It is up to the individual branch of the military service to decide which military grades/series get the bonuses and how much they get.  Staff will need to verify the amount of payment and how the payment is made.

How the re-enlistment bonus is paid determines how the bonus is counted.  Use the following guidance to determine how to count military re-enlistment bonuses for food stamp purposes:

• If an Eligibility Unit (EU) receives a one-time lump sum re-enlistment bonus, it is exempt from income as a non-recurring lump sum payment.  The money is counted as a resource in the month it is received.  Refer to Sections 1115.015.35, Lump Sum Payments and 1115.015.65, Military Payments. 

• If an EU receives a portion of the bonus as a lump sum with the remainder paid in equal annual installments, the entire bonus is counted as earned income because it is a recurring lump sum.  The money is averaged over the period it is intended to cover.  Refer to Section 1110.030.00.

• Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff.

• Count military re-enlistment bonuses as income or resources depending on how the bonus is paid.