Allotments (Discretionary, Nondiscretionary, Garnishments)

Start Here If You Are New to Allotments

An allotment is a recurring payment from your military pay to an authorized recipient. The Marine Corps allows up to 6 discretionary allotments (financial institutions, dependents, insurance) plus unlimited nondiscretionary allotments (SGLI, AFRH, child support, garnishments). Discretionary allotments to purchase personal property (vehicles, electronics, furniture) are prohibited as of January 1, 2015. Update allotments through MyPay.

This page walks you through allotments from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The 6-discretionary-allotment cap and the one-per-allottee rule
• The personal property prohibition (effective January 1, 2015)
• Authorized discretionary allotment types (financial institution, dependents, insurance)
• Nondiscretionary allotments (SGLI, AFRH deduction, FSGLI, etc.)
• Garnishment processing for child support and debt collection
• The MyPay election process

Every fact on this page comes from DoD 7000.14-R Volume 7ADoD 7000.14-R Volume 7A Chapters 40-43, Title 37 U.S.C.Title 37 U.S.C., and the OUSD (C) Memo dated November 21, 2014.

What Allotments Are

Per Chapter 40 paragraph 1.1, an allotment is a designated portion of military pay forwarded directly from the pay account to an authorized recipient. Allotments deduct from the Marine's net pay each month and route automatically to the allottee.

The two broad categories are discretionary (Marine elects) and nondiscretionary (statutorily required).

Discretionary Allotments

Per Chapter 42 paragraph 1.1, Marines are authorized no more than 6 discretionary allotments. Marines are also authorized no more than 1 discretionary allotment to the same allottee.

Personal Property Prohibition (Effective January 1, 2015)

Per Chapter 42 paragraph 2.1, effective January 1, 2015, Marines are NOT authorized to start allotments for the purchase, lease, or rental of personal property. Personal property includes.

• Vehicles (automobiles, motorcycles, boats).
• Appliances or household goods (washer, dryer, furniture).
• Electronics (laptop, tablet, cellphone, television).
• Other consumer items that are tangible and movable.

This rule prevents predatory lending tied to allotment chains and protects junior Marines from unscrupulous installment-sale tactics.

Allotment Certification

Per paragraph 1.1, when starting a new discretionary allotment on or after January 1, 2015, the Marine certifies. "Under the penalty of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, I certify that this allotment is NOT for the purchase, lease, or rental of personal property or payment toward personal property."

Grandfathering

Per Chapter 42 paragraph 2.2, allotments existing on the Marine's pay account prior to January 1, 2015, are allowed to continue, and the Marine adjusts the amount of these allotments. If a grandfathered personal property allotment stops for any reason, it is NOT allowed to restart.

Authorized Discretionary Allotment Types

Financial Institution

Per Chapter 42 paragraph 3.0, Marines have an allotment to a financial institution, mutual fund company, or investment firm where the Marine is the owner of the account. If there are multiple accounts at the same institution, the payments must combine into one allotment.

Common uses include.

• Savings account at a credit union or bank.
• Brokerage account for taxable investments.
• Mutual fund company account.

Dependents or Relatives

Per Chapter 42 paragraph 4.0, Marines authorize allotments to dependents, relatives, or former spouses. The allotment is payable to an individual or to a financial organization for credit to the account of the allottee.

Common uses include.

• Monthly support to a parent.
• Voluntary support to a former spouse beyond a court order.
• Support to a sibling or other relative.

Insurance Premiums

Per Chapter 42 paragraph 5.0, Marines have an allotment for the payment of insurance premiums. Commercial insurers are eligible allottees. New allotments must comply with the Chapter 42 specific eligibility rules for insurer types.

Common uses include.

• Term life insurance beyond SGLI/VGLI coverage.
• Disability insurance.
• Long-term care insurance.

Charitable Contributions

The Marine Corps and DoD-authorized charitable campaigns (Combined Federal Campaign, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, etc.) accept allotments. These count against the 6-discretionary cap unless an exception applies.

Mortgage and Rent Payments

Per Chapter 40 section 3.0, allotments for mortgage payments to a financial institution are allowed. Direct rent payments to a landlord (an individual) are generally allowed but the allotment counts against the 6-discretionary cap.

Nondiscretionary Allotments

Per Chapter 43, nondiscretionary allotments do NOT count against the 6-discretionary cap. Common nondiscretionary allotments for Marines include.

• SGLI premium ($25.00 monthly for $500,000 coverage).
• TSGLI premium ($1.00 monthly).
• FSGLI premium (age-banded for spouse coverage).
• AFRH deduction ($0.50 monthly for enlisted Marines, per Chapter 46).
• Court-ordered child support garnishments.
• Court-ordered alimony garnishments.
• Defense Health Agency family dental allotments (TRICARE Dental Program).
• Service-related debt repayment allotments (when ordered by the Service).
• Federal tax levies for delinquent federal taxes.

Garnishments

Per Chapter 41 paragraph 1.1, the chapter establishes policy for garnishments assessed against Marines, allotments for child and spousal support, levies for child support obligations, and involuntary allotments for debt collections other than child or spousal support.

Child Support and Alimony Garnishments

Per Chapter 41 paragraph 2.1.1, the processing of garnishment orders for child support or alimony follows the framework in this section. Legal process issued by U.S. courts is honored. Legal process from foreign courts may be honored under specific procedures.

The garnishment is a court order. The Marine cannot stop the garnishment unilaterally. Modifications require a court order from the issuing court.

Levy for Delinquent Federal Taxes

Per Chapter 44 paragraph 3.0 (covered on the Federal Tax Withholding page), the IRS levies pay for delinquent federal taxes. The levy is involuntary and continues until the tax debt is satisfied or the Marine reaches an installment agreement.

Involuntary Allotments for Debts (Non-Child Support)

Per Chapter 41, involuntary allotments are established for debts other than child or spousal support per the procedures in the chapter. These typically follow a Service determination of indebtedness and the Marine's failure to repay voluntarily.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Protections

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (Title 50 U.S.C. section 4001Title 50 U.S.C. section 4001) provides protections during garnishment processing, including a 6-percent interest rate cap on debts incurred prior to military service. Marines facing garnishment coordinate with the unit's Staff Judge Advocate or the Marine Corps Legal Services Support Section.

Allotment Limits and Combined Cap

Maximum 6 Discretionary

Per Chapter 42 paragraph 1.1, no more than 6 discretionary allotments. Examples that fit within the cap.

• Allotment 1. Credit union savings.
• Allotment 2. Mutual fund investment.
• Allotment 3. Term life insurance.
• Allotment 4. Support to a parent.
• Allotment 5. Mortgage payment.
• Allotment 6. Charitable contribution.

One Per Allottee

A Marine is not allowed multiple allotments to the same recipient. If two accounts exist at the same credit union, the payments must consolidate into one allotment.

Combined Allotment and Net Pay Floor

Total allotments cannot exceed the Marine's net pay after mandatory deductions. The Marine must receive a minimum take-home pay.

Setting Up an Allotment Through MyPay

1. Log into MyPay at https://mypay.dfas.mil/.
2. Navigate to "Allotments" under "Pay Changes."
3. Select "Start" to add a new allotment.
4. Enter the allottee information (financial institution name, routing number, account number, or recipient address for individuals).
5. Set the monthly amount.
6. Certify the personal property prohibition.
7. Save the change. The allotment starts the next pay cycle (typically the next pay period after submission).

Stopping or Changing an Allotment

1. Log into MyPay.
2. Navigate to "Allotments."
3. Select the allotment to modify.
4. Stop, increase, decrease, or change the amount.
5. Save the change. The change takes effect the next pay cycle.

When NOT to Use Allotments

The Marine Corps Family Programs and the Marine Corps Family Counseling community generally counsel AGAINST allotments for personal property and against using allotments to enforce informal agreements with non-dependents (friends, romantic partners). The strict 6-discretionary cap and the personal property prohibition reflect a DoD-wide effort to protect Marines from predatory installment-sale practices.

For personal property purchases, use a normal credit card or bank loan rather than starting a grandfathered-only chain.

Verifying Allotments on the LES

A monthly LES check confirms allotment deductions are correct.

Step 1. Pull Your LES

Through MyPay each payday.

Step 2. Verify the Allotment Lines

The LES shows allotments under the Deductions section. Common abbreviations.

• ALLOT or ALLOT 1, ALLOT 2, etc. Discretionary allotments numbered 1 through 6.
• SGLI, FSGLI, TSGLI. SGLI program deductions (nondiscretionary).
• AFRH. Armed Forces Retirement Home deduction for enlisted Marines.
• CHILD SUPPORT or GARN. Court-ordered garnishment for child support.
• TAX LEVY. IRS levy for delinquent federal taxes.

Step 3. Verify the Allottee and Amount

Cross-reference each allotment against your MyPay election. Confirm the allottee name and account information are correct.

Step 4. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your S-1. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay. For MyPay election errors, update the allotment directly through MyPay rather than routing through S-1.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I want to start an allotment to buy a car. Can I do that?

Per Chapter 42 paragraph 2.1, no. Effective January 1, 2015, allotments for the purchase, lease, or rental of personal property are prohibited. Vehicles are personal property. Use a normal auto loan from a credit union or bank instead.

I have 6 discretionary allotments and want to add a new one. What do I do?

Stop one of the existing 6 first. The cap is hard. Once you stop one, the new one is allowed. Coordinate the timing through MyPay so you do not interrupt critical payments.

My ex-spouse received a court order for child support. Will the garnishment automatically come from my pay?

Per Chapter 41 paragraph 2.1, yes. The court order processes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay as a nondiscretionary allotment for child support. The garnishment continues until the court order is modified or terminated. The garnishment does NOT count against your 6-discretionary cap.

I want to send money to my parent. Can I set up an allotment?

Per Chapter 42 paragraph 4.0, yes. Allotments to dependents, relatives, or former spouses are allowed. The allotment is payable to the individual directly or to a financial organization for credit to the parent's account. This counts against your 6-discretionary cap.

I have a TSP contribution and an SGLI deduction on my LES. Are those allotments?

Technically yes (nondiscretionary allotments), but they are special-status deductions that don't count against the 6-discretionary cap. SGLI is mandatory unless waived. TSP is a separate election framework, not part of the discretionary allotment count.

What happens to my allotments when I separate?

Allotments stop on the date of separation. Final pay processing settles any outstanding amounts. Garnishments for child support continue against any retired pay if applicable. Coordinate with your S-1 and DFAS Marine Corps Pay during separation processing to confirm allotment closures.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Allotment start, stop, or change. Through MyPay at https://mypay.dfas.mil/. No S-1 routing required for routine changes.
• Personal property allotment grandfathering verification. Coordinate with your S-1 against the pre-2015 allotment records.
• Child support or alimony garnishment processing. Coordinate with your unit Staff Judge Advocate or Legal Services Support Section.
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protections (debt interest cap). Coordinate with your unit Staff Judge Advocate.
• Tax levy for delinquent federal taxes. Resolve directly with the IRS. Free tax assistance available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
• LES corrections for allotments. Your S-1 routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Pay and Entitlements landing page lists all the pay topics.
• SGLI and VGLI covers the SGLI deduction in detail.
• TSP and Savings covers TSP contributions.
• Federal Tax Withholding covers the IRS levy framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines against using allotments for personal property purchases (predatory lending risk).
• Admin at S-1 supports allotment questions and routes corrections through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• Commanders endorse SCRA protections and refer Marines to legal services for garnishment matters.

Allotments are a powerful tool for automating savings, support, and insurance payments. The 6-discretionary cap and the post-2015 personal property prohibition limit predatory lending exposure. Use MyPay for all routine changes. Garnishments are court-ordered and outside the discretionary cap.