Cost-benefit analysis of providing a special subsistence allowance to military personnel who qualify for food stamps

• Main Author: Becker, Curtis A., Jr.
• Other Authors: Gates, William R.
• Language: en_US
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/7655

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited === Recent reports cite that military Food Stamp Program beneficiaries may range from 6,400 to 20,000. The need for food stamps has been attributed to several factors, one of which is the perceived military "pay gap". Although, significant strides have been made in recent years to improve quality of life for our service men and women and their families, the military pay system tends to lag behind the civilian employment cost growth index. Despite the strong economy that we currently enjoy, many of our service personnel are struggling to make ends meet. The analysis compared the costs associated with providing eligible personnel with food stamps to the cost of providing a Special Subsistence Allowance in lieu of food stamps. On the surface, the Federal Government may realize approximately $7,862,400 savings if the additional subsistence is set at $180 per beneficiary per month, as posed in Senate legislation. Despite such savings, the Department of Defense is constrained by its compensation system, which uses promotion and pay increases to encourage advancement and longevity as a basis for compensation. The Special Subsistence Allowance in lieu of food stamps could also have devastating financial effects for some while providing a cash bonus for others.