Reimbursement of Adoption Expenses Appendix A

Active-duty members whose adoption of a child under 18 years of age has been finalized, may be reimbursed a maximum of $2,000 per child for qualified expenses related to the adoption. In the event of multiple adoptions, the maximum reimbursable amount is $5,000 per calendar year.

Eligibility requirements, responsibilities, and procedures for the reimbursement is covered in DODFMR Volume 7A, Appendix A.

Family Subsistence and Basic Needs Allowance (FSSA)

The FSSA program was established to supplement a member’s BAS to a level sufficient to remove the member’s household from or eliminate the need for benefits under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the program for food stamps. FSSA is payable at a monthly rate as determined by the Military Service concerned under the guidance provided by the Secretary of Defense and may not exceed $1,100 per month. FSSA is a nontaxable allowance payable in addition to, all other pays and allowances. FSSA is given in an amount that brings the member’s household income to 130 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines (FPG) which is established by the USDA, but not to exceed $1,100. Paragraph 3 of the DODFMR Volume 7A, Chapter 25.

Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) 

The BNA program provides a monthly allowance for members who voluntarily apply and whose gross household income and household size place them below 150 percent of the FPG for their geographical location. Eligibility requirements and application procedures are found in Paragraph 4 of the DODFMR Volume 7A, Chapter 25.

DoD Savings Deposit Program

The DOD Savings Deposit Program (SDP) was created for members serving in specific combat zones to have an opportunity to build up their financial savings. Members can deposit up to ten thousand dollars, which will earn 10% interest annually. Any members deployed for no less than 30 consecutive days or at a minimum of 1 day in each of the 3 consecutive months AND receiving Hostile Fire Pay (HFP) may participate in this program.

See the DoD Military Compensation website Savings Deposit Program and the DODFMR Volume 7A, Chapter 51 for additional specifics.

Death Gratuity

The death gratuity program provides $100,000 tax-free as a payment to eligible survivors of service members who die during their active duty time, or also in some special reserve statuses. The amount is the same, no matter the cause of death. This is given to the family to provide an immediate cash payment to help with any of the financial needs during the time just after the member’s death, but before any possible survivor benefits kick in. Guidance and directions for payment of the death gratuity is covered in the DODFMR Volume 7A, Chapter 36 and additional information is available at the DoD Military Compensation website Death Gratuity.

Military Pay & Entitlements Series
1. Introduction
2. Basic Pay
3. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) – Food Allowance
4. Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAH) – Housing Allowance
5. Common Deductions
6. How to Read Your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
7. Uniform and Clothing Allowances
8. Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
9. Special and Incentive Pays
10. Additional Special and Incentive Pays
11. Overseas or Station Allowance
12. PCS and Travel
13. Special Situations

Military Pay & Entitlements Series – Printable Version of the Whole Series

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