RI 20-97 – Military Earnings Request Form (Fillable PDF)

The RI 20-97 is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) form used to request an estimate of your military earnings for retirement credit. Federal employees who have served in the armed forces use this form to ensure their service pay is counted toward their civil service pension.

What Is the RI 20-97 Form?

This official PDF, provided by OPM, captures personal details, service dates, pay grade, and any special pay received. Once completed, the form is sent to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) for calculation.

How to Complete the RI 20-97 Online with Formize

Instead of downloading, printing, and scanning, you can fill out the form directly on our site:

1. Click the "Fill out this form" button below.
2. The Formize PDF Filler app loads the fillable RI 20-97 template.
3. Enter your information in each field (blocks 1‑11).
4. Upload supporting documents such as your DD‑214.
5. Review, e‑sign, and submit the form securely.

Common Mistakes & Tips for a Successful Submission

• Missing DD‑214: The form will be rejected if you don’t attach a copy of your discharge papers.
• Incorrect Service Dates: Double‑check start and end dates; even a one‑day error can delay processing.
• Skipping Optional Fields: Fill in all optional fields when applicable; they help DFAS calculate a more accurate estimate.
• Signature Errors: Both electronic and wet signatures are accepted – make sure the signature field is not left blank.

Supporting Documents You’ll Need

Prepare these items before you start:

• DD‑214 or official military service record
• Pay statements or promotion orders (if available)
• Any previous RI 20‑97 submissions for reference

Where to Send Your Completed Form

After you finish the online fill, the Formize app will give you two options:

• Download a PDF copy to mail to DFAS
• Securely upload the completed form directly to DFAS through the provided portal link

Following these steps ensures your military earnings are counted toward your federal retirement benefits.