The Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) is a program to increase the Basic Allowance Subsistence (BAS) and remove military families from the food stamp program.

A few facts about FSSA

Service members (SM) on active duty receiving full or partial BAS     are eligible. FSSA is voluntary If the SM is in a non-pay status, they are not eligible for FSSA.    This does not include SMs who receive a no pay due because of    deductions and collections. It does apply to soldiers in AWOL    status. The maximum entitlement is $500 per month A family that does not qualify for food stamps may qualify for FSSA If a SM is geographically separated from the household, the SM    will be considered part of the household for the purposes of FSSA Only dependents who normally live with the SM will be considered    as part of the household for FSSA FSSA requires annual recertification FSSA income must be included when applying for certain other    program based on income, such as school lunch programs, WIC,    and earned income tax credits.

How do service members apply?

ACS may pre-screen and counsel potential applicants SM may obtain the application, which is web-based. FSSA must be certified by the chain of command upon receipt of documents.

Where is the application?
The application is web-based, go to http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/fssa/

Recertification is necessary when:

Monthly household income increases by $100 or more Household size decreases The SM is promoted The SM relocated due to a PCS move Annually (1 Feb each year)

How is eligibility determined?
Eligibility is based on a SM’s household size and income. If a SM’s income, together with the income of the rest of the SM’s household (if any), is within guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Stamp Act, that SM is entitled to FSSA. FSSA cannot exceed $500 a month.

What is included in household income?

Military income Wages, earnings, and salaries Commissions and tips Self employment income Supplemental Security Income (SSI) TANF Interest and dividend income Alimony and child support Unemployment and workers compensation Veteran benefits Annuities, pensions, and other retirements Other payments not excluded

What is excluded from household income?

Income of students under 18 years of age Loans, grants, and scholarships Income tax refunds Insurance settlements Payments from federal earned income tax credit Federal energy assistance payment (except those made by TANF) HUD utility reimbursements Reimbursement for medical and dental care Value of food stamps

What is included in military pay?

Basic pay BAS BAH or cash equivalent if quarters are provided All bonuses and special incentives pay unless specifically excluded

What is not included in military pay?

Overseas and CONUS cost of living allowances Family separation housing allowances Travel and transportation allowances Clothing allowances Back to Top