Yes. Military retirement benefits are not automatic so you must apply for them in order to collect them. See our Military Retirement section for more information.

State Retirement Benefits

State retirement benefits become payable at age 55. Persons eligible for Michigan military retirement benefits should submit their completed application no earlier than three months before their 55th birthday (if no longer a Michigan National Guard member) or their expected discharge date (if they will be 55 or older upon discharge from the Michigan National Guard).

You may apply for state military retirement benefits after reaching age 55, but benefits are not retroactive. If you apply after age 55, your benefits will begin the month following receipt and processing of your application.

Federal Retirement Benefits

Federal retirement benefits become payable at age 60. Persons who qualify should apply for their benefits as follows:

• Application for Retired Pay Benefits (DD Form 108)
• Army--No earlier than 180 days before age 60
• Navy--No earlier than 360 but at least 180 days before age 60
• Marine Corps--No earlier than 120 days before age 60
• Coast Guard--No earlier than 180 days before age 60
• Air Force--Letter of request no earlier than 120 days before age 60

You may apply for federal retired pay after age 60 and your pay will be retroactive but only up to a period of 6 years. Applications made after age 66 will result in retroactive pay being reduced by one day for each day's delay in applying.