Will I receive FSA while in AIT?

Hayden Witucki — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 21:39:05 -0400

I've heard it go both ways - that service members may or may not get paid FSA while in AIT (it seems to depend on the length of one's AIT). However, my AIT is 45 weeks (17C) - does that qualify my wife and I for FSA?

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made Mar 12 at 2019 9:46 PM

SSG Kasius McCall — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 21:46:28 -0400

This is a huge debate. Soldiers are back and forth about this all the time.

DFAS states "You are on temporary duty (TDY) (or temporary additional duty) away from the permanent station continuously for more than 30 days, and your dependents are not residing at or near the TDY station."

However, you have never been to a permanent station. I never got mine in AIT or basic. I know people who have. Any insight? SSG(P) James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 12 at 2019 10:03 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 22:03:51 -0400

45 weeks should be a PCS. Your wife should be going with you. FSA won't apply.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2019 10:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 22:28:40 -0400

Your AIT is 45 weeks, which is a PCS length AIT. You should be able to bring your spouse with you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2019 12:10 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 00:10:04 -0400

FSA is payable only to service members with dependents. To be entitled, the family separation must be involuntary. That is, the dependent(s) may not accompany the member at government expense. A service member must apply for FSA by submitting a completed DD Form 1561, Statement to Substantiate Payment of Family Separation Allowance (FSA) to the member's finance office.
Link to form.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.dfas.mil/dam/jcr:47a55764-521b-40bd-89f9-fe4b15ecce7b/dd1561.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwin8NqNn_7gAhWEt1kKHd-kAWMQFjAAegQIBBAB&usg=AOvVaw1trGTCe93FeMBbcknbpVPi

url

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2019 12:28 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 00:28:08 -0400

GoArmy website shows 2 phases, with Phase I 25 weeks at Corry Station, FL, and Phase II 20 weeks at Ft Gordon, unless the site is outdated.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 13 at 2019 10:24 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 10:24:21 -0400

How can you draw FSA when you have no permanent station yet?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2019 8:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 20:42:57 -0400

Because of the length of the school, your family should be authorized to be at the location as well, when I was at Fort Gordon, they had students (IET) Soldiers who had their family there with them and most of them lived in on-post housing. I hope this helps. Good luck to you...