What you need to know
Food and Incidentals Allowance (FIA) is designed to help single and unaccompanied Service people cover the cost of food and other household expenses (such as lightbulbs and cleaning materials).
It is important that you have read and understood JSP 752 Tri-Service Regulations for Expenses and Allowances (chapter 5, section 5) before proceeding.
This benefit is available to Regular and FTRS (FC) servicemen and women who meet all of the following requirements:
- you are single or unaccompanied at you duty station
- you are living 3 miles or more away from your unit's messing facilities
- you don't take the majority of your meals in the mess
- you are not receiving Lodging Allowance
It is also available if you are working remotely from your Residence at Work Address.
Reserve Forces who are entitled to live in Substitute Single Service Accommodation (accommodation from the private rental marked that is broadly equivalent to Single Living Accommodation) are entitled to Food and Incidentals allowance under the same conditions that apply to members of the Regular Forces.
Food and Incidentals Allowance is a daily rate of £7.58 which is paid through your salary.
You won’t be able to claim this benefit if you take the majority of your meals in the Mess or claim any of the following allowances:
- Lodging Allowance
- Special Messing Allowance
- Reclaim the Daily Food Charge
- Meals Out Expenses
What you need to do
The initial claim should be made via your HR Unit Admin or personnel office, using MOD Form 1154 (which can be found in JSP 464 volume 2, Annex C to section 3 to Chapter 8). Once approved, FIA will be paid automatically until your entitlement ceases.
