Who gets military family separation pay
You need dependents, and the separation must be caused by the military, not by your choice. DFAS lists four situations[fsa]:
- Dependents not authorized to move. Your dependents are not authorized to travel to your permanent duty station at government expense and do not live near it (for example, an unaccompanied tour in Korea).
- Medical reasons. Travel is authorized, but you chose an unaccompanied tour because a dependent cannot go to that station for certified medical reasons.
- Ship away from home port. You are on duty aboard a ship that is away from its home port continuously for more than 30 days.
- Temporary duty. You are on TDY (including deployment) away from your permanent station continuously for more than 30 days, and your dependents do not live at or near the TDY location.
FSA is also payable when dependents are evacuated from a danger area and temporarily occupy government quarters at a safe haven[fsa].
How much is family separation allowance?
FSA is $300 a month. For periods shorter than a month it is prorated at $10 a day[fsa]. Typical totals:
| Separation | FSA |
|---|---|
| 45 days | $450.00 |
| 3 months | $900.00 |
| 6 months | $1,800.00 |
| 9 months | $2,700.00 |
| 12 months (unaccompanied tour) | $3,600.00 |
FSA is the same for every grade and branch and does not depend on how many dependents you have.
Is FSA taxable?
No. Family separation allowance is one of the allowances the IRS excludes from gross income for members of the armed forces, like BAH and BAS[p3]. It is not subject to Social Security or Medicare tax either.
Example: what a deployment adds to a paycheck
An E-5 with 6 years at Fort Bragg with a family takes home about $5,904.87 a month at home (married, no TSP). Deployed to a combat zone with FSA ($300.00), hostile fire / imminent danger pay ($225.00) and the combat zone tax exclusion, take-home rises to about $6,572.54: $667.67 more a month. Try your own numbers in the military pay estimator under “special pays and allowances”.
How to apply
- Fill out DD Form 1561, Statement to Substantiate Payment of Family Separation Allowance, and give it to your personnel or finance office[fsa].
- Submit it as soon as the separation starts; ask your unit about back pay if you missed months.
- Check your LES: FSA appears as its own entitlement line. If it is missing after 30 days, follow up with finance.
Military family separation pay vs separation pay
The two names cause confusion. Family separation allowance is the monthly $300 described here, paid while you are serving away from your family. Separation pay is a one-time lump sum paid when a member with 6 to 20 years is involuntarily discharged; it is based on years of service and basic pay. If that is what you need, use the military separation pay calculator.
Common FSA mistakes
- Single members. FSA requires a dependent. A single member on deployment does not qualify.
- Dependents who move near the TDY site. If your family lives at or near the TDY location, FSA stops.
- Voluntary separation. Choosing an unaccompanied tour when your family is authorized to come does not qualify unless it is for a certified medical reason.
- Dual-military couples. Special rules apply when both spouses serve; ask your finance office.
Other deployment pay: special and incentive pays; when the money arrives: military pay dates.
Frequently asked questions
How much is military family separation pay in 2026?
$300 a month, or $10 a day for part of a month, for every grade.
Do you get family separation allowance for training?
Yes, if the TDY or training is away from your permanent station continuously for more than 30 days and your dependents do not live at or near the training location.
Is family separation allowance taxable?
No. The IRS excludes it from income for members of the armed forces, and it is not subject to Social Security or Medicare tax.
Is there a military separation pay calculator for FSA?
FSA is a flat $300 a month, so multiply the months (and $10 per extra day). For involuntary separation pay, which is a lump sum based on years and basic pay, use the separation pay calculator.