What pay entitlement is affected by separation from service under other than honorable conditions?

Separation from service under other than honorable conditions can have significant implications for various types of pay entitlements. Among these, the discharge gratuity is directly impacted. The discharge gratuity is a monetary benefit provided to service members who are discharged under certain conditions, typically honorable or general. When a service member separates under other than honorable conditions, they lose eligibility for this gratuity, which is intended to assist transitioning service members who leave the military in good standing.

Other types of pay, such as severance pay, retirement pay, and leave pay, may also be affected, but the most immediate and relevant entitlement affected by a less favorable discharge status is the discharge gratuity. This reflects the military's recognition of service members' conduct and circumstances surrounding their separation, whereby entitlements are aligned with the nature of the discharge.