Service members use the program by making deposits with their servicing finance battalion. Service members may begin making deposits on their 31st consecutive day in the designated area. Eligibility to make deposits terminates on the date of departure from theater. Active duty members may make deposits by cash, personal check, traveler’s check, money order or allotment. Reserve component members may make deposits by cash, personal check or money order only. Standing policies regarding personal check acceptance and regulatory restrictions regarding number and type of allotments apply.
All deposit amounts, regardless of depository method, must be made in $5 increments (e.g. $50, $65, $1005, not $1001.67). and cannot exceed a service member’s monthly-unallotted current pay and allowances (e.g. monthly net pay after all deductions and allotments; includes special pays and reenlistment bonus). More than one deposit via cash, personal check, traveler’s check, or money order may be made in a month but the cumulative total of the deposits cannot exceed the month’s unallotted pay and allowances.
An agent may make a deposit using a special power of attorney. The special power of attorney must reflect the action the agent is attempting (e.g. if starting a SDP allotment must give authority to start, stop or change allotments; if depositing cash, traveler’s check or money order must give authority to receive Treasury checks and/or make deposits). Agents may not deposit personal checks on behalf of a service member.
