MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. --
Retrieved January 23, 2018, from https://themilitarywallet.com/transitional-compensation/
What is Transitional Compensation for Abused Dependents/Family Members?
Simply put, transitional compensation for abused dependents (referred to as transitional compensation for the rest of this article) is payment to qualifying spouses and children of service members separated from service or convicted at courts-martial due to ‘dependent-abuse offenses.’
This program allows for Commissary and Exchange benefits as part of the transition, and also allows for limited medical and dental treatment. According to the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation, transitional compensation payments are not taxable, and transitional compensation payments should not be reported on tax returns.
How Much is Transitional Compensation?
According to DOD Policy, transitional compensation for a military spouse is at the same rate as defined in 38 U.S. Code §1311 – Dependency and Indemnity Compensation to a Surviving Spouse. There is also an additional amount for children under this section. For children without a military-spouse parent, the amount is the same as the rate defined in the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation to Children. To locate annual updates to these payments, visit the DOD Comptroller’s website at http://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/archive/07barch/07b_60arch.pdf.
How Long Does Transitional Compensation Last?
According to DOD policy, transitional compensation does not last more than 36 months. The policy also describes situations in which it would last less than 36 months. These include:
* Situations in which the service member’s obligated service (enlistment for enlisted personnel) is less than 36 months
* Qualifying offense is remitted or reduced to a lesser, non-qualifying offense
* Disapproval of administrative separation by competent authority
There are also forfeiture provisions. These include:
* Remarriage
* Cohabitation (living with the service member who was separated)
* Being an active participant in abusive behavior
Because of these situations, it is important to become familiar with the DOD Policy as well as service-specific guidelines.
Eligibility information
Many who are eligible for transitional compensation may not know they’re eligible. Those who may have eligibility questions should set up an appointment with the installation financial counselor, chaplain or legal office.
Those who don’t live close to an installation or cannot find someone on the installation to assist, contact MilitaryOneSource.mil. They have trained counselors who can help with a variety of needs -- all it takes is a phone call or online chat to start the process.
How to apply?
The installation financial counselor, chaplain or legal office should be able to help fill out the transitional compensation application form and get it to the right office. By service, below are the starting points for more information about claims submissions:
* Army: Installation Family Advocacy Program manager or victim advocate
* Navy: Service member’s servicing personnel activity. Installation Fleet & Family Service Center
* Air Force: Installation Military Personnel Flight
* Marines: Installation Family Advocacy Program Manager
* Coast Guard: Family Advocacy Program Manager Office
References
Transitional compensation isn’t just a DOD policy, it’s codified by U.S. Law. 10 U.S. Code §1059 which authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to pay monthly transitional compensation to abused dependents. DoD Instruction 1342.24, “Transitional Compensation for Abused Dependents,” further clarifies this as a matter of DOD policy.
Each service has its own policy:
* Army: AR 608: Army Community Service, Appendix H
* Navy: OPNAVINST 1750.3: Transitional Compensation for Abused Dependents
* Air Force: Air Force Instruction 36-3024, Transitional Compensation for Abused Dependents
* Marines: MCO 1754.11: Marine Corps Family Advocacy and General Counseling Program
* Coast Guard: Commandant Instruction 1754.16A: Transitional Compensation and Other Benefits for Abused Dependents
Transitional compensation is a very important program for those family members who need assistance. While the DOD and services have done a great job implementing this program, it appears that many dependents may be unaware that:
* Transitional compensation exists for their benefit
* What benefits are included
* How to apply for transitional compensation