2023 handbook summarySource checked 29 July 2026
Ration Money Allowance in Lieu of Rations in Kind
Ration Money Allowance may replace free rations in kind for eligible officers in the contingencies recognised by the applicable regulation.
Overview
Ration Money Allowance may replace free rations in kind for eligible officers in the contingencies recognised by the applicable regulation. It is not payable for a period in which free messing, rations in kind, Daily Allowance, or Daily Messing Allowance has already covered the same requirement. Evidence and prior approval may be required.
What the handbook says
The source lists specified forms of leave, joining time, courses or postings without ration-drawing facilities, and certain temporary duty as recognised contingencies. On temporary duty, the officer must be entitled to free rations but unable to draw them and not entitled to Daily Allowance (2023 handbook, printed pp. 127-128; PDF pp. 138-139).
Exceptional circumstances outside the listed cases require prior approval from the Local Station Commander (2023 handbook, printed p. 128; PDF p. 139).
What this means
Ration Money Allowance substitutes for an unavailable ration benefit; it is not an additional meal payment. The claimed dates must not overlap with free messing, rations in kind, Daily Allowance, or Daily Messing Allowance.
Who this applies to
- The claimed circumstance must fall within Rule 174(B) or receive the source-described prior station approval (2023 handbook, printed pp. 127-128; PDF pp. 138-139).
- No payment is described for the actual permanent-posting journey because travel and daily allowance apply to that journey (2023 handbook, printed p. 127; PDF p. 138).
- Hospitalisation, extra-ordinary leave, duplicate claims, and periods already covered by free messing, ration in kind, DA, or DMA are excluded by the source certificates (2023 handbook, printed p. 128; PDF p. 139).
Rates and dates
The cited source pages do not state a monetary rate. This page therefore does not calculate or present an amount.
What you may need
- A Part II order stating the period and reason for the claim
- Confirmation that no earlier claim was made
- Confirmation that free messing or ration in kind was not provided
- Confirmation that DA/DMA was not claimed
- Station order or prior Local Station Commander approval where required
These requirements are summarised from printed pp. 128-129 (PDF pp. 139-140).
Authorities and source references
- Rule 174(B), Defence Service Regulations, Pay and Allowances (Officers)
- SAPCS letter No. C/7099/Policy/SAPCS/2022, 1 April 2022
Related guidance
About this guidance
This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting.