Retired Guardsmen and Reservists who have completed their 20 years but are not old enough to collect their retired pay are considered to be in a "Gray Area." This table shows your "gray area" benefits compared to the "full" (active duty retiree) benefits which you and your family will begin to receive or be eligible for upon receipt or retired pay.
SPECIAL NOTE: Ensure that your branch always has your current address so they can mail you your application for retiree pay when you become eligible.
|
Your Benefits |
Gray Area Retiree & Dependents Not recieving Retiree Pay |
Retiree/Dependents Receiving Retiree Pay |
| Military ID Cards | Retiree/Dependents: Get new ID cards & enroll in DEERS upon retirement | Must get new ID cards & ensure enrollment in DEERS |
| Access to Military Installations | Yes (Local policies/ in-country rules will govern access to facilities) |
Yes (Local policies/ in-country rules will govern access to facilities |
| Exchange/PX/BX/Shopettes | Yes (same restrictions as above) | Yes (same restrictions as above) |
| Commissary | Yes (same restrictions as above) | Yes (same restrictions as above) |
| Medical Facilities | No | Yes - when available |
| TRICARE Health Insurance Plans or US Family Health Plan | May use TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) until age 60 when they can use TRICARE or US Family Health Plan. Must be enrolled in DEERS. | Note: at 65 TRICARE becomes TRICARE for Life (must purchase Medicare Part B). Some children eligible for TRICARE Young Adult Program. Must be enrolled in DEERS. |
| TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) | Yes. Must pay premiums. | Yes. Must pay premiums. |
| Base Service Stations: (no Gas coupons OCONUS for retirees) | Yes. Local post policies and in-country directives will govern access to facilities overseas. |
Yes. Local post policies and in-country directives will govern access to facilities overseas |
| DFAS MyPay Website | No log-on provided | Yes |
| Lodging: Available Space on "first come-first served" basis. | Yes | Yes |
| MWR: Gyms, pools, theatres, clubs, library, rentals, camping - as available | Yes | Yes |
| Base Medical Facilities | No | Yes - when available |
| Space-A Travel on Military Aircraft |
Retiree - Yes; limited to CONUS Dependents - No |
Retiree must accompany spuse & dependents CONUS and OCONUS |
| Base Family Services | Yes | Yes |
| SATO | Yes | Yes |
| Base Legal Office Assistance | None | Yes |
| Survivor Assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Casualty Assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Vets Group Life Insurance | Yes, if eligible and requested | Yes, if eligible and requested |
| VA Eligbility | Most need DD214, see VA rep | Most need DD214, see VA rep |
| State Veterans Benefits | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Veterans Burial Benefits | Retiree/Spouse: Yes. Children: see VA | Reitree/Spouse: Yes. Children: see VA. |
