MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – During a White House speech to the nation on Thursday, Dec. 18, President Donald J. Trump announced that about 1.45 million U.S. service members will receive a one-time, tax-free payment of $1,776 ahead of Christmas.

The payment, described by the administration as a “Warrior Dividend,” is tied to a planned commemoration of the nation’s founding year, 1776, as well as the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States. The intent is to recognize military service and the role of the armed forces in national defense.

“The department recognizes the hard work of our service members with this one-time Warrior Dividend,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Cutchin, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 5th Comptroller Squadron’s Financial Operations Flight. “This one-time payment exemplifies the department’s ongoing commitment to improving the housing and quality of life for our military members and their families.”

The payment will be issued as a non-taxable supplement alongside regular monthly housing allowance payments. The Warrior Dividend is being disbursed and classified as a one-time Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) supplement, even for members who do not currently draw a BAH payment. Approximately 1.28 million active-duty service members and about 174,000 reserve component members are expected to receive the payment.

Eligibility is based on status as of Nov. 30, according to the announcement. Active-duty members in pay grades O-6 and below as of Nov. 30, are eligible. Reserve component members are eligible if they were on active-duty orders of 31 days or more as of Nov. 30.

The payment was scheduled to be issued before Dec. 20 and expected to be delivered through the standard military pay disbursing system.