DD Form 827 at a glance
What it is: The Application for Arrears in Pay, DD Form 827, is for service in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Where and when to file: Attach all available documentary evidence in support of claim and mail to Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.
SUBMIT IN TRIPLICATE. TYPE OR PRINT. Form for use of service members, former service members, or legal representatives of incompetent members, in claiming arrears of pay, etc., believed to be due. Claimant fills out Items 1-7. Disbursing/Finance Officer fills out Item 8.
A filled-in DD Form 827 example: a former soldier claims arrears
How to fill out DD Form 827, box by box
Claimant data
In 1. Claimant Data, enter a. Name (Last, First, Middle Initial), b. Social Security Number, c. Pay Grade and d. Rank.
Sign on e. Signature, then enter f. Date Signed (YYMMDD).
Enter g. Mailing Address (Street, PO Box, City, State, Zip Code).
Period of arrears, served in, last dates and place of discharge
Enter 2. Period for which arrears are believed to be due from the U.S.: a. From (YYMMDD) and b. To (YYMMDD). For 3. Claimant served in (X one), mark Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.
Enter 4. Last Date Enlisted/Entered on Active Duty (YYMMDD).
Enter 5. Last Date Discharged/Released from Active Duty (YYMMDD).
Enter 6. Place of Discharge (City, State).
Facts and circumstances
Enter 7. Facts and Circumstances on which claim is based (State in sufficient detail to give a clear understanding. Continue on reverse side if additional space is needed.)
Disbursing/Finance Officer
8. Disbursing/Finance Officer (Complete only if claimant is on active duty. Continue on reverse side if additional space is needed.) I hereby certify that I have not and will not pay any portion of this claim for the following reasons:
Enter a. Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) and b. Unit/Command Name.
Sign on c. Signature, then enter d. Date Signed (YYMMDD) and e. Disbursing Officer Symbol No.
More rules for DD Form 827
GAO Manual, Title 2, Section 5, (Revised 1978); and 5 U.S. Code 301. Supports claim to Finance Center for pay which cannot be supported by local records. Claims are submitted because local records are incomplete, or member is separated, or will be separated before missing information can be obtained; or supporting documents are lost; or legislation or administrative decision creates retroactive entitlement which cannot be paid locally. Voluntary. Claim initiated by member is only basis for payment.
Mail to
Army
Army: mail to Commander U.S. Army Finance & Acctg Center (Dept. 70) Indianapolis, IN 46249-0865
Air Force
Air Force: mail to Commander HQAFAFC Code: CC Denver, CO 80279-4000
Marine Corps
Marine Corps: mail to Commanding Officer USMC Finance Center Code: SEC Kansas City, MO 64197-0001
Coast Guard
Coast Guard: mail to Commanding Officer (S&R) USCG Pay and Personnel Center 444 S.E. Quincy Street Topeka, KS 66683-0000
Common questions about DD Form 827
Is there a penalty?
Whoever makes or presents to any person or officer in the civil, military or naval service of the United States, or any department or agency thereof, any claim upon or against the United States, or any department or agency thereof, knowing such claim to be false, fictitious or fraudulent, will be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. (checked November 2, 2026).
Sources
[1] DD Form 827 (MAR 85), Application for Arrears in Pay, Department of Defense (the Official source link on this page).