A policy change to allow civilian employees exchange benefits is in the final stage of the DoD approval process, Military Times reports.

There are approximately 796,000 DoD civilian employees in the United States, officials say the policy change would bring about 575,000 new eligible customers into exchanges.

Berry Patrick, who works in the DoD Office of Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Nonappropriated Fund Policy said the policy change would most likely be enacted after the November election.

The benefit would apply to both appropriated fund and nonappropriated fund employees; employees would use their Common Access Card for the benefit.

Officials estimate exchange sales could increase by about $287 million a year with DoD civilian participation.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder