Establishing the Rules and Regulations of the Foreign Service Compensation Decree of 1978

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Executive Order No. 495 - Establishing the Rules and Regulations of the Foreign Service Compensation Decree of 1978

Salaries and Appointments
- Foreign Service Officers Class IV: Salary based on age, qualifications, and experience determined by Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Sec. 1a)
- Foreign Service Officers Class II and III: Minimum salary rate for the class (Sec. 1b)
- Staff Officers and Employees Classes I-III: Minimum salary rate for the class (Sec. 2)
- Alien Clerks and Employees: Basic salary fixed by Secretary of Foreign Affairs in currency of country of assignment (Sec. 3)

Allowances and Compensation
- Charge d'Affaires ad interim: Receives representation and other allowances of chief of mission, but no increase in basic salary (Sec. 4a)
- Officer-in-Charge of Consulate: Receives representation and other allowances of principal officer (Sec. 4b)
- Living Quarters Allowance: Commutable allowance for rental, utilities, telephone, and maintenance expenses (Sec. 7)
- Overseas Allowance: Granted when cost of living is high, extraordinary expenses are incurred, or adverse living conditions exist (Sec. 8)
- Family Allowance: For dependent spouse and up to 3 unmarried minor children living with the officer/employee (Sec. 10)
- Post Allowance: For unusual expenses of official residence of chief diplomatic/consular representative (Sec. 11)
- Representation Allowance: For entertainment, charitable contributions, gifts, etc. to uphold prestige and carry out functions (Sec. 12)
- Clothing Allowance: Up to $500 for chiefs of mission, $400 for officers, $250 for staff (Sec. 13)
- Education Allowance: For up to 3 dependent children enrolled in primary/elementary education (Sec. 14)
- Medical Allowance: Reimbursement for medical expenses, including hospitalization and insurance premiums (Sec. 15)
- Relocation Allowance: For packing, shipment, and unpacking of household and personal effects (Sec. 16)

Other Provisions
- Classification of Positions: Secretary of Foreign Affairs to classify positions (Sec. 5)
- Allowance Rates and Policies: Approved by the President upon recommendation (Sec. 6)
- Overseas Allowance Adjustments: Permanent Committee to recommend adjustments based on currency fluctuations and price levels (Sec. 9)
- Assimilated Ranks: Assigned by the President to personnel from other departments stationed abroad (Sec. 17)
- Supplementary Rules and Regulations: To be adopted as necessary (Sec. 18)
- Availability of Funds: Implementation subject to availability of funds and President's approval (Sec. 19)