DAF Form 428: Request for Premium Pay – Download & Guide

DAF Form 428: Request for Premium Pay – Download & Guide – Air Force civilian employees who work overtime, holiday hours, or earn compensatory time often need to use DAF Form 428 (formerly AF Form 428), officially titled Request for Premium Pay. This form ensures proper authorization, tracking, and payment for premium pay entitlements under federal regulations.

Whether you’re a supervisor, timekeeper, or employee completing time and attendance through the Automated Time Attendance and Production System (ATAAPS), understanding DAF Form 428 is essential for accurate payroll processing and compliance with Department of the Air Force and DoD policies.

What Is DAF Form 428?

DAF Form 428 is the Department of the Air Force form used to request and authorize premium pay, including:

  • Overtime pay
  • Holiday premium pay
  • Compensatory time (comp time) off in lieu of overtime

Its primary purpose is to track time, overtime, holiday premium pay, and compensatory time for management, manpower decisions, and payroll/financial purposes. It provides the required documentation to support entries in ATAAPS or manual timecards.

The current version is dated 13 March 2019. You can download the official PDF directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf428/daf428.pdf.

Note: DAF Form 428 is primarily for civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force (DAF). It is not typically used for active-duty military members’ standard pay.

Who Needs to Use DAF Form 428?

  • Civilian employees requesting premium pay
  • Supervisors ordering or approving overtime/holiday work
  • Premium pay authorizing officials (often delegated by Group or Tenant Commanders)
  • Timekeepers and certifying officials processing time and attendance (T&A)

All employees using ATAAPS should complete the Premium Request module within the system whenever possible. A hard-copy DAF Form 428 is required or used as backup when ATAAPS access is unavailable.

When Is DAF Form 428 Required?

Use the form to request approval before the work is performed. This aligns with DoDI 1400.25-V550 and DAFI 36-808 guidance.

Exceptions:

  • In true emergencies, supervisors may order overtime without prior written approval, but they must document it (via the form or ATAAPS) no later than the following workday.

Blanket AF/DAF Form 428: Units may use a blanket version for projected periods (maximum two pay periods), but a corrected form showing actual hours is often required afterward. Blanket approvals need specific base-level Customer Service Representative (CSR) approval.

Overtime should only be used for urgent workload surges, seasonal demands, or when it is more economical than other options.

How to Fill Out DAF Form 428? (Step-by-Step)

The form is straightforward and includes these main sections (based on the official PDF layout):

  1. Employee Information — Name (Last, First, Middle Initial), grade/step if applicable.
  2. Premium Requested — Indicate the type (e.g., Overtime, Holiday Premium Pay, Compensatory Time).
  3. Work Details:
    • Labor Date
    • From Time / To Time
    • Total Hours
  4. Justification — Provide a clear business reason for the premium pay request (e.g., urgent mission requirement, unexpected workload, project deadline).
  5. Employee Signature and Date
  6. Official Action — Supervisor or authorizing official indicates Approved or Disapproved (with reason if disapproved), signs, and dates.

Best Practices:

  • Fill out the form completely.
  • Attach supporting documentation when required (e.g., for emergency overtime).
  • Route for funds certification if your local process requires it (often through the civilian pay budget analyst or Financial Management).
  • Keep approved copies on file for timekeepers to reference when certifying T&A.

After approval, timekeepers ensure that posted overtime or holiday hours do not exceed the authorized amounts on the form.

Approval Process and Key Rules

  • Authorizing Officials: Group/Tenant Commanders (or their written designees) serve as premium pay authorizing officials.
  • Supervisors: Must obtain approval before ordering overtime (except emergencies).
  • ATAAPS Integration: Enter premium requests in ATAAPS when possible; the system often handles the workflow.
  • Compensatory Time: Employees generally must use comp time within 26 pay periods after it is earned. Use comp time before annual leave when possible.
  • FLSA Considerations: Rules differ slightly for FLSA-exempt vs. non-exempt employees. “Suffered or permitted” work may count as overtime for non-exempt staff.

Local instructions (e.g., wing or installation-level guidance like 90 MWI 36-802) may add specific procedures, including samples of completed forms. Always check your unit’s Civilian Personnel section or Financial Management office for the latest local policy.

Common Questions About DAF Form 428

Q: Can I request premium pay after the work is done?
A: Generally no—prior approval is required. Emergencies are the main exception, with documentation required promptly.

Q: Where do I get the form?
A: Download the official version from the Air Force e-Publishing website (link above). Some units maintain local templates or spreadsheets approved as alternatives.

Q: What happens if the form is disapproved?
A: The authorizing official must provide a reason. Work should not proceed without approval unless it’s a documented emergency.

Q: Is DAF Form 428 the same as the old AF Form 428?
A: Yes. The form was updated to DAF numbering as part of the Department of the Air Force transition, but the function remains the same.

Tips for Air Force Civilian Employees

  • Communicate early with your supervisor about anticipated overtime needs.
  • Maintain good records—approved DAF Forms 428 support payroll and can be important in audit or claim situations.
  • Contact your local Civilian Personnel Office (CPO) or Customer Service Representative (CSR) for training on ATAAPS premium pay requests.
  • For broader premium pay questions (including night differential, Sunday pay, hazardous duty, etc.), refer to DFAS guidance and OPM rules.

Official Sources:

  • Air Force e-Publishing (DAF Form 428 PDF)
  • DoDI 1400.25 Volume 550 and DAFI 36-808 (Hours of Work and Holiday Observances)
  • DFAS Civilian Pay resources on premium pay

For the most current guidance, visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site or consult your installation’s Civilian Personnel and Finance offices. Policies can be supplemented by local instructions.

Download DAF Form 428 Here: Official PDF

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force and DoD guidance as of 2026. Always verify with your local authorizing officials or HR/payroll specialists before submitting any request, as procedures may vary by installation.