While moving is almost always part of military life, it doesn’t always work with the rest of your family’s obligations. Whether it’s a great school environment for the kids or job requirements for a military spouse, many reasons lead military families to choose to live apart.
In some cases, this separation is involuntary and based on the requirements put on the military member. If their family members cannot go with them to a new duty station or assignment, it is particularly difficult.
Because involuntary separation can be emotionally and logistically difficult for family members, the military provides extra financial assistance to those who must be geographically separated from their family for long stretches of time.
What Is Family Separation Allowance?
Family Separation Allowance, casually known as Family Sep, is a monthly allowance paid to military members whose military orders locate them away from their families.
Family Sep helps offset the costs of maintaining two residences, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, and more. It also helps maintain a more normal routine for the family while the military member is away, so it can be used for extra childcare and transportation. There aren’t restrictions on using Family Sep as it is included in the pay period and not tied to a specific reimbursement or approved expense.
The amount can vary, but it is typically around $250 per month and begins after a full 30 days of geographical separation. If you’re eligible for Family Sep for less than an entire month, it is prorated to $8.33 per day.
Family Separation Allowance Eligibility
To be eligible for Family Separation Allowance, you must be separated from your family while serving in the military and meet specific criteria. This specifically applies to dependent family members, such as spouses and children, listed in your official military record.
- Family travel is not authorized. In some duty locations, dependent family members cannot travel or live with the military member. In these cases, Family Sep is provided.
- A family member’s medical needs cannot be met. Even if your family is authorized to accompany you on military orders, they might need to stay in your current location due to the need for ongoing medical care. This requires more documentation but can be a good reason for authorizing Family Sep.
- A ship is away from home port. If you are stationed on a ship or submarine and the unit is away from home port for more than 30 days, Family Sep is provided.
- The military member is temporarily assigned away from home. If you have temporary orders for training, exercises, or other military obligations, you can get Family Sep if your family remains at your permanent duty station.
In most cases, you must be separated from your family for 30 days to start receiving this financial benefit. It is paid monthly beginning after those 30 days. After that, you can get a prorated amount for pay periods when you are eligible for less than 30 days.
How Do You Qualify for More FSA?
You can’t get more than $250 per month for Family Sep, regardless of your individual circumstances. If you meet the criteria to receive Family Separation Allowance, it caps at $250, regardless of pay grade or time in service.
Some officials have urged an increase in the rate up to $400. Ultimately, Congress must approve increases in military pay and financial incentives as part of the federal budget, and the Secretary of Defense must put them into policy.
Types of FSA
Allowance for family separation circumstances all fall under the umbrella of Family Sep, but there are nuanced differences in how they are coded and presented based on the reason.
FSA-R (Restricted)
Military members whose families do not reside where they are stationed receive the “Restricted” type of Family Sep. This separation is involuntary based on the needs and restrictions of the military. The scenarios covered include:
- Family travel is not authorized to the new duty station
- A family member has a documented medical condition that cannot receive care at the new duty station
Your family members can visit without impacting your Family Separation Allowance, provided they are only visiting, not moving, and the visit does not exceed three months. If some of your dependent family members visit longer, but at least one does not, you are still entitled to Family Separation Allowance-R.
FSA-T (Temporary)
Family Sep is also provided for temporary duty (TDY). In this case, military members do not execute a permanent change of station (PCS) but are assigned away from their family’s residence for at least 30 days due to military obligations.
This often applies to training, military schools, and exercises. But military members may need to go on a temporary assignment for several reasons, so don’t be afraid to ask if you are receiving TDY orders. The scenarios covered include:
- Military member receives TDY orders away from their permanently assigned duty station
- Military member receives TDY orders en route to their permanently assigned duty station
- Military member returns to permanent duty station for less than 30 days between authorized Family Sep-T assignments
When you receive FSA-T, family members can visit for up to 30 days during your temporary assignment. Like with FSA-R, some family members can stay longer, but at least one must be separated from you to authorize Family Sep.
FSA-S (Ship)
If you are assigned to a ship or submarine, you can get Family Sep-Ship if you are away from your family members for more than 30 days. Like with other types of Family Sep, an important note is the 30-day time requirement. The scenarios covered include:
- Military member is on a training exercise
- Military member is deployed
- Military member is away from home port for an extended period
The 30-day visit limit also applies to FSA-S. Your dependents must clearly be visiting rather than taking up residence there. If you must be separated from at least one family member, you are authorized to receive Family Sep.
FAQs
Can I Use FSA Along With My Other Allowances?
Yes, Family Separation Allowance is distinct from per diem, hazardous duty pay, and other financial compensation. You can receive Family Sep in addition to other pay and allowances as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
Is Family Separation Allowance Taxable?
No, Family Separation Allowance is an allowance rather than pay, so it is not included in taxable income. It will not appear on your W-2, but instead appear on your pay stub as an allowance.
This helps military families receive and use the entire benefit as intended to offset financial costs that come with the unique work of the military.
Do I Receive BAS When Geo-Baching?
Generally, no. Geo-baching is a voluntary choice. It occurs when a service member’s PCS orders allow the family to relocate with them, but the family chooses to remain at the previous location.
A service member only receives FAS when the separation is an involuntary separation. These funds are meant to compensate the family for extra expenses while the service member is away. The distinction is whether the separation is due to the choice of the family or the needs of the military.
The Bottom Line
Nothing can replace having your family at your side as you take on the challenges of thriving as a military family. However, Family Separation Allowance, a benefit provided to help ease the strain on families involuntarily separated due to military obligations, can help.
Whether you’re taking unaccompanied orders to a new duty station, on a temporary duty for a month or more, or have to be away from your home port on a ship, this allowance will help you and your family keep up with the demanding but rewarding life as a military family.