When Can a Retired National Guard Begin Retirement Pay?

by Tony Guerra, studioD Google

The Army National Guard can trace its origins to the nation's colonial days. Formally established in 1903, the Army National Guard is part of the National Guard of the United States, with units stationed in all 50 states. Members of the Army National Guard receive U.S. Army training, wear Army uniforms and are organized like the active duty and reserve Army. Also like the active and reserve Army, the Army National Guard offers many pay options and benefits, including retirement pay, to qualified soldiers.

National Guard Pay and Benefits

The Army National Guard is an integral part of the U.S. Army. It is controlled by the respective states' governors but can be federalized under the active Army's control. Because the National Guard is part of the Army's force structure, its members receive U.S. military pay and benefits, though at levels reflecting their part-time service. For example, National Guard members can earn military retirement pay, but they may not be able to draw it immediately upon leaving the Guard.

National Guard Retirement Pay

Army National Guard members earn credit toward retirement through drill participation and any active service they had over the years. Retired National Guard members are paid based on rank and years of service at the time of retirement, though their retirement pay is also based on retirement points earned. Additionally, while active duty U.S. military members begin drawing retirement pay on the day they retire, National Guard members don't. Generally, National Guard soldiers can't start drawing retirement pay until they reach age 60.

Guard Retirement Pay Eligibility

If you're an Army National Guard member, you must complete 20 years of qualified service to be eligible for retirement pay when you reach age 60. In the National Guard, a qualifying year for retirement purposes is one in which you earn at least 50 retirement points. National Guard members earn their retirement points mainly through their drill activities. However, though Guard members can earn up to 365 points in a year, they still must serve at least 20 years to qualify for retirement.

National Guard Retirement Benefits

In some cases, National Guard members can qualify to begin receiving retirement pay before age 60 but no earlier than age 50. Also, retiree health benefits are a key part of the total National Guard retirement package. Unfortunately, even if you qualify to begin receiving your National Guard retirement pay before age 60, your retiree health benefits won't kick in until you're actually 60 years old. You can also calculate your estimated National Guard retirement pay at age 60 at the Army HRC website.

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