What kind of pay allowances does the military offer?

The military offers food, housing and clothing allowances. It also offers cost of living, moving and family allowances. Military allowances are often based on the service member's dependency status and location.

Service members can use the military's basic allowance for subsistence to cover the cost of food. The basic allowance for housing pays the cost of housing when service members live off post. Rates of housing allowances are based on various factors including location and rank.

The military offers enlisted soldiers an annual clothing allowance that can be used to replace uniforms.

Soldiers assigned to high-cost locations receive a cost-of-living allowance to offset the higher living expenses.

The military covers the cost of moving for service members who are permanently relocating to a new station. Soldiers whose families are unable to accompany them overseas receive a separation allowance.