Entitlements available for Airmen on 'Indeterminate TDY" Published Nov. 6, 2006 By 2nd Lt. Todd Connetta 97th Comptroller Squadron ALTUS AFB, Okla. -- Ever been given temporary duty orders without a return date? Are you wondering what type of extra pay and benefits you may be entitled to while on the TDY? Who qualifies? Air Force members selected for indeterminate TDY are eligible for a variety of entitlements not given to members on normal TDYs. An indeterminate TDY is defined as a TDY with orders that do not include a return to the member's permanent duty station (PDS) and the TDY includes a period of over 20 weeks at one location, or the orders do not specify or imply a limit to the member's period of absence from the primary duty station. Moving family members and vehicles Members on indeterminate TDY may relocate dependents at the government's expense. The entitlement is similar to a permanent change of station but there are specific guidelines that apply because this is an indeterminate TDY. If dependents are relocated, the member's basic authorization for housing rate will default to the dependent's new location. Additionally, dependents' travel and transportation resulting from this indeterminate TDY are also similar to those authorized for a permanent change of station (PCS). Monetary allowance in lieu of transportation (MALT) is entitled to all dependents not traveling as passengers. Dependents who relocate in conjunction with a member's indeterminate TDY with an effective date of order on or after June 20 are also authorized a dislocation allowance. Members selected for indeterminate TDY are authorized permissive TDY for house hunting in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-3003. Furthermore, household goods shipments are authorized within the PCS weight limits. Nontemporary storage is also authorized at the original PDS location and within the PCS weight limits. Members under indeterminate TDY orders are also authorized storage of a privately owned vehicle at the nearest Department of Defense vehicle processing center. Should the member choose to personally obtain commercial storage for their vehicle, reimbursement will be limited to the government cost if the vehicle had been stored at the nearest DoD vehicle processing center. Per diem and special pay Air Force members on indeterminate TDY orders are entitled to per diem which varies based upon location and reporting instructions. Members with dependents, and military couples who are separated by government orders for more than 30 consecutive days are eligible for family separation allowance (FSA), currently $250 per month. For military couples, only one member may draw the FSA at a time. Some indeterminate TDY members may also be eligible for hardship duty pay. This pay varies by location and is given to those members residing in designated locations for more than thirty days (the initial 30 days are paid retroactively). Members on indeterminate TDY orders to a designated location will receive imminent danger pay at the rate of $225 per month. Members qualify for imminent danger pay as soon as they enter the designated location. Finally, like members on normal TDY, those on indeterminate TDY - in a combat zone, qualified hazardous duty area or an area deemed in "direct support" - are entitled combat zone tax exclusion. An amount of compensation equal to the highest rate of basic pay for an enlisted member plus imminent danger pay for officers may be excluded from federal and state income tax withholding. Members in these previously designated areas for over 30 consecutive days may deposit unallotted pay and allowances and receive interest under the Savings Deposit Program.