subsistence allowance

American  

noun

1. money given in advance to a new soldier, employee, etc., to buy food, clothing, and pay for other necessities while awaiting a first pay.

2. money paid a worker in addition to salary to cover expenses that may be incurred in the performance of the job.

3. money paid to members of the armed forces in lieu of meals; an allowance for food.

---

subsistence allowance British  

noun

1. an advance paid to an employee before his pay begins

2. a payment to an employee to reimburse expenses, as while on assignments

---

Example Sentences

Masiyiwa through his charity late last year offered to pay doctors a “monthly subsistence allowance” of roughly $300.

From Washington Times

He said this fund would pay up to 2,000 doctors a subsistence allowance of about US$300 a month to help them with transport and living costs.

From BBC

The carers allowance is not applicable to town and parish councillors but other allowances such as "basic allowance and travelling and subsistence allowance" would be.

From BBC

Breaking the rules can result in members being issued with a formal reprimand, losing the €320-a-day subsistence allowance for up to 30 days, or being stripped of the right to attend committees and overseas trips.

From The Guardian

The subsistence allowance payments are made through the Department of Veterans Affairs as part of its Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program.

From Washington Post