Family Supplemental Subsistence Allowance (FSSA) was established in 2001 in order to supplement a military member’s Basic Allowance for Sustenance (BAS), or food allowance if you are not familiar with military terms. FSSA was created by Congress to remove or prevent the need for assistance under the Food Stamp Program. All active duty members, including those serving outside of the United States, may apply for FSSA. The program is especially designed to help large military family households.
Currently, FSSA is payable at a monthly rate of up to $500, depending on the service member’s income and family size. It is designed to raise the member’s household income to 130% of the federal poverty level, and non-taxable and is payable in addition to all other pays and allowances.
To be eligible for FSSA a member must:
- be on active duty and receiving BAS,
- meet the gross income guidelines for household size as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- must have applied and been certified at a certain payment level by the appropriate office.
|
Household size |
Gross monthly income |
Net monthly income |
|
1 |
1,127 |
$ 867 |
|
2 |
1,517 |
1,167 |
|
3 |
1,907 |
1,467 |
|
4 |
2,297 |
1,767 |
|
5 |
2,687 |
2,067 |
|
6 |
3,077 |
2,367 |
|
7 |
3,467 |
2,667 |
|
8 |
3,857 |
2,967 |
|
Each additional member |
+ 390 |
+ 300 |
- Gross income means a household’s total, non-excluded income, before any deductions have been made. Net income means gross income minus allowable deductions.
- Gross and net income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Members must re-certify annually every February or if they are promoted, have a Permanent Change in Station (PCS) move, an increase in household income by $100, or a change in family size. When re-certifying, it is important for members to adhere to the reapplication period time-lines so that their entitlement does not lapse. Members may reapply for FSSA up to 30 days before and 30 days after an event requiring re-certification without a lapse in entitlement. Reapplication after 30 days of an event that would otherwise terminate entitlement will be treated as an initial application.
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I’m glad that they make these funds easier to access for members whose service leads them to Alaska and Hawaii, because these are much more expensive states in which to live. Every family can use a little insurance to make ends meet, and this is one great way for them to help these military people to do so!
Jerry