reduction in retired pay.—** The [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4), other than [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) received as a lump sum under [section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title](/usc/10/1415.md?p=b-1-A), of a participant in the Plan who is providing [child](/usc/10/1072.md?p=6)-only coverage (as described in [paragraph (4)](#b-4)) shall be reduced by an amount prescribed under regulations by the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Defense.
  - (2) **No reduction when no child.—** There shall be no reduction in [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under [paragraph (1)](#b-1) for any month during which the participant has no [eligible dependent](/usc/10/1111.md?p=b-2) [child](/usc/10/1072.md?p=6).
  - (3) **Special rule for certain rcsbp participants.—** In the case of a participant in the Plan who is participating in the Plan under an election under [section 1448(a)(2)(B) of this title](/usc/10/1448.md?p=a-2-B) and who provided [child](/usc/10/1072.md?p=6)-only coverage during a period before the participant becomes entitled to receive [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4), the [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) of the participant shall be reduced by an amount prescribed under regulations by the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Defense to reflect the coverage provided under the Plan during the period before the participant became entitled to receive [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4). A reduction under this paragraph is in addition to any reduction under [paragraph (1)](#b-1) and is made without regard to whether there is an [eligible dependent](/usc/10/1111.md?p=b-2) [child](/usc/10/1072.md?p=6) during a month for which the reduction is made.
  - (4) **Child-only coverage defined.—** For the purposes of this subsection, a participant in the Plan who is providing [child](/usc/10/1072.md?p=6)-only coverage is a participant who has a [dependent child](/usc/10/1447.md?p=11-A) and who—
    - (A) does not have an eligible [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) or [former spouse](/usc/10/1447.md?p=10); or
    - (B) has a [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) or [former spouse](/usc/10/1447.md?p=10) but has elected to provide an annuity for dependent children only.
- (c) **Reduction for Insurable Interest Coverage.—**
  - (1) **Required reduction in retired pay.—** The [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4), other than [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) received as a lump sum under [section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title](/usc/10/1415.md?p=b-1-A), of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who has elected to provide an annuity to a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) designated by him under [section 1450(a)(5) of this title](/usc/10/1450.md?p=a-5) shall be reduced as follows:
    - (A) **Standard annuity.—** In the case of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) providing a [standard annuity](/usc/10/1447.md?p=2), the reduction shall be by 10 percent plus 5 percent for each full five years the individual designated is younger than that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2).
    - (B) **Reserve component annuity.—** In the case of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) providing a [reserve-component annuity](/usc/10/1447.md?p=3), the reduction shall be by an amount prescribed under regulations of the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Defense.
  - (2) **Limitation on total reduction.—** The total reduction under [paragraph (1)](#c-1) may not exceed 40 percent.
  - (3) **Duration of reduction.—** The reduction in [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) prescribed by this subsection shall continue during the lifetime of the [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) designated under [section 1450(a)(5) of this title](/usc/10/1450.md?p=a-5) or until the [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) receiving [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) changes his election under [section 1450(f) of this title](/usc/10/1450.md?p=f).
  - (4) **Rule for computation.—** Computation of a member’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) for purposes of this subsection shall be made without regard to any reduction under section [1409(b)(2)](/usc/10/1409.md?p=b-2) or [1415(b)(1)(B)](/usc/10/1415.md?p=b-1-B) of this title.
  - (5) **Rule for designation of new insurable interest beneficiary following death of original beneficiary.—** The [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Defense shall prescribe in regulations premiums which a participant making an election under [section 1448(b)(1)(G) of this title](/usc/10/1448.md?p=b-1-G) shall be required to [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15) for participating in the Plan pursuant to that election. The total amount of the premiums to be paid by a participant under the regulations shall be equal to the sum of the following:
    - (A) The total additional amount by which the [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) of the participant would have been reduced before the effective date of the election if the [original](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-10) beneficiary (i) had not died and had been covered under the Plan through the date of the election, and (ii) had been the same number of years younger than the participant (if any) as the new beneficiary designated under the election.
    - (B) Interest on the amounts by which the [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) of the participant would have been so reduced, computed from the dates on which the [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) would have been so reduced at such [rate](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) or [rates](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) and according to such methodology as the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Defense determines reasonable.
    - (C) Any additional amount that the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) determines necessary to protect the actuarial soundness of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense [Military](/usc/10/801.md?p=8) Retirement Fund against any increased risk for the fund that is associated with the election.
- (d) **Deposits To Cover Periods When Retired Pay Not Paid or Not Sufficient.—**
  - (1) **Required deposits.—** If a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who has elected to participate in the Plan has been awarded [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) and is not entitled to that [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15) for any period, that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) must deposit in the Treasury the amount that would otherwise have been deducted from his [pay](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-15) for that period, except to the extent that the required deduction is made pursuant to [paragraph (2)](#d-2).
  - (2) **Deduction from combat-related special compensation when retired pay not adequate.—** In the case of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who has elected to participate in the Plan and who has been awarded both [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) and combat-related special compensation under [section 1413a of this title](/usc/10/1413a.md), if a deduction from the [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) for any period cannot be made in the full amount required, there shall be deducted from the [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s combat-related special compensation in lieu of deduction from the [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) the amount that would otherwise have been deducted from the [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) for that period.
  - (3) **Deposits not required when participant on active duty.—** Paragraphs [(1)](#d-1) and [(2)](#d-2) do not apply to a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) with respect to any period when that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) is on [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1) under a call or order to [active duty for a period of more than 30 days](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-2).
- (e) **Deposits Not Required for Certain Participants in CSRS and FERS.—** When a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who has elected to participate in the Plan waives that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) for the purposes of subchapter III of [chapter 83](/usc/5/chptIII/sptG/ch83.md) of title 5 or chapter 84 of such title, that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) shall not be required to make the deposit otherwise required by [subsection (d)](#d) as long as that waiver is in effect unless, in accordance with section [8339(j)](/usc/5/8339.md?p=j) or [8416(a)](/usc/5/8416.md?p=a) of title 5, that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) has notified the Office of Personnel Management that he does not desire a [spouse](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-5) surviving him to receive an annuity under section 8341(b) or 8442(a) of title 5.
- (f) **Refunds of Deductions Not Allowed.—**
  - (1) **General rule.—** A [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) is not entitled to refund of any amount deducted from [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) or combat-related special compensation under this section.
  - (2) **Exceptions.—** [Paragraph (1)](#f-1) does not apply—
    - (A) in the case of a refund authorized by [section 1450(e) of this title](/usc/10/1450.md?p=e); or
    - (B) in case of a deduction made through administrative error.
- (g) **Discontinuation of Participation by Participants Whose Surviving Spouses Will Be Entitled to DIC.—**
  - (1) **Discontinuation.—**
    - (A) **Conditions.—** Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter but subject to paragraphs [(2)](#g-2) and [(3)](#g-3), a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who has elected to participate in the Plan and who is suffering from a service-connected disability rated by the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Veterans Affairs as totally disabling and has suffered from such disability while so rated for a continuous period of 10 or more years (or, if so rated for a lesser period, has suffered from such disability while so rated for a continuous period of not less than 5 years from the date of such [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s last discharge or [release](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) from [active duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=d-1)) may discontinue participation in the Plan by submitting to the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5) a request to discontinue participation in the Plan.
    - (B) **Effective date.—** Participation in the Plan of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who submits a request under [subparagraph (A)](#g-1-A) shall be discontinued effective on the first day of the first month following the month in which the request under [subparagraph (A)](#g-1-A) is received by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5). Effective on such date, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5) shall discontinue the reduction being made in such [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) on account of participation in the Plan or, in the case of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who has been required to make deposits in the Treasury on account of participation in the Plan, such [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) may discontinue making such deposits effective on such date.
    - (C) **Form for request for discontinuation.—** Any request under this paragraph to discontinue participation in the Plan shall be in such form and shall contain such information as the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5) may require by regulation.
  - (2) **Consent of beneficiaries required.—** A [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) described in [paragraph (1)](#g-1) may not discontinue participation in the Plan under such paragraph without the written consent of the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) under the Plan.
  - (3) **Information on plan to be provided by secretary concerned.—**
    - (A) **Information to be provided promptly to participant.—** The [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5) shall furnish promptly to each [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who files a request under [paragraph (1)](#g-1) to discontinue participation in the Plan a written statement of the advantages of participating in the Plan and the possible disadvantages of discontinuing participation.
    - (B) **Right to withdraw discontinuation request.—** A [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) may withdraw a request made under [paragraph (1)](#g-1) if it is withdrawn within 30 days after having been submitted to the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5).
  - (4) **Refund of deductions from retired pay or CRSC.—** Upon the death of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) described in [paragraph (1)](#g-1) who discontinued participation in the Plan in accordance with this subsection, any amount deducted from the [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) or combat-related special compensation of that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) under this section shall be refunded to the [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s [surviving spouse](/usc/10/1447.md?p=9).
  - (5) **Resumption of participation in plan.—**
    - (A) **Conditions for resumption.—** A [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) described in [paragraph (1)](#g-1) who discontinued participation in the Plan may elect to participate again in the Plan if—
      - (i) after having discontinued participation in the Plan the [Secretary](/usc/10/4951.md?p=3) of Veterans Affairs reduces that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s service-connected disability [rating](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) to a [rating](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) of less than total; and
      - (ii) that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) applies to the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5), within such period of time after the reduction in such [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s service-connected disability [rating](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-9) has been made as the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5) may prescribe, to again participate in the Plan and [includes](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-4) in such application such information as the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5) may require.
    - (B) **Effective date of resumed coverage.—** Such [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s participation in the Plan under this paragraph is effective beginning on the first day of the month after the month in which the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5) receives the application for resumption of participation in the Plan.
    - (C) **Resumption of contributions.—** When a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) elects to participate in the Plan under this paragraph, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/2801.md?p=c-5) shall begin making reductions in that [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4), or require such [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) to make deposits in the Treasury under [subsection (d)](#d), as appropriate, effective on the effective date of such participation under [subparagraph (B)](#g-5-B).
- (h) **Increases in Reduction With Increases in Retired Pay.—**
  - (1) **General rule.—** Whenever [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) is increased under [section 1401a of this title](/usc/10/1401a.md) (or any other provision of law), the amount of the reduction to be made under subsection [(a)](#a) or [(b)](#b) in the [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) of any [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) shall be increased at the same time and by the same percentage as such [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) is so increased.
  - (2) **Coordination when payment of increase in retired pay is delayed by law.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** Notwithstanding [paragraph (1)](#h-1), when the initial payment of an increase in [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under [section 1401a of this title](/usc/10/1401a.md) (or any other provision of law) to a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) is for a month that begins later than the effective date of that increase by reason of the application of [subsection (b)(2)(B)](/usc/10/1401a.md?p=b-2-B) of such section (or section 631(b) of Public Law 104–106 (110 Stat. 364)), then the amount of the reduction in the [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) shall be effective on the date of that initial payment of the increase in [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) rather than the effective date of the increase in [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4).
    - (B) **Delay not to affect computation of annuity.—** [Subparagraph (A)](#h-2-A) may not be construed as delaying, for purposes of determining the amount of a monthly annuity under [section 1451 of this title](/usc/10/1451.md), the effective date of an increase in a [base amount](/usc/10/1447.md?p=6) under [subsection (h)](/usc/10/1451.md?p=h) of such section from the effective date of an increase in [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under [section 1401a of this title](/usc/10/1401a.md) to the date on which the initial payment of that increase in [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) is made in accordance with [subsection (b)(2)(B)](/usc/10/1401a.md?p=b-2-B) of such section.
- (i) **Recomputation of Reduction Upon Recomputation of Retired Pay.—** Whenever the [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) of a [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2) who first became a member of a uniformed service on or after August 1, 1986, and who is a participant in the Plan is recomputed under [section 1410 of this title](/usc/10/1410.md) upon the [person](/usc/10/2700.md?p=2)’s becoming 62 years of age, the amount of the reduction in such [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under this section shall be recomputed (effective on the effective date of the recomputation of such [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under [section 1410 of this title](/usc/10/1410.md)) so as to be the amount equal to the amount of such reduction that would be in effect on that date if increases in such [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under [section 1401a(b) of this title](/usc/10/1401a.md?p=b), and increases in reductions in such [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) under [subsection (h)](#h), had been computed as provided in paragraph (2) of [section 1401a(b) of this title](/usc/10/1401a.md?p=b) (rather than under [paragraph (3)](/usc/10/1401a.md?p=b-3) of that section).
- (j) **Coverage Paid Up at 30 Years and Age 70.—** Effective October 1, 2008, no reduction may be made under this section in the [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) of a participant in the Plan for any month after the later of—
  - (1) the 360th month for which the participant’s [retired pay](/usc/10/1447.md?p=4) is reduced under this section; and
  - (2) the month during which the participant attains 70 years of age.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 92–425, § 1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 710; amended Pub. L. 94–496, § 1(4), (5), Oct. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 2375; Pub. L. 95–397, title II, § 205, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 847; Pub. L. 96–402, § 4, Oct. 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 1706; Pub. L. 97–22, § 11(a)(3), (5), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 137; Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §§ 714(a), 719(7), (8), 723(b)(2), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 672, 675–677; Pub. L. 99–348, title III, § 301(a)(3), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 702; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title XIII, § 1343(a)(8)(E), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3992; Pub. L. 100–224, § 3(b), Dec. 30, 1987, 101 Stat. 1537; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §§ 1402(a)–(c), 1407(a)(9), title XVI, § 1621(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1577, 1578, 1589, 1602; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, § 1484(l)(4)(C)(ii), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1720; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VI, § 637(a), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2790; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §§ 634, 635(a), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2572, 2579; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, § 1073(a)(29), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VI, § 641, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2045; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, § 643(a)(2), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 663; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, § 643(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2260; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VI, § 641(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1782; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VI, § 643(a), (b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2165, 2166; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, § 622(b), title X, § 1081(a)(26), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1428, 1595.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Section 631(b) of Public Law 104–106 (110 Stat. 364), referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(A), was set out as a note under section 1401a of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, § 631(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2549.

### Amendments

2017—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, § 622(b)(1), inserted “, other than retired pay received as a lump sum under section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title,” after “the retired pay” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, § 622(b)(2), inserted “, other than retired pay received as a lump sum under section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title,” after “The retired pay”.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1081(a)(26), substituted “section 1450(a)(5)” for “section 1450(a)(4)” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 115–91, § 622(b)(3)(A), inserted “, other than retired pay received as a lump sum under section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title,” after “The retired pay” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1081(a)(26), substituted “section 1450(a)(5)” for “section 1450(a)(4)”.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 115–91, § 622(b)(3)(B), inserted “or 1415(b)(1)(B)” after “section 1409(b)(2)”.

2016—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, § 643(b)(1)(A), inserted “or Not Sufficient” after “Not Paid” in heading.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, § 643(b)(1)(B), inserted before period at end “, except to the extent that the required deduction is made pursuant to paragraph (2)”.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, § 643(a)(2), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, § 643(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), redesignated par. (2) as (3) and substituted “Paragraphs (1) and (2) do not” for “Paragraph (1) does not”.

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, § 643(b)(2), inserted “or combat-related special compensation” after “from retired pay”.

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 114–328, § 643(b)(3), inserted “or CRSC” after “retired pay” in heading and “or combat-related special compensation” after “from the retired pay” in text.

2013—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–239 inserted in heading “and FERS” after “CSRS” and inserted in text “or chapter 84 of such title” after “chapter 83 of title 5”, “or 8416(a)” after “8339(j)”, and “or 8442(a)” after “8341(b)”.

2006—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 109–364 added par. (5).

1999—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted “Whenever the retired pay” for “When the retired pay”.

1998—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–261 added subsec. (j).

1997—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 105–85, § 1073(a)(29)(A), substituted “provided” for “providing” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–85, § 1073(a)(29)(B), substituted “section 8339(j)” for “section 8339(i)” and “section 8341(b)” for “section 8331(b)”.

1996—Pub. L. 104–201, § 634, amended section generally, revising and restating provisions relating to reductions in retired pay.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 104–201, § 635(a), added par. (2).

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–337 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: “The retired pay of a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies who has a dependent child but does not have an eligible spouse or former spouse, or who has a spouse or former spouse but has elected to provide an annuity for dependent children only, shall, as long as he has an eligible dependent child, be reduced by an amount prescribed under regulations of the Secretary of Defense.”

1990—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–510 made clarifying amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 101–189, § 1407(a)(9), see 1989 Amendment note below.

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–189, § 1402(a), inserted heading.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–189, § 1402(a), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “Except as provided in subsection (b), the retired pay of a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies who has a spouse or former spouse, or who has a spouse or former spouse and a dependent child, and who has not elected to provide an annuity to a person designated by him under section 1450(a)(4) of this title, or who had elected to provide such an annuity to such a person but has changed his election in favor of his spouse under section 1450(f) of this title, shall be reduced each month—

“(A) by an amount equal to 2½ percent of the first $300 (as adjusted from time to time under paragraph (4)) of the base amount plus 10 percent of the remainder of the base amount, if the person is providing a standard annuity; or

“(B) by an amount prescribed under regulations of the Secretary of Defense, if the person is providing a reserve-component annuity.”

Subsec. (a)(4)(A), (B). Pub. L. 101–189, § 1402(c), substituted “amounts under paragraph (1)” for “amount under paragraph (1)(A)”.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 101–189, § 1402(b), added par. (5).

Subsec. (g)(1), (5). Pub. L. 101–189, § 1621(a)(1), substituted “Department of Veterans Affairs” for “Veterans’ Administration”.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–189, § 1407(a)(9), as amended by Pub. L. 101–510, inserted “(or any other provision of law)” after “Whenever retired pay is increased under section 1401a of this title” and substituted “such retired pay is so increased” for “such retired pay is increased under section 1401a of this title”.

1987—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–224 added subsec. (i).

1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–348 inserted provision that computation of a member’s retired pay for purposes of this subsection be made without regard to any reduction under section 1409(b)(2) of this title.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–661 struck out “and retainer” after “Whenever retired”.

1985—Pub. L. 99–145, § 719(8)(B), struck out “or retainer” after “retired” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–145, § 714(a)(1), (2), designated existing first sentence of subsec. (a) as par. (1); redesignated cl. (1) as (A), inserting “(as adjusted from time to time under paragraph (4))” after “$300” and substituting “a standard annuity” for “an annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(A) of this title”; and redesignated cl. (2) as (B), substituting “a reserve-component annuity” for “an annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(B)”.

Pub. L. 99–145, § 719(8)(A), substituted “retired pay” for “retired or retainer pay”.

Pub. L. 99–145, § 723(b)(2)(1), inserted “or former spouse” after first two references to “spouse”.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 99–145, § 714(a)(3), designated existing second sentence of subsec. (a) as par. (2), and substituted “If there is a dependent child as well as a spouse or former spouse, the amount prescribed under paragraph (1)” for “As long as there is an eligible spouse and a dependent child, that amount”.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–145, § 714(a)(4), designated existing third sentence of subsec. (a) as par. (3), substituted “paragraph (1)” for “the first sentence of this subsection”, and inserted “or former spouse” after “eligible spouse”.

Pub. L. 99–145, § 719(8)(A), substituted “retired pay” for “retired or retainer pay”.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 99–145, § 714(a)(5), added par. (4).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–145, § 723(b)(2)(2), inserted “or former spouse” after “spouse” in two places.

Pub. L. 99–145, § 719(8)(A), substituted “retired pay” for “retired or retainer pay”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–145, § 719(7), (8)(A), substituted “retired pay” for “retired or retainer pay” in three places, and substituted “a standard annuity” for “the annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(A) of this title” in cl. (1), “a reserve-component annuity” for “the annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(B) of this title” in cl. (2), and “this subsection” for “this section” in third sentence.

Subsecs. (d) to (h). Pub. L. 99–145, § 719(8)(A), substituted “retired pay” for “retired or retainer pay” wherever appearing.

1981—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–22, § 11(a)(3), substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “Civil Service Commission”.

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 97–22, § 11(a)(5), substituted “this section” for “section 1452 of this title”.

1980—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 96–402, added subsecs. (g) and (h).

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–397, § 205(a), substituted pars. (1) and (2) for “by an amount equal to 2½ percent of the first $300 of the base amount plus 10 percent of the remainder of the base amount” after “shall be reduced each month”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–397, § 205(b), substituted pars. (1) and (2) for “by 10 percent plus 5 percent for each full 5 years the individual designated is younger than that person. However, the total reduction may not exceed 40 percent. The reduction in retired or retainer pay prescribed by this subsection shall continue during the lifetime of the person designated under section 1450(a)(4) of this title or until the person receiving retired or retainer pay changes his election under section 1450(f)”, and inserted provision following par. (2) that the total reduction under clause (1) may not exceed 40 percent, and that the reduction in retired or retainer pay shall continue during the lifetime of the person designated under section 1450(a)(4) of this title or until the person changes his election under section 1450(f) of this title.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–496, § 1(4), (5)(A), substituted “Except as provided in subsection (b), the retired or retainer pay” for “The retired or retainer pay”, “(a)(4)” for “(a)(3)”, and inserted provision prohibiting a reduction in retired or retainer pay during any month in which there is no eligible spouse beneficiary.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–496, § 1(5)(B), inserted “or who has a spouse but has elected to provide an annuity for dependent children only,” after “spouse,”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–496, § 1(4), (5)(C), substituted “(a)(4)” for “(a)(3)”, and inserted provision directing that reduction in retired or retainer pay continue during the lifetime of a beneficiary designated under section 1450(a)(4) of this title or until such person change his election pursuant to section 1450(f) of this title.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–239 applicable with respect to any participant electing an annuity for survivors under chapter 84 of Title 5, United States Code, on or after Jan. 2, 2013, see section 641(c) of Pub. L. 112–239, set out as a note under section 1450 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–65 effective Oct. 1, 1999, see section 644 of Pub. L. 106–65, set out as a note under section 1401a of this title.

### Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, § 635(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2579, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to retired pay payable for months beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1996].”

### Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VI, § 637(b), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2790, provided that: Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] applies to any election for child-only coverage under a reserve-component annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan, whether made before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994]. Paragraph (1) does not apply in a case of an election referred to in that paragraph that was made before the date of the enactment of this Act if the participant was informed, in writing, before the date of the enactment of this Act that no reduction in the participant’s retired pay for child-only coverage would be made during a period when there was no eligible dependent child.”

### Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, § 1484(l)(4)(C), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1720, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Nov. 29, 1989.

### Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, § 714(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 673, provided that: “The amendments made by clause (5) of subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to persons who first participate in the Plan on or after the effective date of this title [see note below].”

Amendment by title VII of Pub. L. 99–145 effective Mar. 1, 1986, except as otherwise provided, with prohibition against accrual of benefits to any person by reason of the enactment of such title VII for any period before Mar. 1, 1986, see section 731 of Pub. L. 99–145, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–402 effective Dec. 1, 1980, applicable to annuities payable for months beginning on or after such date, and prohibiting accrual of benefits for any period before Oct. 9, 1980, see section 7 of Pub. L. 96–402, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–397 effective Oct. 1, 1978, and applicable to annuities payable by virtue of amendment for months beginning on or after such date, see section 210 of Pub. L. 95–397, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–496 effective Sept. 11, 1972, see section 3 of Pub. L. 94–496, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.

### Recomputation of SBP Premium for Current Participants

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, § 1402(d), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1578, provided that: Recomputation.—The Secretary concerned shall recompute the SBP premium of persons described in paragraph (2). Any such recomputation shall take effect on March 1, 1990. Persons covered.—A person referred to in paragraph (1) as described in this paragraph is a person who on March 1, 1990— is entitled to retired pay; is providing spouse coverage (as described in paragraph (5) of section 1452[(a)] of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (b)); and is subject to an SBP premium in excess of 6½ percent of the base amount of that person under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Amount of recomputed premium.—The amount of an SBP premium recomputed under this subsection shall be 6½ percent of the base amount under the Survivor Benefit Plan of the person whose premium is recomputed. SBP premium defined.—For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘SBP premium’ means a reduction in retired pay under section 1452 of title 10, United States Code.”