The Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is a non-taxable allowance designed to offset the higher overseas prices of non-housing goods and services. It affects approximately 260,000 Service members at 600 locations overseas, including Alaska and Hawaii. Approximately $1.8 billion is paid in Overseas Cost of Living Allowances annually. Overseas COLA is intended to equalize … [Read more...]
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
The Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) enables military members assigned overseas to privately lease housing on the economy. This program encompasses a reimbursement system designed to partially defray housing costs when on-base or government leased housing is not available. OHA is paid to approximately 60,000 members overseas at a yearly cost of $1.8 billion. The Overseas … [Read more...]
Family Separation Allowance
Family Separation Allowance (FSA) is paid at the rate of $250.00 per month or prorated at $8.33 per day. The purpose of FSA is to compensate qualified members serving inside or outside the United States for added expenses incurred because of an enforced family separation. FSA is payable to service members with dependents assigned away from their permanent duty station … [Read more...]
Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance
Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) program is a voluntary financial benefits program for military families, intended to increase a service member's income in order to remove their household from eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly the food stamp program). » Current FSSA Rates FSSA was established May 1, … [Read more...]
Military Pay While Training
From the day basic training begins, military recruits will begin earning pay in the military system. While basic pay rates are the same regardless of marital status, married military members are entitled to certain allowances which will increase their monthly pay. Base Pay All members of the military receive base pay. Base pay for all branches is based on the rank of the … [Read more...]