POMA to ensure Airmen see no lapse in pay

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Whitney
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Pay Our Military Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama, will ensure military members receive their pay and allowances, despite the government shutdown that occurred Oct. 1.

"While these are fiscally confusing times, it is important for Airmen to know that we have their best interest at heart and are working to ensure that they receive the pay we owe them," said Maj. Michelle Libbey, 31st Comptroller Squadron Commander. "While nothing is written in stone, military members should expect their full pay come Oct. 15."

Although the bill provides Airmen with their full pay and allowances, Airmen who have recently conducted a permanent change of station move might not see their paychecks updated with the most recent allowances, depending on when they inprocessed to their new base.

The delay is due to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service's inability to process pay updates in the absence of a continuing resolution or appropriation for fiscal year 2014. In the absence of spending authority, this system, which maintains and updates service members' allowances, will remain offline.

"Our system updates between Sept. 23 and present day failed to post to the military pay system. This means that when we all get paid on Oct. 15, the rates will be based on aged information," Libbey said. "While someone PCSing from overseas to a stateside base might be okay because he will receive all of his overseas allowances, someone arriving at Aviano might be more financially strained."

For those who could be overpaid, it is important that they do not spend the excess money, while the same concept applies for those whose paychecks will be smaller than what they were expecting. Once the DFAS system becomes operational again, all members' pay will be corrected, and service members will be paid retroactively.

For Airmen and families who find it difficult to pay their bills or purchase groceries, there are multiple resources available to help, including the Air Force Assistance Fund, the Aviano Airman and Family Readiness Center, and Operation WARMHEART.

"Airmen should not suffer in silence. They should work with their supervisors, first sergeants and commanders to develop a plan and to determine which programs will assist them during these challenging fiscal times," said Libbey. "No one knows what the future holds. In addition to the government shutdown, debt ceiling discussions are just around the corner. We should prepare for the worst case scenario by developing sound financial game plans and by leveraging opportunities to save money."

For more information on how the government shutdown could affect service members' paychecks, contact the 31st CPTS at 632-2274, or contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 632-5407. Contact your unit first sergeant to learn about various financial aid programs available to service members.