Title 37 — Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed ServicesRelease 119-73
§427 Family separation allowance
Title 37 › Chapter CHAPTER 7— - ALLOWANCES OTHER THAN TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCES › § 427
Summary
Pays a monthly family separation allowance of $300 to $400, in addition to other pay, to a service member with dependents when one of three things happens: the government will not pay to move the dependents to the member’s permanent station and the dependents do not live at or near that station; the member is on a ship away from its home port (or ordered to stay on board while at home port) for more than 30 continuous days; or the member is on temporary duty away from the permanent station for more than 30 continuous days and the dependents do not live at or near that temporary duty station. If the member qualifies because of the ship or temporary duty rule, the allowance starts either on the first day of that duty or on the first day the member stopped getting a previous allowance if that stop happened within 30 days before the new duty — whichever is earlier. The allowance is paid even if the member does not keep a home to share with dependents. A member who chooses an unaccompanied tour at a permanent station where the government would pay to move dependents is usually not eligible, except if a dependent cannot go for certified medical reasons or the Secretary allows a waiver for unusual situations. If both spouses are service members and lived together before orders separated them, they can qualify; if both are assigned to qualifying duties at the same time, each gets the full allowance until one stops. Section 421 does not bar this entitlement.
Full Legal Text
Title 37, §427
Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)(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)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 section 452 of this title 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)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)(1)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 section 452 of this title 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)(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.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2025—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 119–60 substituted “$300” for “$250” in introductory provisions. 2023—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted “of not less than $250, and not more than $400,” for “equal to $250” in introductory provisions. 2022—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–263, § 626(h)(4)(A), substituted “section 452” for “section 476”. Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, § 626(h)(4)(B), substituted “section 452” for “section 476”. 2021—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted “(or under orders to remain on board the ship while at the home port)” after “of the ship”. 2013—Subsecs. (a)(1)(A), (c)(1). Pub. L. 112–239, § 1076(a)(9), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 112–81, § 631(f)(4)(A). See 2011 Amendment note below. 2011—Subsecs. (a)(1)(A), (c)(1). Pub. L. 112–81, § 631(f)(4)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 112–239, § 1076(a)(9), substituted “476” for “406”. 2008—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–417 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). 2004—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 108–375, § 623(b)(2)(A), substituted “$250” for “$100”. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 108–375, § 623(b)(2)(B), struck out heading and text of subsec. (e). Text read as follows: “For the period beginning on
October 1, 2003, and ending on
December 31, 2005, the monthly allowance authorized by subsection (a)(1) shall be increased to $250.” Pub. L. 108–375, § 623(b)(1), substituted “
December 31, 2005” for “
December 31, 2004”. 2003—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 108–11, § 1316(b), (c), as amended by Pub. L. 108–136, § 618(d)(2), temporarily substituted “$250” for “$100”. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2003
Amendments
note below. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 108–136, § 606, added subsec. (e). 2001—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–107 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”. 1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(i), 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— “(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 section 406 of this title 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.” Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–85, § 626, 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.” Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(iii), 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. Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(v), struck out par. (5) which read as follows: “section 421 of this title 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.” Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(iv), redesignated subsec. (b)(4) as subsec. (c), inserted heading, and substituted “subsection (a)(1)(A)” for “paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection”. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(c)(3)(B)(v), added subsec. (d). 1996—Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 104–201, § 607(a), added subpar. (D). Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 104–106 inserted “paragraph (1)(A) of” after “not entitled to an allowance under”. Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 104–201, § 607(b), added par. (5). 1994—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, § 625(a)(3), 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.” Subsec. (b)(3), (4). Pub. L. 103–337, § 625(a)(2), redesignated pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively. 1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–190, § 625(b)(1), inserted heading. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–190, § 625(b)(2), inserted heading. Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–190, § 625(a), 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)”. 1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–661, § 618(a), 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). 1985—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted “$60” for “$30”. 1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–342 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”. 1970—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 91–533 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, 2013, 126 Stat. 1947, provided that the amendment made by section 1076(a)(9) is effective Dec. 31, 2011, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–81 as enacted.
Effective Date
of 2008 Amendment Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VI, § 604(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4483, as amended by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, § 1075(e)(9), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4375, provided that: “Paragraph (2) of subsection (d) of section 427 of title 37, 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 October 1, 2008.”
Effective Date
of 2004 Amendment Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, § 623(b)(2), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1955, provided that the
Amendments
made by section 623(b)(2) are effective Jan. 1, 2006. Effective and Termination Dates of 2003
Amendments
Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VI, § 618(d)(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1504, provided that the amendment made by section 618(d)(2) is effective Apr. 16, 2003. Amendment by Pub. L. 108–11 effective Oct. 1, 2002, and applicable with respect to months beginning on or after that date, and expires Sept. 30, 2003, and, effective Sept. 30, 2003, the dollar amount specified in subsec. (a)(1) of this section as in effect on the day before Apr. 16, 2003, is revived, see section 1316(c), (d) of Pub. L. 108–11, set out as notes under section 310 of this title.
Effective Date
of 2001 Amendment Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, § 607(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1135, provided that: “Paragraph (2) of section 427(c) of title 37, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(3), shall apply with respect to pay periods beginning on or after January 1, 2002, 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.”
Effective Date
of 1997 AmendmentAmendment by section 603(c)(3) of Pub. L. 105–85 effective Jan. 1, 1998, see section 603(e) of Pub. L. 105–85, set out as a note under section 5561 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Effective Date
of 1994 Amendment Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VI, § 625(b), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2785, provided that: “The
Amendments
made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as of June 20, 1994.”
Effective Date
of 1985 Amendment Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, § 607(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 639, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1985, and shall apply only to family separation allowances payable for months beginning on or after that date.”
Effective Date
of 1980 Amendment Pub. L. 96–342, title VIII, § 809(b), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1097, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect with respect to months after September 1980.”
Effective Date
of 1970
Amendments
Pub. L. 91–533, § 2, Dec. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 1392, provided that: “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 [Dec. 7, 1970].” Pub. L. 91–529, § 2, Dec. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 1389, provided that: “section 1 of this Act [amending this section] is effective October 1, 1963.”
Effective Date
Section effective Oct. 1, 1963, see section 14 of Pub. L. 88–132, set out as an
Effective Date
of 1963 Amendment note under section 201 of this title.
Savings Provision
Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, § 618(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3881, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VI, § 631(f)(4)(B), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1465; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, § 1076(a)(9), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1948, provided that: “Notwithstanding the
Amendments
made by subsection (a) [amending this section], a member who on
September 30, 1986, was assigned to a permanent station to which the movement of his dependents was authorized at the expense of the United States under section 476 of title 37, 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).” Rates of Pay for Fiscal Year 2004Rates of pay authorized under subsec. (a)(1) of this section from Oct. 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2004, to be $250, see section 1104 of Pub. L. 108–106, set out as a note under section 310 of this title. Temporary Increase in Family Separation Allowance; Persian Gulf Conflict Pub. L. 102–25, title III, § 302, Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 80, provided that: “(a) Increased Rate.—In lieu of the family separation allowance specified in section 427(b)(1) of title 37, 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.—Subsection (a) shall apply during the period beginning on
January 15, 1991, 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.” Family Separation Allowance for Members in Missing Status During the Vietnam Conflict Pub. L. 91–534, Dec. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 1392, provided: “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 section 551(2) of title 37 United States Code) during the Vietnam conflict and is not entitled to an allowance under section 427(b) of title 37 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. This Act takes effect on the first day of the first month which begins after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 7, 1970].”
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
37 U.S.C. § 427
Title 37 — Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73