After months of delay, the Pentagon has finally begun distributing economic hardship bonuses to junior enlisted service members, intended to help offset the rising costs of living and inflation. However, the average monthly amount of $20 has raised concerns about the adequacy of this relief effort.
The bonuses, authorized by Congress last year and initially intended to start in October 2023, will be automatically added to paychecks from July through December for service members in the E-1 to E-3 ranks.
While the Pentagon emphasizes this as a step towards supporting troops facing financial strain, critics argue that the average $120 total over six months falls short of addressing the significant economic challenges faced by many military families, according to Military.com.
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“The monthly bonus amounts, on average, will total approximately $120 [over the six months] … and they’re based on the funding Congress has made available,” explained an official, who spoke with Military.com on the condition they remain anonymous.
The decision to distribute smaller bonuses has been attributed to limited funding allocated by Congress. Lawmakers had approved $43 million for both economic hardship bonuses and the expansion of the Basic Needs Allowance for troops experiencing food insecurity.
Advocates for military families have expressed disappointment with the bonus amount, emphasizing the need for more substantial financial support to ensure military personnel can meet their basic needs and maintain a decent quality of life.
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They call for Congress to reassess the funding allocated for these initiatives and prioritize the well-being of those serving the country.
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