Select language

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

  1. Country USA
  2. Language English
  3. Department Office of Personnel Management
  4. Sector Retirement & Insurance Forms
Fill out this form
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.

FAQ
  • Who needs to fill out the RI 20-97 form?

    Any current or former federal employee who served in the U.S. military and wants their service earnings counted toward their civil service retirement credit.

  • Can I use a wet signature on the RI 20-97?

    Yes. Both electronic and wet signatures are accepted. If you print the form, sign it, and mail it, DFAS will process it without issue.

  • What if I don’t have my DD‑214?

    The DD‑214 is required for verification. If it’s lost, request a replacement from the National Archives before submitting the RI 20‑97.

  • How long does DFAS take to calculate my earnings?

    Processing typically takes 2‑4 weeks after receipt of a complete, correctly signed RI 20‑97 with all supporting documents.

  • Is the Formize filler secure?

    Yes. Formize uses SSL encryption and complies with federal data‑privacy standards, ensuring your personal and military information is protected.

  • Do I need to fill out every field?

    All mandatory fields (blocks 1‑11) must be completed. Optional fields should be filled when applicable to improve accuracy.

  • Can I submit the form directly to DFAS from Formize?

    After completing the form, you can either download a PDF to mail or use the secure upload link provided by Formize to send it directly to DFAS.

  • What is the difference between the RI 20‑97 and the RI‑20‑97‑2023 version?

    The content is the same; the year in the file name reflects the most recent revision. All versions are accepted by DFAS as long as they are the official OPM form.

HOW TO

How to fill out RI 20-97 for free, online in 5 easy steps:

  1. 1
    Open the Fillable Form
    Click the "Fill out this form" button on the page. The Formize PDF Filler will load the RI 20-97 template instantly.
  2. 2
    Enter Your Information
    Complete fields 1 through 11 with accurate personal and service details. Use dropdowns and date pickers for consistency.
  3. 3
    Attach Supporting Documents
    Upload your DD‑214 and any pay records using the attachment area. The system validates file types before you proceed.
  4. 4
    Review and Sign
    Double‑check every entry, then add an electronic signature or upload a scanned wet signature as required.
  5. 5
    Submit or Download
    Choose to submit directly to DFAS through the secure portal, or download the completed PDF to mail it yourself.
Formize PDF Filler app
ABOUT

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Forms

RI 20-97 is one of the official forms that are used by the United States Office of Personnel Management, which is an independent agency of the federal government responsible for managing the civil service workforce and federal employee benefits. The OPM establishes policies and regulations related to federal employment, administers various personnel programs, and provides services to federal employees, retirees, and job applicants.

Here are some examples of Office of Personnel Management forms:

Standard Form 86 (SF-86): This form is used for the background investigation process for individuals applying for a security clearance. It collects comprehensive personal, employment, education, and financial information, as well as details about foreign contacts and activities.

Standard Form 2809 (SF-2809): This form is used to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which provides health insurance coverage to federal employees, retirees, and their eligible family members.

Standard Form 2817 (SF-2817): This form is used to apply for continuation of coverage under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) after retirement or separation from federal service.

Standard Form 3107 (SF-3107): This form is used to apply for retirement benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).

Standard Form 2801 (SF-2801): This form is used to apply for retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Standard Form 15 (SF-15): This form is used to apply for veteran's preference in federal employment. It is submitted by veterans or their eligible family members seeking employment opportunities in the federal government.

These examples represent some common OPM forms used in the context of federal employment and employee benefits. However, the OPM has a range of other forms related to various personnel programs, retirement, insurance, and other aspects of federal employment. The specific forms required may vary depending on the nature of the transaction, program, or benefit being sought. It's advisable to consult the official website of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (www.opm.gov) or seek guidance from the OPM or relevant human resources personnel to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific OPM forms relevant to your federal employment or benefits-related needs.

FEATURES

PDF Filler

The easiest way to fill RI 20-97 online

  • Quickly fill out RI 20-97
    Looking for a way to quickly fill RI 20-97 online? With our online free PDF form filler, you’ll know how to how to edit and fill this pdf document in less than a minute.
  • Easy to use online PDF editor
    Fed up with printing out PDF files so you can edit them, before rescanning and sending them back? Edit PDF documents for free online. Use our online pdf editor to save time and paper.
  • Great tools, all platforms
    Wondering how to fill in RI 20-97 on a Mac, or maybe how to use a PDF filler free? Our online PDF tools work on all platforms.
  • Secure file storage
    Completed "RI 20-97" files are stored in a secured database managed by Amazon Cloud hosting. You can delete your files from our system anytime. In any case, these files are automatically deleted after 24 hours.
  • Chat with RI 20-97
    Chat with "RI 20-97" on Chatize that is a free PDF reader assistant. Ask questions and get answers from "RI 20-97". Just click on Chat With Document button above.

Delete filling session

Delete the selected filling session? In this case, your progress in completing the form will be lost.

Delete editing session

Delete the selected editing session? In this case, your progress in creating and editing the form will be lost.