Special and Incentive Pays

Special and Incentive (S&I) pays provide the Services with flexible additional pays that can be used to address specific manning needs and other force management issues that cannot be efficiently addressed through basic pay increases. Unlike basic pay and allowances, which vary by pay grade and years of service, S&I pays can be used to:

  • Improve recruiting and retention by increasing compensation in key occupation specialties or critical skill areas.
  • Compensate Service members for onerous or hazardous duty assignments or conditions
  • Provide incentives for Service members to develop skills that support national security objectives.

S&I Pays Categories

Currently, there are over 60 S&I pays authorized in law. Here are some of the main types of S&I pays.

  •  HDP is an additional compensation paid to Service members assigned to locations where living conditions are substantially below those conditions in the continental U.S. (CONUS)
  •  HFP and IDP are available to Service members on duty in designated areas and when certified by appropriate commanders. 
  •  AIP is available to Service members fulfilling specific assignment circumstances.
  •  HDIP is additional compensation available to Service members volunteer for certain duty designations.