Opting In To The Blended Retirement System – Step By Step Instructions

Hey everybody, I wasn’t expecting to put out another Blended Retirement System post this year, but then…

Maj Odle (who helped me with the Q&A about BRS) sent me this today. This is the hot topic right now as everybody starts to think about the actual process of opting in to the Blended Retirement System. Remember, opt in starts on January 1st, 2018 at 0001 EST!

If you don’t plan to opt in to the BRS, no action is required. Just go about your business throughout 2018…but make sure you are really sure. An incredibly thorough listing of BRS resources can be found on Kate Horrell’s site.

If you are going to be opting in to the Blended Retirement System, here are the steps you’ll be following.

MyPay

If you are in the Army, Navy or Air Force, you visit DFAS MyPay.

1. Visit https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx. You can then login using either your Common Access Card or your Login ID and password.
2. Under the main menu, select Blended Retirement System Opt-In.
3. The system will walk you through the opt-in process. You’ll confirm you’ve taken the mandatory BRS Opt-In training and certify you understand the opt-in election decision cannot be reversed, even if you change your mind before the Dec. 31, 2018 deadline. Finally, you’ll need to verify your date of birth and mailing address for the TSP.
4. After making your opt-in decision, don’t forget to review your TSP election options. To review your current TSP elections go back to the main menu and select Traditional TSP and Roth TSP.
5. That’s it! You’ll receive a confirmation email from DFAS SmartDocs to your email on file. Your opt-in decision will be reflected in 3-7 business days and on your next Leave and Earning Statement.

Marine Online

For the Marine Corps, you will opt-in via Marine Online.

1. Visit https://www.mol.usmc.mil (note: I could not get this website to work on my home computer. YMMV. I assume Marines know better than I how to use their own system). Login using your Common Access Card. If you’re relatively new to the Marine Corps or you haven’t registered your CAC on MOL before, you’ll see a set up screen. Complete the requested information to set up your CAC for MOL.
2. Under the MOL home menu, select Personal Info and click Blended Retirement System/Thrift Savings Plan, under the Personal Reports section.
3. You’ll need to have taken the mandatory BRS opt-in training – MOL will automatically validate that you have completed the training.  If you have not, you will receive a message directing you to MarineNet to complete the mandatory BRS opt-in training. Once training is complete and updated in the Marine Corps Total Force System, you’ll need to return to MOL to complete the opt-in process.
4. Next, you’ll need to certify that you understand the opt-in election decision is irreversible, even if you change your mind before the Dec. 31, 2018 deadline. You’ll then need to establish or verify your mailing address for the TSP. Finally, you’ll be able to review your current TSP contributions.
5. That’s it! You’ll receive a confirmation from MOL that your election decision has been submitted. Your opt-in decision will be reflected in 3-7 business days and on your next Leave and Earning Statement.

Direct Access

For the Coast Guard and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, you’ll use Direct Access.

1. Visit https://portal.direct-access.us/. You can login using your User ID and Password.
2. Under the main menu, click on “Tasks” in the “Employee” pagelet.  In the “Tasks” folder, select “My BRS Elections.”
3. Now the system will ask you three questions, which you must positively affirm before you can proceed with enrollment. You’ll confirm you’ve taken the mandatory BRS Opt-In Training, certify you understand the opt-in election decision cannot be reversed, and finally certify your opt-in election date.
4. After making your opt-in decision, don’t forget to review your TSP election options. To review your current TSP elections go back to the main menu and select Thrift Savings Plan.
5. That’s it! You’ll receive a confirmation email from Direct Access to your email on file. Your opt-in decision will be reflected in 3-7 business days and on your next Leave and Earning Statement.

Once again – Thanks Maj Odle!

If you have any questions or just want to see my full series on the BRS, you can visit my Blended Retirement System page.