Do You Get Paid More for Being Married in the Military?
Discover how marital status impacts a military service member's overall financial compensation and benefits, beyond basic pay.
While a service member’s basic pay is not directly increased by marriage, their overall compensation and financial benefits can significantly increase due to their dependent status. This enhanced financial support comes primarily through various allowances and access to family-specific benefits. These benefits aim to improve the financial well-being of military families.
Understanding Military Pay Structure
Military compensation is composed of two main categories: basic pay and various allowances. Basic pay, the service member’s salary, is determined by their rank and time in service. This component of pay remains unaffected by marital status.
Allowances, conversely, are designed to cover specific expenses and can be significantly influenced by factors such as location, living situation, and whether the service member has dependents. Most allowances are non-taxable, which can contribute substantially to a service member’s overall take-home compensation.
Housing Allowances and Marital Status
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a financial benefit impacted by marital and dependent status. This allowance is provided to service members who do not live in government housing and helps offset civilian housing costs. BAH rates are determined by the service member’s pay grade, geographic duty location, and dependent status.
Married service members with dependents receive a higher BAH rate compared to single service members of the same rank and location. This higher rate reflects the estimated cost of housing for a family in that area.
The Department of Defense calculates BAH rates based on median rental housing costs and average utility expenses for comparable civilian housing. These rates are reviewed and updated annually.
Other Allowances for Married Service Members
Beyond housing, other allowances are influenced by a service member’s marital or dependent status. The Family Separation Allowance (FSA) is a benefit provided when a service member is separated from their family for over 30 days due to military orders. This allowance compensates for expenses from maintaining two residences.
The FSA is set at $250 per month, with prorated amounts for periods less than a full month. Eligibility for FSA requires dependents to be listed in the service member’s military record. The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is provided to all service members to cover food costs, and its rate is consistent regardless of marital status.
Comprehensive Family Benefits
Beyond direct allowances, military families gain access to comprehensive benefits that provide financial value and support. TRICARE, the military’s healthcare program, offers medical coverage to service members, retirees, and their families. This program provides access to health plans, including prescriptions and mental health care, often at a lower cost than civilian plans.
Relocation benefits offer financial relief for families undergoing Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. These benefits include Dislocation Allowance (DLA) for moving expenses, and Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) or Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) for temporary housing costs during a move. Military families also utilize support programs like Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities, educational assistance for spouses and dependents, and childcare programs, contributing to financial savings.