The Coast Guard has updated Special Duty Pay (SDP) and Assignment Pay (AP) lists for Fiscal Year 2026.
Although a $1 million reduction in funding has resulted in decreases at some pay levels, two new types of SDP and one new AP have been introduced. So please take time to review the lists at PPC Military Accounts Support page to see if you are affected.
Special Duty Pay and Assignment Pay are designed to incentivize members taking on certain critical roles and assignments. The amounts and criteria are reviewed annually and adjusted based on Coast Guard needs, base resources, and organizational priorities.
The following new types of pay have been added this year:
What are the pay rates?
Monthly SDP and AP levels haven’t changed since last year and are as follows:
| SDP-1 |
$75 |
|
AP-1 |
$75 |
| SDP-2 |
$150 |
|
AP-2 |
$150 |
| SDP-3 |
$225 |
|
AP-3 |
$225 |
| SDP-4 |
$300 |
|
AP-4 |
$300 |
| SDP-5 |
$375 |
|
AP-5 |
$375 |
| SDP-6 |
$450 |
|
AP-6 |
$450 |
What about Reservists?
If you’re a Reservist performing any type of duty, you qualify for SDP or AP on a prorated basis if assigned to a Reserve Personnel Allowance List (RPAL) or performing duty for which SDP or AP is authorized and is in accordance with ALCOAST 388/25.
However,
- If you’re serving in an RPAL billet for which AP/SDP is authorized and are ordered to a voluntary active-duty assignment where AP/SDP is not authorized, you will not be eligible for these pays.
- Reservists ordered to involuntary active duty ARE still authorized continuation of AP or SDP for their RPAL Inactive Duty Training (IDT) assignment, if otherwise eligible.
What if I qualify for more than one kind of AP/SDP?
You can’t receive both SDP and AP at the same time. Members who are eligible for both can choose which SDP or AP they wish to receive.
You also can’t receive two types of SDP at the same time. Members who qualify for more than one SDP are authorized to receive the higher amount. If the amounts are equal, you’ll qualify for the SDP that best matches your primary position.
What if I’m ill or injured?
If a member is injured, falls ill, or is otherwise physically disabled while performing the duty for which SDP or AP is paid, SDP or AP may be paid for up to 90 days during the period of treatment for the condition that would otherwise. Note: If the injury, illness, or disability was not incurred performing your duties, SDP and AP will be suspended on the day you are no longer able to perform your work.
Where to find help
Please direct questions about SDP or AP eligibility to the appropriate HQ program manager. For SDP and AP guidance, members must contact their Personnel and Administration (P&A). P&A offices may contact COMDT (CG-WMM-22) on behalf of their members by email at SMB-COMPENSATION@USCG.mil.
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