The Military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) is a critical financial document for service members. Understanding how to read and interpret your LES can help you track your
income, benefits, and deductions while ensuring your finances are on track. Here, we break down the essential components of the LES to empower you to make informed financial decisions.
What Is an LES?
The LES is a monthly statement that provides a comprehensive snapshot of a service member’s pay, allowances, deductions, leave balances, and entitlements. It’s issued by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and serves as your primary record of military earnings.
Key Sections of the LES
1. Identification Information
This section includes:
Name
Social Security Number (SSN)
Rank/Grade
Pay Date (the date you entered service)
Years of Service
2. Entitlements
This part lists all your earnings before deductions. Common entitlements include:
Basic Pay: Your base salary based on rank and years of service.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): Helps cover housing costs if you live off-base.
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): Provides for meals.
Special Pay: For specific duties, such as hazardous duty or flight pay.
3. Deductions
Taxes: Federal, state, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).
Allotments: Voluntary deductions like savings plans or loan repayments.
Garnishments: Court-ordered deductions, if applicable.
4. Allotments
This is where voluntary deductions, such as contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) or other personal savings, are detailed.
5. Summary
This area provides a summary of your total entitlements, deductions, and the amount of pay you’ll receive (net pay).
6. Leave Information
Track your:
Accrued Leave: Total leave earned.
Leave Used: Total leave taken.
Leave Balance: Available leave.
7. Remarks
This section contains important notes from DFAS, including adjustments to pay, upcoming changes, or reminders.
How to Use Your LES for Financial Planning
Track Income: Ensure your entitlements match your rank and duty assignments.
Verify Deductions: Regularly check for errors in tax withholdings or allotments.
Monitor Leave Balance: Plan vacations or time off strategically.
Budgeting: Use your LES to calculate monthly income for expenses and savings.
Helpful Resources
DFAS Website – Access detailed guides and support, including Understanding Your LES and Pay Charts. – Access detailed guides and support.
Your unit’s finance office – For on-the-spot assistance.
Military OneSource – For free financial counseling and tools, such as the LES Financial Planner.
FAQs About the LES
Q: How often should I review my LES? A: Review your LES monthly to ensure accuracy and stay informed about your finances.
Q: What should I do if I find an error on my LES? A: Report it to your finance office or DFAS immediately for correction.
Q: Can I access my LES online? A: Yes, through the myPay system on the DFAS myPay portal.
Conclusion
Understanding your LES is essential for managing your military finances effectively. By staying informed, you can catch errors, budget wisely, and maximize your pay and benefits. Use this guide as a reference, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Take control of your financial future—starting with your LES!
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