The Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Customer Service Center (CSC) fields many calls from retirees. Because of the volume of calls, Shift Colors will be periodically publishing some information based on the top calls they are receiving. The NPC CSC provides information and services to active, Reserve and retired Sailors and their families around the world. The CSC is prepared to answer a variety of questions on topics such as personnel policies, pay and benefits. The CSC can be reached by phone between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Central) Monday – Friday at (866) U-ASK-NPC (827-5672), or 24 hours a day by e-mail at cscmailbox@navy.mil.

Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP). The Customer Service Center receives many calls asking a variety of questions about the Survivor Benefits Plan. One of the most asked questions involves stopping SBP. Generally, SBP is an irrevocable decision, but there are certain circumstances where you may withdraw from SBP or change your coverage. There is a one-year window between your second and third anniversary following the date you begin receiving retirement pay where you can elect to stop. You can stop if your beneficiary is no longer eligible. Certain disability ratings from the Department of Veterans Affairs can allow you to withdraw from SBP. If you’re eligible for federal civilian retirement pay you can elect to withdraw from SBP. There are some special situations such as divorce and remarriage that allows you some flexibility. If you have any questions about SBP, call the Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC for more information.

Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC). This tax-free entitlement was created for certain retirees with a combat-related disability. If you are interested in finding out more or if you believe you are eligible, visit the CRSC website at www.donhq.navy.mil/corb/crscb/crscmainpage.htm. There you will find information about eligibility, how to apply, forms, and more. If you have any questions, call the CRSC Branch at 1-877-366-2772.

myPay. With everything moving into the digital world, there have been more calls about myPay. If you need an account, visit https://mypay.dfas.mil and click "Forgot or Need a Password" to have a temporary password mailed to you. Once you have received a password, return to the myPay home page and click "Create an Account" to get started. Enter your SSN and temporary password. If you see the following message in red: "The combination you entered is incorrect. You have already created a LOGIN ID and should not be using your SSN to log in. Please try again" this means you already have a login ID.  By now you’ve probably forgotten it, so you’ll need to go back to the myPay home page and click "Forgot your Login ID?" Enter your SSN and temporary password to have your Login ID displayed on screen. Then, return to the home page to login. If you have trouble, call myPay at 888-332-7411 to speak to a Customer Service Representative.

Reporting a Retiree’s Death. You can find a wealth of information on this topic on Page 13 of this issue.

Requesting Medical Records. To acquire records for those retired or discharged after Jan. 31, 1994, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs Records Management Center:

Mailing address:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Records Management Center
PO Box 5020
St. Louis, MO 63115

Phone: (888) 533-4558
Fax: (314) 538-4573

For those members discharged or retired between 1912 – Jan. 31, 1994, provide full name, Social Security Number and/or service number, date of birth, place of birth, date released from Naval service, address where the record is to be mailed, and signature of member to:

National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63138

Phone: (314) 801-0800

Web: www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/