What is the eligibility criterion for a member to receive Family Separation Allowance while on deployment?

The eligibility criterion for Family Separation Allowance (FSA) is that a service member must be away from their permanent duty station for more than 30 consecutive days due to deployment. In terms of computation, the qualifying period is indeed 31 days. The credit amount for which the service member is eligible is calculated based on being away for at least 29 days. This ensures that the allowance reflects the time spent apart from family members, acknowledging the financial impact of separation during deployment.

The correct interpretation clarifies that precise duration criteria are set to differentiate between the threshold for qualifying and the initial credit period. Understanding these specific time frames is essential for service members to accurately determine their eligibility for this important allowance during military deployments.