# MilPayTools

> MilPayTools (milpaytools.com) provides free military financial calculators and guides for active-duty service members and veterans. All calculator data is sourced from official DoD, DFAS, DTMO, and VA publications.

## Calculators

- [All Calculators](https://milpaytools.com/calculators): Hub page listing all free military financial calculators with descriptions and features.

- [Education Benefits Comparison Calculator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/education): Compares Post-9/11 GI Bill (Ch. 33), VR&E (Ch. 31), Tuition Assistance, and Montgomery GI Bill side by side. Shows total program value by school ZIP code (GI Bill MHA = E-5 with-dependents BAH), eligibility tier (40%–100%), school type (public/private/online), and program length. Surfaces sequencing strategy (TA while serving, GI Bill after separation) and VR&E no-cap tuition advantage for veterans with 10%+ disability rating.

- [Duty Station Comparison Calculator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/compare): Compares total compensation between two CONUS duty stations side by side. Inputs: pay grade, years of service, dependency status, and two duty station ZIP codes. Outputs: BAH at each location (2026 DTMO data), CONUS COLA eligibility, estimated state income tax (9 no-tax states: AK/FL/NV/NH/SD/TN/TX/WA/WY; approximate effective rates for others), federal tax estimate (2026 brackets, standard deduction), and monthly/annual take-home difference. Shows verdict ("Location B pays $X more per month") and state tax narrative when one location has no income tax. Pre-loaded with Fort Liberty NC (28310) vs JBLM WA (98433) as default. CONUS only — OCONUS not supported.

- [CONUS COLA Calculator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/cola): Checks whether a duty station ZIP code qualifies for Continental U.S. Cost of Living Allowance (CONUS COLA) and shows approximate monthly rates by pay grade and dependency status. Covers FY2026 qualifying locations: California (Bay Area, Monterey, LA, San Diego, Orange County, Ventura, Santa Barbara), Washington state (Seattle/Puget Sound — NEW in 2026), New York (NYC — rate reduced 8%→4%, Long Island, Westchester), Connecticut (Fairfield County, New Haven, Groton), New Jersey (northern NJ), and the National Capital Region (DC/VA/MD). Note: Greater Boston and Cape Cod lost eligibility in 2026. Rates are approximate — links to DTMO for official grade-specific amounts. CONUS COLA is taxable, unlike BAH/BAS.

- [Total Military Compensation Calculator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/total-compensation): Calculates total military compensation including base pay, BAH, BAS, tax advantages, BRS matching, and civilian salary equivalent. Uses 2026 DoD pay tables and DTMO BAH data for all 40,959 U.S. ZIP codes.

- [BAH Calculator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/bah): Looks up 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing rates by ZIP code, pay grade, and dependency status. Covers all 40,959 ZIP codes across 299 military housing areas. Includes PCS duty station comparison mode.

- [VA Disability Rating Calculator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/va-disability): Calculates combined VA disability rating using the official whole-person formula (38 CFR § 4.25) with automatic bilateral factor (38 CFR § 4.26). Shows step-by-step math breakdown and 2026 compensation estimates.

- [TSP Growth Projector](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/tsp): Projects Thrift Savings Plan balance growth with BRS matching, fund allocation across G/F/C/S/I funds, Roth vs Traditional comparison, and retirement income estimates using 2026 contribution limits.

- [Military Retirement Calculator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/retirement): Estimates military pension under High-3 (Legacy) and BRS (Blended Retirement System) using 2026 DFAS pay tables. Shows pension multiplier math, High-3 average calculation, lifetime pension value with 2.5% COLA, TSP balance projection with BRS matching, CRDP eligibility (50%+ VA rating + 20 years), civilian salary equivalent, and stay-vs-go lifetime value analysis.

- [Guard & Reserve Pay Calculator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/guard-reserve): Estimates total annual Guard/Reserve compensation using 2026 DFAS pay tables. Calculates drill pay by MUTA (4/6/8 periods per weekend), Annual Training pay, additional duty pay (RMPs, AFTPs, ADOS), Tricare Reserve Select healthcare savings vs. civilian insurance (KFF 2025 comparison), and BRS government TSP matching during active duty periods only. Shows per-weekend value and effective hourly rate across all hours of service.

- [PCS Cost Estimator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/pcs): Estimates total PCS move entitlements using 2026 DTMO rates. Calculates DLA (by rank and dependency status), MALT mileage ($0.205/mile × POVs), per diem (JTR travel day formula with first/last day 75% rule), TLE (up to 14 days), and PPM/DITY profit (government cost estimate minus expenses, after-tax at ~22%). Compares government move vs. PPM/DITY move totals side by side. Covers all ranks E-1 through O-10.

- [Deployment Pay Calculator](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/deployment): Models deployment compensation in three phases — before, during, and tour total. Inputs: pay grade, years of service, dependency status, home station ZIP, deployment months, combat zone designation, HFP/IDP eligibility, Hardship Duty Pay tier ($0/$50/$100/$150), FSA eligibility, TSP contribution %, and SDP deposit amount. Outputs: Combat Zone Tax Exclusion savings (enlisted/WO: all pay excluded → $0 federal tax; officers: capped at ~$10,520/month), HFP/IDP ($225/month), HDP (capped at $100 if also receiving HFP), FSA ($300/month), SDP interest (deposit × 10% × months/12), TSP contribution total (capped at $72,000 combat zone limit vs. $24,500 normal), and total tour financial benefit. Uses 2026 DoD rates (37 U.S.C. § 310/305/427), 26 U.S.C. § 112 CZTE, 10 U.S.C. § 1035 SDP, and IRC § 415(c) TSP limit.

- [2026 Military Pay Charts](https://milpaytools.com/calculators/pay-charts): Complete 2026 DFAS basic pay tables for all ranks and years of service. Includes quick lookup (select grade + YOS, see rate instantly), monthly/annual toggle, and three tables: Enlisted (E-1–E-9), Warrant Officers (W-1–W-5), and Officers (O-1–O-10, including O-1E/O-2E/O-3E prior-enlisted rates). 3.8% pay raise effective January 1, 2026. Source: DFAS Military Pay Charts.

## Blog

- [How Much Does an E-5 Really Make in 2026?](https://milpaytools.com/blog/how-much-does-an-e5-really-make-2026): Complete E-5 compensation breakdown including base pay ($3,946.80/month), BAH by location, BAS, tax advantages, and civilian salary equivalent.

- [VA Disability Math Explained](https://milpaytools.com/blog/va-disability-math-explained): Step-by-step explanation of VA combined rating formula with examples showing why 50% + 30% = 70% (not 80%), bilateral factor, and 2026 compensation rates.

- [2026 BAH Rates Complete Guide](https://milpaytools.com/blog/bah-rates-2026-complete-guide): Comprehensive guide to 2026 BAH rates including rates for 10 major installations, highest/lowest areas, rate protection rules, and PCS comparison guidance.

- [BRS vs High-3: Which Military Retirement System Is Better?](https://milpaytools.com/blog/brs-vs-high-3-retirement): Side-by-side comparison of BRS and legacy High-3 retirement, with pension math for E-7 at 20 years, TSP matching value, continuation pay, and break-even analysis.

- [The Roth TSP Advantage Nobody Explains to Junior Enlisted](https://milpaytools.com/blog/roth-tsp-advantage-junior-enlisted): Why the Roth TSP is the optimal choice for junior enlisted, including combat zone triple tax advantage and long-term compounding math.

- [What Civilian Salary Do I Need After the Military?](https://milpaytools.com/blog/what-civilian-salary-do-i-need): Step-by-step comparison of military total compensation to civilian salary equivalents by rank, including healthcare replacement and tax-free allowance grossup.

- [File for VA Disability Before You Separate](https://milpaytools.com/blog/file-va-disability-before-separation): How the BDD program works, why filing on active duty produces better outcomes, and the lifetime value of VA disability compensation.

- [Military Tax Advantages Most Service Members Miss](https://milpaytools.com/blog/military-tax-advantages): BAH/BAS exclusions, combat zone tax exclusion, Roth TSP deployment triple advantage, state domicile strategy, and EITC eligibility for junior enlisted.

- [Post-9/11 GI Bill Explained: What It's Actually Worth in 2026](https://milpaytools.com/blog/post-911-gi-bill-explained-2026): Complete breakdown of GI Bill Chapter 33 — tuition coverage (100% in-state public, $30,908.34/year private cap), monthly housing allowance by ZIP code, books stipend, eligibility tiers by service length, Forever GI Bill expiration rules, and transfer-to-dependents requirements.

- [GI Bill vs Tuition Assistance: Which to Use First](https://milpaytools.com/blog/gi-bill-vs-tuition-assistance): Strategic guide to sequencing TA and GI Bill — why using GI Bill on active duty wastes the $83,000+ housing allowance, TA limits ($250/credit, $4,500/year), and how to preserve GI Bill months for post-separation use.

- [GI Bill Housing Allowance: Why Your School's ZIP Code Matters More Than Tuition](https://milpaytools.com/blog/gi-bill-housing-allowance-zip-code): GI Bill MHA equals E-5 with-dependents BAH at the school's ZIP code — ranging from $1,100/month in rural areas to $5,000+/month in high-cost cities. Covers hybrid enrollment rules, August 1 update cycle, and part-time proration.

- [VR&E (Chapter 31) vs GI Bill: The Benefit Most Veterans Don't Know About](https://milpaytools.com/blog/vre-chapter-31-vs-gi-bill): Veteran Readiness and Employment covers unlimited tuition, full books/equipment, and matching housing allowance — without depleting GI Bill months. Eligibility requires 10%+ VA rating and employment barrier. Includes 48-month combined ceiling and application process.

- [Should I Stay to 20 Years? The Financial Math Behind the Biggest Military Career Decision](https://milpaytools.com/blog/should-i-stay-to-20-years-military): Full financial analysis of the stay-vs-separate decision — E-7 pension math ($3,059/month High-3, $2,447/month BRS), $2M+ lifetime pension value, zero partial vesting under High-3, healthcare replacement costs ($15,000–$25,000/year), and marginal value of years beyond 20.

- [How BAH Builds Wealth (If You Don't Waste It on Rent)](https://milpaytools.com/blog/how-bah-builds-wealth): How the BAH surplus gap — the difference between your housing allowance and your actual housing cost — creates a tax-free wealth-building opportunity. Covers BAH arbitrage, VA loan math for moderate-cost markets, the Fort Liberty E-6 example (BAH $2,100, estimated mortgage ~$1,600, positive monthly cash flow), and the PCS-to-rental-property strategy.

- [PCS Financial Planning: Month-by-Month Guide](https://milpaytools.com/blog/pcs-financial-planning-guide): Month-by-month PCS financial checklist from orders drop through final voucher settlement. Covers DLA, MALT mileage (DTOD distance vs. GPS), per diem JTR calculation, TLE (14-day max, receipts required), PPM/DITY advance and settlement, VA loan pre-approval timeline (start 6 months out), and the common mistakes that leave $1,000–$5,000 on the table.

- [Dual Military Financial Strategies: Making Two Incomes Work](https://milpaytools.com/blog/dual-military-financial-strategies): Financial mechanics for dual-active-duty couples — BAH co-location rules (senior with-dependents + junior without-dependents when co-located, vs. both with-dependents rates when geographically separated), two TSP accounts ($46,000 combined annual limit in 2026), two pensions (O-5 + E-8 example: $94,200/year combined at 20 years each), childcare cost impact ($2,000–$5,000/month off-CDC), and joint-spouse assignment request (JSAR) financial implications.

- [The OCONUS COLA Trap: Why Overseas Allowances Hurt Some Military Families](https://milpaytools.com/blog/oconus-cola-trap): How OCONUS COLA (designed as a cost-of-living equalizer, not a bonus) becomes lifestyle inflation when service members spend it instead of saving it. Covers Yokosuka E-6 example ($700–$900/month COLA, $25,000–$32,400 over 3-year tour), three spend/save scenarios with 20-year compound growth, Roth TSP as the optimal COLA savings vehicle, and the same pattern for CONUS COLA in high-cost markets.

- [Best and Worst BAH Duty Stations in 2026](https://milpaytools.com/blog/best-worst-bah-duty-stations-2026): Ranked analysis of BAH value by duty station — highest raw rates (San Francisco $5,127, NYC $5,070, Honolulu $3,663), lowest raw rates (Fort Leonard Wood $1,326, Fort Sill $1,479), and best-value markets by BAH surplus over actual housing costs (Fort Leonard Wood ~$476/month surplus, Fort Sill ~$529/month). Covers BAH rate protection rules and how to compare two duty stations for take-home pay.

- [Deployment Financial Planning: How to Bank $40,000+ on a Combat Tour](https://milpaytools.com/blog/deployment-financial-planning): Systematic plan for maximizing the combat zone financial window — CZTE mechanics (enlisted: all pay excluded; officers: capped at E-9 max), Roth TSP triple tax advantage during CZTE months (tax-free contribution + tax-free growth + tax-free withdrawal), elevated TSP limit ($72,000 total additions vs. normal $24,500 elective deferral limit), Savings Deposit Program (10% guaranteed return on $10,000), Imminent Danger Pay ($225/month), and a full E-6 9-month tour model ($35,000–$50,000 realistic savings outcome).

- [2026 Military Pay Raise Explained: What 3.8% Actually Means for Your Paycheck](https://milpaytools.com/blog/2026-military-pay-raise-explained): Breaks down the FY2026 3.8% pay raise (authorized Dec 18, 2025) in real dollar terms by grade — E-1 +$88/mo, E-5 +$150/mo, E-7 +$214/mo, O-3 +$283/mo, O-5 +$392/mo. Covers BAH increase (~4.2%), BAS increase (2.4%), DLA increase (3.8%), Family Separation Allowance increase to $300/month (first increase since 2002), historical context (5.2% in 2024, 4.5% in 2025, 3.8% in 2026), and what didn't change (TSP limits, SGLI rates). Uses exact FY2026 DFAS pay table figures throughout.

- [Military Credit Card Benefits: SCRA and MLA Fee Waivers Most Service Members Don't Know About](https://milpaytools.com/blog/military-credit-card-scra-mla-benefits): Explains SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) 6% interest cap on pre-service debt and how major banks (Chase, Amex, Citi, Capital One) voluntarily waive annual fees on premium cards worth $550–$695/year. MLA (Military Lending Act) caps MAPR at 36% for accounts opened during service. Covers how to claim benefits (call military benefits department, provide orders/LES), common mistakes (not knowing you qualify, canceling before separation, forgetting spouse applies independently), and separation timing strategy. Estimated household value: $2,400–$6,000+/year with $0 in fees.

- [TRICARE Costs in 2026: What You're Actually Paying vs. Civilian Health Insurance](https://milpaytools.com/blog/tricare-costs-2026-vs-civilian): Active-duty TRICARE Prime costs $0 (no premiums, no deductibles at MTFs). Family coverage near-zero vs. civilian family plans at $600–$800/month premiums + $3,000–6,000 deductible. TRICARE Reserve Select: $57.88/month individual, $286.66/month family — saving Guard/Reserve members $14,560–$20,560/year vs. civilian employer plans. Retiree TRICARE and TRICARE For Life analysis. 2026 changes (pharmacy copay increases, TRS premium adjustment ~4–8%). Framework for counting healthcare in civilian job comparisons.

- [How to Read Your Military LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) in 2026](https://milpaytools.com/blog/how-to-read-military-les-2026): Section-by-section guide to the Leave and Earnings Statement — Entitlements (BASEPAY, BAH, BAS, special pays, FSA), Deductions (FITW, FICA, SITW, SGLI, TSP, AFRH), Allotments, Summary, Leave balance (use-or-lose threshold at 60 days), YTD section, and Pay Entry Base Date (PEBD). Covers common errors: wrong dependency status (affects BAH), TSP contribution not set correctly (loses BRS matching), SGLI coverage at wrong level, state tax withholding for wrong state. Combat zone LES differences (FITW drops to zero for enlisted under CZTE).

- [SGLI vs. VGLI vs. Private Life Insurance: What Every Service Member Needs to Know](https://milpaytools.com/blog/sgli-vgli-private-life-insurance): SGLI: $500,000 coverage at $30/month, guaranteed-issue regardless of occupation or health — terminates 120 days after separation. VGLI: guaranteed-issue conversion but premiums escalate every 5 years by age bracket ($43/month at 30–34, $107/month at 40–44, $399/month at 55–59 for $500K coverage). Private 20-year term: $25–35/month for a healthy 30-year-old, fixed rate for the term. Optimal strategy: buy private term 12–24 months before separation while still healthy. Combat zone exception: keep SGLI during deployment — private policies have war exclusion clauses. FSGLI for spouses up to $100,000. VGLI appropriate when health conditions make private underwriting unaffordable.

## Data Sources

- 2026 Military Pay Tables: Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
- 2026 BAH Rates: Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) official ASCII data download
- VA Disability Compensation Rates: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov), effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA)
- TSP Contribution Limits: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and TSP.gov

## About

Built by Dan Stevens — grew up on Air Force bases worldwide as the son of a 20-year Air Force veteran, now an NMLS-licensed mortgage industry professional. All calculators are multi-LLM fact-checked against official government sources.