37 U.S.C. § 427 | Family separation allowance

(a)

Entitlement to Allowance .—

(1)

In addition to any allowance or per diem to which he otherwise may be entitled under this title a member of a uniformed service with dependents is entitled to a monthly allowance of not less than $300, and not more than $400, if—

(A)

section 452 of this title the movement of his dependents to his permanent station or a place near that station is not authorized at the expense of the United States under and his dependents do not reside at or near that station;

(B)

he is on duty on board a ship away from the home port of the ship (or under orders to remain on board the ship while at the home port) for a continuous period of more than 30 days; or

(C)

he is on temporary duty away from his permanent station for a continuous period of more than 30 days and his dependents do not reside at or near his temporary duty station.

(2)

A member who becomes entitled to an allowance under this subsection by virtue of duty prescribed in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1) for a continuous period of more than 30 days is entitled to the allowance effective as of the earlier of—

(A)

the first day of that period; or

(B)

the first day the member ceased being entitled to a previous allowance under this subsection by reason of the end of duty prescribed in such subparagraphs, if the member ceased being entitled to the previous allowance within 30 days before the first day of that period.

(b)

Entitlement When No Residence or Household Maintained for Dependents .—

An allowance is payable under subsection (a) even though the member does not maintain for his primary dependents who would otherwise normally reside with him, a residence or household, subject to his management and control, which he is likely to share with them as a common household when his duty assignment permits.

(c)

Effect of Election to Serve Unaccompanied Tour of Duty .—

(1)

section 452 of this title Except as provided in paragraph (2) or (3), a member who elects to serve a tour of duty unaccompanied by his dependents at a permanent station to which the movement of his dependents is authorized at the expense of the United States under is not entitled to an allowance under subsection (a)(1)(A).

(2)

The prohibition in the first sentence of paragraph (1) does not apply to a member who elects to serve an unaccompanied tour of duty because a dependent cannot accompany the member to or at that permanent station for certified medical reasons.

(3)

The Secretary concerned may waive paragraph (1) in situations in which it would be inequitable to deny the allowance to the member because of unusual family or operational circumstances.

(d)

Entitlement While Spouse Entitled to Basic Pay .—

(1)

A member married to another member of the uniformed services becomes entitled, regardless of any other dependency status, to an allowance under subsection (a) by virtue of duty prescribed in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1) of such subsection if the members were residing together immediately before being separated by reasons of execution of military orders.

(2)

If a married couple, both of whom are members of the uniformed services, with dependents are simultaneously assigned to duties described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection (a)(1) and the members resided together with their dependents immediately before their assignments, the Secretary concerned shall pay each of the members the full amount of the monthly allowance specified in such subsection until one of the members is no longer assigned to duties described in such subparagraphs. Upon expiration of the additional allowance, paragraph (1) shall continue to apply to the remaining member so long as the member is assigned to duties described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of such subsection.

(3)

Section 421 of this title does not apply to bar the entitlement to an allowance under this section. Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than one monthly allowance may be paid with respect to a married couple under this section.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 119–602025—Subsec. (a)(1). substituted “$300” for “$250” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 118–312023—Subsec. (a)(1). substituted “of not less than $250, and not more than $400,” for “equal to $250” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 117–263, § 626(h)(4)(A)2022—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). , substituted “section 452” for “section 476”.

Pub. L. 117–263, § 626(h)(4)(B)Subsec. (c)(1). , substituted “section 452” for “section 476”.

Pub. L. 116–2832021—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). inserted “(or under orders to remain on board the ship while at the home port)” after “of the ship”.

Pub. L. 112–239, § 1076(a)(9)Pub. L. 112–81, § 631(f)(4)(A)2013—Subsecs. (a)(1)(A), (c)(1). , made technical amendment to directory language of . See 2011 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 112–81, § 631(f)(4)(A)Pub. L. 112–239, § 1076(a)(9)2011—Subsecs. (a)(1)(A), (c)(1). , as amended by , substituted “476” for “406”.

Pub. L. 110–4172008—Subsec. (d). designated first sentence of existing provisions as par. (1), designated last two sentences of existing provisions as par. (3) and substituted “Except as provided in paragraph (2)” for “However”, and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 108–375, § 623(b)(2)(A)2004—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$250” for “$100”.

Pub. L. 108–375, § 623(b)(2)(B)October 1, 2003December 31, 2005Subsec. (e). , struck out heading and text of subsec. (e). Text read as follows: “For the period beginning on , and ending on , the monthly allowance authorized by subsection (a)(1) shall be increased to $250.”

Pub. L. 108–375, § 623(b)(1)December 31, 2005December 31, 2004, substituted “” for “”.

Pub. L. 108–11, § 1316(b)Pub. L. 108–136, § 618(d)(2)2003—Subsec. (a)(1). , (c), as amended by , temporarily substituted “$250” for “$100”. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2003 Amendments note below.

Pub. L. 108–136, § 606Subsec. (e). , added subsec. (e).

Pub. L. 107–1072001—Subsec. (c). designated first sentence of existing provisions as par. (1) and substituted “Except as provided in paragraph (2) or (3), a member” for “A member”, added par. (2), and designated second sentence of existing provisions as par. (3) and substituted “The Secretary concerned may waive paragraph (1)” for “The Secretary concerned may waive the preceding sentence”.

Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(i)1997—Subsec. (a). , redesignated subsec. (b)(1), (2) as subsec. (a)(1), (2), respectively, and inserted subsec. heading.

Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(A), struck out heading and text of subsec. (a). Text read as follows: “In addition to any allowance or per diem to which he otherwise may be entitled under this title, a member of a uniformed service with dependents who is on permanent duty outside of the United States, or in Alaska, is entitled to a monthly allowance equal to the basic allowance for quarters payable to a member without dependents in the same pay grade if—

section 406 of this title“(1) the movement of his dependents to his permanent station or a place near that station is not authorized at the expense of the United States under and his dependents do not reside at or near that station; and

“(2) quarters of the United States or a housing facility under the jurisdiction of a uniformed service are not available for assignment to him.”

Pub. L. 105–85, § 626Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$100” for “$75” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(ii), struck out “, including subsection (a),” after “under this title” in introductory provisions, inserted “or” at end of subpar. (B), substituted “station.” for “station; or” at end of subpar. (C), and struck out subpar. (D) which read as follows: “the member is married to a member of a uniformed service, the member has no dependent other than the spouse, the two members are separated by reason of the execution of military orders, and the two members were residing together immediately before being separated by reason of execution of military orders.”

Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(iii)Subsec. (b). , redesignated subsec. (b)(3) as subsec. (b), inserted heading, and substituted “subsection (a)” for “this subsection”. Former subsec. (b)(1), (2), and (4) redesignated subsecs. (a)(1), (2), and (c), respectively.

Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(v)Section 421 of this titleSubsec. (b)(5). , struck out par. (5) which read as follows: “ does not apply to bar an entitlement to an allowance under paragraph (1)(D). However, not more than one monthly allowance may be paid with respect to a married couple under paragraph (1)(D) for any month.”

Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(iv)Subsec. (c). , redesignated subsec. (b)(4) as subsec. (c), inserted heading, and substituted “subsection (a)(1)(A)” for “paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection”.

Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(v)Subsec. (d). , added subsec. (d).

Pub. L. 104–201, § 607(a)1996—Subsec. (b)(1)(D). , added subpar. (D).

Pub. L. 104–106Subsec. (b)(4). inserted “paragraph (1)(A) of” after “not entitled to an allowance under”.

Pub. L. 104–201, § 607(b)Subsec. (b)(5). , added par. (5).

Pub. L. 103–337, § 625(a)(3)1994—Subsec. (b)(2). , added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Pub. L. 103–337, § 625(a)(1), struck out at beginning “A member who becomes entitled to an allowance under this subsection by virtue of duty described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1) for a continuous period of more than 30 days is entitled to the allowance effective as of the first day of that period.”

Pub. L. 103–337, § 625(a)(2)Subsec. (b)(3), (4). , redesignated pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively.

Pub. L. 102–190, § 625(b)(1)1991—Subsec. (a). , inserted heading.

Pub. L. 102–190, § 625(b)(2)Subsec. (b). , inserted heading.

Pub. L. 102–190, § 625(a)Subsec. (b)(1). , substituted “$75” for “$60”.

Pub. L. 102–190, § 611(b), substituted “In” for “Except in time of war or of national emergency hereafter declared by Congress, and in”.

Pub. L. 102–25 struck out “of this section” after “subsection (a)”.

Pub. L. 99–661, § 618(a)1986—Subsec. (b). , designated existing provisions as pars. (1) and (2), in par. (1) redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as subpars. (A) to (C), respectively, and in par. (2) substituted “subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1)” for “clause (2) or (3)”, and added par. (3).

Pub. L. 99–1451985—Subsec. (b). substituted “$60” for “$30”.

Pub. L. 96–3421980—Subsec. (b). struck out “(other than a member in pay grade E–1, E–2, E–3, or E–4 (4 years’ or less service))” after “a member of a uniformed service with dependents”.

Pub. L. 91–5331970—Subsec. (b). struck out “who is entitled to a basic allowance for quarters” after “(4 years’ or less service)”.

Pub. L. 91–529 inserted provisions authorizing payment of an allowance under this subsection even though the member does not maintain for his primary dependents who would otherwise normally reside with him, a residence or household, subject to his management or control, which he is likely to share with them as a common household when his duty assignment permits.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, § 1076(a)Jan. 2, 2013126 Stat. 1947Dec. 31, 2011Pub. L. 112–81, , , provided that the amendment made by section 1076(a)(9) is effective , and as if included in as enacted.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–417Oct. 14, 2008122 Stat. 4483 Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, § 1075(e)(9)Jan. 7, 2011124 Stat. 4375

section 427 of title 37October 1, 2008“Paragraph (2) of subsection (d) of , United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to members of the uniformed services described in such paragraph who perform service covered by subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection (a)(1) of such section on or after .”

, [div. A], title VI, § 604(b), , , as amended by , , , provided that:

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, § 623(b)(2)Oct. 28, 2004118 Stat. 1955Jan. 1, 2006, , , provided that the amendments made by section 623(b)(2) are effective .

Effective and Termination Dates of 2003 Amendments

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VI, § 618(d)(2)Nov. 24, 2003117 Stat. 1504Apr. 16, 2003, , , provided that the amendment made by section 618(d)(2) is effective .

Pub. L. 108–11Oct. 1, 2002Sept. 30, 2003Sept. 30, 2003Apr. 16, 2003Pub. L. 108–11 section 310 of this titleAmendment by effective , and applicable with respect to months beginning on or after that date, and expires , and, effective , the dollar amount specified in subsec. (a)(1) of this section as in effect on the day before , is revived, see section 1316(c), (d) of , set out as notes under .

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, § 607(b)Dec. 28, 2001115 Stat. 1135

section 427(c) of title 37January 1, 2002“Paragraph (2) of , United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(3), shall apply with respect to pay periods beginning on or after , for a member of the uniformed services covered by such paragraph regardless of the date on which the member first made the election to serve an unaccompanied tour of duty.”

, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

section 603(c)(3) of Pub. L. 105–85Jan. 1, 1998section 603(e) of Pub. L. 105–85 section 5561 of Title 5Amendment by effective , see , set out as a note under , Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VI, § 625(b)Oct. 5, 1994108 Stat. 2785

June 20, 1994“The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as of .”

, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, § 607(b)Nov. 8, 198599 Stat. 639

October 1, 1985“The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on , and shall apply only to family separation allowances payable for months beginning on or after that date.”

, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–342, title VIII, § 809(b)Sept. 8, 198094 Stat. 1097

“The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect with respect to months after September 1980.”

, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 1970 Amendments

Pub. L. 91–533, § 2Dec. 7, 197084 Stat. 1392

Dec. 7, 1970“The amendment made by this Act [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar month which occurs after the date of the enactment of this Act [].”

, , , provided that:

Pub. L. 91–529, § 2Dec. 7, 197084 Stat. 1389

October 1, 1963“Section 1 of this Act [amending this section] is effective .”

, , , provided that:

Effective Date

Oct. 1, 1963section 14 of Pub. L. 88–132 section 201 of this titleSection effective , see , set out as an Effective Date of 1963 Amendment note under .

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, § 618(b)Nov. 14, 1986100 Stat. 3881 Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VI, § 631(f)(4)(B)Dec. 31, 2011125 Stat. 1465 Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, § 1076(a)(9)Jan. 2, 2013126 Stat. 1948

September 30, 1986section 476 of title 37“Notwithstanding the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section], a member who on , was assigned to a permanent station to which the movement of his dependents was authorized at the expense of the United States under , United States Code, and who elected to serve a tour of duty at that station unaccompanied by his dependents, shall, until he departs that station as a result of a change of permanent station, be entitled to receive the allowance authorized by section 427(b) of such title without regard to paragraph (3) [now (4)] of such section, as added by subsection (a).”

, , , as amended by , , ; , , , provided that:

Rates of Pay for Fiscal Year 2004

Oct. 1, 2003Sept. 30, 2004section 1104 of Pub. L. 108–106 section 310 of this titleRates of pay authorized under subsec. (a)(1) of this section from , through , to be $250, see , set out as a note under .

Temporary Increase in Family Separation Allowance; Persian Gulf Conflict

Pub. L. 102–25, title III, § 302Apr. 6, 1991105 Stat. 80

“(a)

Increased Rate .—

section 427(b)(1) of title 37In lieu of the family separation allowance specified in , United States Code, the family separation allowance payable under that section shall be $75 for each month during the period described in subsection (b).

“(b)

Period of Applicability .—

January 15, 1991Subsection (a) shall apply during the period beginning on , and ending on the first day of the first month beginning on or after the date 180 days after the end of the Persian Gulf conflict.”

, , , provided that:

Family Separation Allowance for Members in Missing Status During the Vietnam Conflict

Pub. L. 91–534Dec. 7, 197084 Stat. 1392

section 551(2) of title 37 section 427(b) of title 37“That, under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of a uniformed service with dependents who is in a missing status (as defined in United States Code) during the Vietnam conflict and is not entitled to an allowance under may be paid a monthly allowance equal to $30. For the purposes of this Act, the Vietnam conflict ends on the date designated by the President by Executive order as the date of the termination of combat activities in Vietnam.

“Sec. 2.

Dec. 7, 1970 This Act takes effect on the first day of the first month which begins after the date of enactment of this Act [].”

, , , provided: