In addition to salary and bonuses, the Army provides allowances to offset the cost of living. These allowances are monies provided for specific needs, such as food or housing when the government does not provide for that specific need. Most allowances are not taxable, which is an additional imbedded benefit of military pay.

When a National Guard Soldier is called up for federal active duty, they are entitled to certain allowances that are not available during drilling. These allowances vary by state and are subject to change.

The two major areas for allowances include subsistence and uniforms. Check with your individual state for the amount of each allowance.

For more specific information on these benefits and to verify eligibility, please visit the following links:

Basic Allowance for Housing: 
https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/

Overseas Housing Allowance:
https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Overseas-Housing-Allowance/

Basic Allowance for Subsistence:
https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/payentitlements/Pay-Tables/bas/

Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance:
https://militarypay.defense.gov/pay/ALLOWANCES/fssa.aspx

Clothing Allowance:
https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/Pay-Tables/CMA1/

Family Separation Allowance:
https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/current/07a/07a_27.pdf

Cost of Living Allowance:
CONUS: https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/CONUS-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/
Overseas: https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Overseas-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/

Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Compensation website:
https://militarypay.defense.gov/