Frequently Asked Questions
Footnote 'n' Posts
QUESTIONS 1. Q: What
is a footnote "n" post? A: The footnote 'n' indicator found in DSSR 920 is for posts
with a post hardship differential where there is (1) a significant number
of U.S. military personnel who are or have been involved
in hostilities, and (2) a danger pay designation. As of July 2021, there
are only three countries with footnote "n" designation: Afghanistan,
Iraq, and Syria. 2. Q: Where
can I find the footnote 'n' posts and the post hardship differential, danger
pay and allowance rates? A: The current footnote 'n' posts, post hardship differential,
danger pay and allowance rates are found on the Office of Allowances’ website on
the Intranet and the Internet - Under Rates select Allowances by Location then select
country. As of July 2021 Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria are the only footnote 'n'
locations. Each has 30% or 35% post hardship differential and 35% danger pay. Since
hardship differentials, danger pay and other allowances are reviewed regularly,
you should go to the Office of Allowances' website(s) to verify current rates. 3. Q: What
benefits will I receive if I accept a temporary assignment or detail (TDY) from
the US or Other posts to a footnote 'n' post? A: You can qualify for the Danger Pay Allowance after being in
the country for at least four cumulative hours in one day (DSSR 651c). You can
qualify for the Post Hardship Differential from day one AFTER you serve for a
period of 30 consecutive (not cumulative) days or more on detail at the
footnote 'n' post(s). Effective 6/28/2021 the Undersecretary of State for
Management (M) approved changes to the DSSR. Please review the changes to
DSSR 530 for an employee assigned to a foreign post and DSSR 540 for an
employee on detail from a US or non-foreign post of assignment. 4. Q: What
happens to the Post Hardship Differential if I am temporarily away from the
footnote "n" post for more than 30 consecutive days? A: If you are on leave for more than 30 consecutive days, your post
hardship differential payment for the footnote "n" post will cease from
the 31st day forward. Note, though, per DSSR 532c for the employee permanently assigned to a footnote 'n' post, Post Hardship Differential terminates close of business on the day the employee departs post on Home Leave, Home Leave/Return to Post, or Renewal Agreement Travel. Effective 6/28/2021 the Undersecretary of State for
Management (M) approved changes to the DSSR. Please review the changes to
DSSR 530 for an employee assigned to a foreign post and DSSR 540 for an
employee on detail from a US or non-foreign post of assignment. 5. Q: Will
I continue to receive the Danger Pay while I am away from the post? A: If you are permanently assigned to a Danger Pay post, Danger
Pay will cease according to DSSR 654. If
you are on detail to a Danger Pay post, Danger Pay will cease according to DSSR
655. 6. Q: How
are the Danger Pay and Post Hardship Differential calculated? A: The danger pay and post hardship differential are
calculated as a percentage over/above basic compensation. It does not apply to
overtime or any other pay. It is paid for hours of basic compensation. In other
words, it is not paid on a 24 hour clock but only as a percentage of basic
compensation. For instance, an employee is paid basic compensation for 8 hours
a day/40 hours a week or 80 hours every two weeks - the percentage is applied
to those 8 hours a day/40 hours a week or 80 hours every two weeks (DSSR 040k.) 7. Q: Do
I have to apply for post hardship differential and danger pay or will they
show up automatically in my pay? A: Ask your agency representative and/or timekeeper about the
details for submitting the Standard Form (SF) -1190 (Rev. 07/2009) for
claiming the post hardship differential and danger pay. In some
cases your agency's implementing regulations may require you to submit
additional information, such as a memo certified by an official at the footnote
'n' post. (DSSR 073.4) 8. Q: What
benefits are available if I am on detail or temporary duty to a footnote
"n" post from a foreign post of assignment with a lower post hardship
differential? A: Per DSSR 533b, once you have been at the footnote 'n' post
for 30 consecutive days, you may receive the post hardship differential rate
for the footnote 'n' post back to the first day of your detail. You will
receive the lower post hardship differential rate for your post for the first 30
days and beginning on the 31st day, you will receive payment for the difference
in your post's rate and the footnote 'n' rate (assuming you spent 30 consecutive
days at the footnote "n" location) and begin receiving the higher
footnote "n" post hardship differential until you return to your post
of assignment after completing your TDY/detail. Example: Your post of
assignment post hardship differential rate was 25% and the footnote 'n' post is
35%. Beginning on the 31st day, you will receive the 35% hardship
differential and assuming that you spent 30 consecutive days at footnote
"n" location, the additional 10% allowance will be calculated back to
the day you began your detail. 9. Q: What
if I take leave from the footnote "n" post before my detail
assignment is complete? A: As long as you've completed 30 consecutive days at the
footnote "n" location, your footnote "n" post hardship
differential may continue for up to 30 days if you are on leave away from the
footnote ‘n’ post. Effective 6/28/2021 the Undersecretary of State for
Management (M) approved changes to the DSSR. Please review DSSR 530 for an employee assigned to a foreign post and DSSR 540 for an employee on detail from a US or non-foreign post of assignment. 10. Q: Do I
qualify for other allowances under the DSSR while I am assigned to the footnote
'n' post? A: It depends on whether your assignment is permanent or
temporary. Employees temporarily assigned may receive the post hardship
differential and danger pay. Employees permanently assigned are eligible to
receive the post (cost of living), education, and separate maintenance
allowances under certain circumstances. See the specific FAQs related to these
allowances. Last updated 7/6/2021
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