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Family Separation Allowance increased to $300/month

MARADMIN 150/26·April 1, 2026·1 min read·Official source
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The FY2026 NDAA raised the monthly Family Separation Allowance (FSA) rate from $250 to $300, effective 18 December 2025. This applies to all three FSA types: FSA-R, FSA-S, and FSA-T. Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) was updated automatically, and any Marine entitled to FSA on or after that date should have had their records adjusted already.

Heads up: You don't need to do anything, but check your LES if you were entitled to FSA on or after 18 December 2025 to confirm the $300 rate is showing correctly.

Who it affects

Any Marine currently receiving or who received FSA (any type) on or after 18 December 2025. This includes SMCR and IMA Marines called to active duty in a status that qualifies for FSA.

What you need to do

No action required. MCTFS was updated automatically. That said, pull your LES and verify the $300 rate is reflected for any eligible period from 18 December 2025 forward. If something looks off, contact your disbursing or finance office, or your unit S-1.

Key dates

  • 18 December 2025: Effective date of the rate increase (date the FY2026 NDAA was enacted)

The official version

See MARADMIN 150/26 for the full message. The underlying authority is 37 U.S.C. 427 and DoD Financial Management Regulation, Vol 7A, Chapter 27.

For questions, contact HQMC Manpower Plans and Policy at SMB_HQMC_MPO@USMC.MIL.

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026 (Public Law 119-60)Reference

    This is the legislation that authorized the FSA rate increase from $250 to $300 per month, effective 18 December 2025. It is the legal basis for the change described in this MARADMIN.

  • Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services (37 U.S.C. 427)Reference

    This is the section of federal law governing Family Separation Allowance. The NDAA amended this statute to authorize the higher FSA rate.

  • FSA Rates Memorandum (UOSW, 23 Dec 2025)Reference

    This Office of the Assistant Secretary of War memorandum formally established the updated FSA rate of $300 per month. It is the implementing guidance that confirmed the new dollar amount.

  • DoD Financial Management Regulation, Vol 7A, Chapter 27 (DODFMR)Reference

    This regulation governs the financial management rules for military pay and allowances, including FSA. Disbursing and finance offices would reference it to ensure proper entitlement and payment of the new rate.

  • Manpower Plans and Policy (MPO) SharePoint siteCAC required

    This is the official SharePoint portal for the HQMC Manpower Plans and Policy office, listed as a point of contact resource for questions about this FSA change.

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Family Separation Allowance increased to $300/month — Reservable