Allowances: Family Separation Allowance - Military Pay & Allowances - Military Times

Allowances: Family Separation Allowance

Service members assigned or deployed to places outside the U.S. and Alaska where the government will not move families face dozens of extra expenses, from the cost of minor home repairs and yard work to babysitting and mailing packages.

Family Separation Allowance, a nontaxable monthly payment of $250, is provided as reimbursement for at least some of the daily expenses incurred when members are separated from their families.

Service members deployed away from their families for more than 30 days get this allowance.

Congress approved a change in FSA in 2009 for dual-service couples with children: Each member is now eligible for the full $250 monthly payment when both are deployed. This includes mobilized National Guard and reserve couples. To qualify, the couple must have resided together before their deployments began.