Posted on Feb 7, 2022
I received a $7000 bonus, received $3500 of it. If I end my enlistment early, Will I have to pay back the entire $7000 or just $3500?
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So a year into my enlistment I regret going reserve instead of active. But at the time of enlistment I was just eager to join and didn’t do much research. But now after a year in, I realize I want to go Active.
So, I got a $7000 bonus, I received $3500 of it. If I end my enlistment early, Will I have to pay back the entire $7000 or just $3500?
In AR635-200 it says Recoupment of the unearned portion of an enlistment or reenlistment bonus is required by law when a Soldier is separated voluntarily or because of misconduct. So would this mean I’ll pay back a prorated amount of the unearned bonus?
For example, I have 5 years left before I enter IRR, 2027, I was told by my career counselor that at the 12 month mark before the 5th year i’d start negotiating a new contract, 2026, so if I leave next year, 2023, I would pay $97.24 each month for the next 3 years of my enlistment? or $72.91 for the 4 years?
or would it just be better to wait it out?
Any help is appreciated.
So, I got a $7000 bonus, I received $3500 of it. If I end my enlistment early, Will I have to pay back the entire $7000 or just $3500?
In AR635-200 it says Recoupment of the unearned portion of an enlistment or reenlistment bonus is required by law when a Soldier is separated voluntarily or because of misconduct. So would this mean I’ll pay back a prorated amount of the unearned bonus?
For example, I have 5 years left before I enter IRR, 2027, I was told by my career counselor that at the 12 month mark before the 5th year i’d start negotiating a new contract, 2026, so if I leave next year, 2023, I would pay $97.24 each month for the next 3 years of my enlistment? or $72.91 for the 4 years?
or would it just be better to wait it out?
Any help is appreciated.
Army Reserve Elements
Career Counselor
Career Advice
Finance
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 3
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You only received half of your bonus, that's why it's only $3500. Certain bonuses are paid half of front and half partway through. You're only responsible for paying back the portion the Army paid you (the pre tax amount, not the amount you receive post tax).
You were only paid half your bonus, so your bonus obligation end date is basically halfway through. Assuming you joined in 2021, and you were paid $7000 for six years, you were paid $3500 for three years. That means you'll pay back just under $100 for every month between your discharge and your three year mark. DFAS rounds up to whole months.
You were only paid half your bonus, so your bonus obligation end date is basically halfway through. Assuming you joined in 2021, and you were paid $7000 for six years, you were paid $3500 for three years. That means you'll pay back just under $100 for every month between your discharge and your three year mark. DFAS rounds up to whole months.
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Don't count of keeping it since you leave early - probably have to pay it back but if all at once or some every month I do not know.
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