Food and Incidentals Allowance
Living in self-catering facilities 3 miles or more away from your unit’s messing facilities? You may be able to claim a contribution towards the cost of your food and other daily expenses
This benefit is available to Regular and FTRS (Full Commitment) Service personnel 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.
This benefit is available to Regular and FTRS (FC) Service personnel who are single or unaccompanied and don't take the majority of their meals in the mess,
What’s it for?
Food and Incidentals Allowance is designed to help single and unaccompanied Service people cover the cost of food and other household expenses (such as lightbulbs and cleaning materials).
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.
What do I get?
Food and Incidentals Allowance is a daily rate of £7.58 which is paid through your salary.
When can’t I use this?
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
How do I claim?
The initial claim should be made via your unit HR/personnel office, using MOD Form 1154 which can be found at JPA forms. Once approved, FIA will be paid automatically until your entitlement ceases
Page last updated: 2 April 2024
Need more information?
JSP 752 Food and incidentals allowance
read JSP 752 chapter 5 section 5 for more information about the Food and incidentals allowance