Basic allowance for housing (BAH) provides a housing allowance for service members when military housing is unavailable. Several factors determine BAH rates, including geographic duty location, pay grade and dependency status. The rates are subject to change based on the defense budget.
The Department of Defense releases updated rates in December. The rates kick in on Jan. 1 of the following year.
View the current 2024 BAH Rates here.
Like many benefits, BAH is simple on the surface. But it can get a little complicated, depending on your circumstances. This guide covers a variety of frequently asked questions, including types of BAH, BAH eligibility, BAH rates, how BAH is calculated and what happens when BAH rates change.
Types of BAH
There are several types of housing allowances:
- Basic allowance for housing (BAH) – Allowance for military members to offset the cost of housing when government housing is not available.
- BAH with and without dependents rates – BAH is also broken into separate rates for service members who have dependents and those who do not. The dependent rate is the same regardless of the number of dependents you have. Dual-military couples without additional dependents each receive the without-dependents rate. If the dual-military couple has dependents, one will receive the with-dependents rate, and the other will receive the without-dependents rate.
- Partial BAH – Service members without dependents who reside in government quarters receive a partial housing allowance.
- BAH Reserve component / transit (BAH RC/T) / BAH Type II – Members of the Guard or Reserves who are activated for fewer than 30 days receive a different housing allowance. This allowance also applies to members who are in transit from a duty location with no prior BAH rate (such as overseas). BAH II is a fixed rate based on the national average for housing and does not vary by location.
- BAH-Diff – BAH Differential is the housing allowance amount for a member who is assigned to single quarters but receives BAH to pay child support. Service members are not entitled to BAH-Diff if the monthly rate of child support is less than the BAH-Diff amount.
- Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) – Similar to BAH, but only available to members stationed overseas or in U.S. protectorates.
Who Is Eligible for BAH?
The military has a limited amount of housing available for service members. This can include dormitories, barracks and on- and off-base housing.
When there’s no base housing available, or a service member is authorized to stay off-base, they get BAH.
New military members who are attending basic training or tech school only receive BAH if they have dependents. The dependent’s location determines the BAH rate.
Do I Have to Live in Military Housing If It Is Available?
Sometimes, but not always.
For example, single junior enlisted members may be required to live in base dormitories or barracks until they have dependents or reach a certain rank (depending on availability and other factors).
Some military members may also be required to live in base housing in overseas locations, particularly for remote assignments or in locations where off-base housing is extremely limited or restricted to members of a certain rank or status.
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How Are BAH Rates Determined?
The Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) handles BAH for the Department of Defense.
To calculate BAH, DTMO collects data on housing costs like rent and utilities from military housing areas across the United States. Then, it sorts that data into “profiles” for apartments, townhouses/duplexes, and single-family rental units of varying size.
DTMO links housing profiles with particular pay grades and dependency statuses. The chart below outlines the Office’s six standard housing profiles for BAH.
| Size | Military Pay Grade (With Dependents) | Military Pay Grade (Without Dependents) |
|---|---|---|
| One Bedroom Apartment | E-4 | |
| Two Bedroom Apartment | O-1 | |
| Two Bedroom Townhouse or Duplex | E-5 | O-1E |
| Three Bedroom Townhouse or Duplex | E-6 | O-3E |
| Three Bedroom Single Family Detached House | W-3 | O-6 |
| Four Bedroom Single Family Detached House | O-5 | |
From there, to calculate BAH rates, the DTMO determines the total housing costs (median rent + average utilities) for each profile in a military housing area. Then, it calculates a separate BAH rate for each military pay grade for service members with and without dependents.
Because these rates fluctuate, DTMO must reassess them annually.
Note: Much, much more goes into the calculations than we can cover in this article. The DTMO publishes a BAH Primer that covers the BAH formulas in greater detail, including additional checks and balances. DTMO’s process results in 95% statistical confidence that the estimated median rent is within 10% of the true median ren for a given area.
Does BAH Cover 100% of Housing Expenses?
That depends on how much of your BAH you spend. I know, not the answer you’re looking for, right?
Contrary to popular belief, BAH wasn’t intended to cover 100% of off-base living expenses at first. At one point, it was only calculated to cover 80% of off-base living expenses, leaving service members to foot the remaining 20% of the cost themselves.
In 2000, Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen authorized a BAH increase to close the gap. By 2005, BAH was increased to cover 100% of off-base living expenses.
However, the 2015 and 2016 Defense Authorization Acts eliminated renter’s insurance from the computation and introduced a cost-sharing element to shift some housing expenses back to service members.
Service member cost shares began at 1% in 2015, increasing by an additional 1% each year until it reached 5% in 2019.
Now, BAH covers 95% of median housing costs in a military housing area.
Should I Still Buy Renter’s Insurance?
While the cost of renter’s insurance was removed from BAH calculations in 2015, it’s still a good idea to get renter’s insurance.
Typically, it’s not too expensive (around $20 or less in many locations) and covers your belongings in the event of loss, damage, theft or natural disasters.
Covering your belongings is your responsibility, not your landlord’s. You can learn more about renter’s insurance in this article. It’s also not the military’s responsibility. If you live in the barracks, you should also consider purchasing renter’s insurance.
Why Doesn’t My BAH Rate Cover My Housing Expenses?
Remember that median housing prices in your duty location – along with your pay grade and number of dependents – determine your BAH rate.
Choosing to live in a larger or smaller residence than the median will affect how far your BAH goes. If you buy or rent housing that is larger or more expensive than the median price range for your rank and dependent status, your BAH may not cover all of your expenses.
Additionally, choosing to live closer or further from your base may affect the rental prices. As with all real estate, it often comes down to location, location, location.
Can I Use My BAH to Buy a House? Will BAH Cover My Mortgage?
Yes, you can buy a house with your BAH – there’s no rule against that. Just be aware that, by design, BAH does not consider mortgage costs, it only considers the median cost of renting. If the cost of renting in your area is higher than your mortgage, you’re in good shape.
If it’s lower, expect to foot the bill for the difference. In addition to considering your home’s cost, size and location, remember to factor in any down payment, taxes, homeowners insurance or closing costs.
You may also need to cover additional homeownership costs for maintenance, repairs or upgrades to your property.
If you move or PCS, you’ll need to rent or sell your home. If you can do that, positive factors to consider include potential market gains.
Where Can I Find Current BAH Rates?
Current BAH rates can be found on the DTMO website.
Remember, basic allowance for housing rates vary by location. The higher the cost of living, the higher the BAH rate. Some locations with a high cost of living may also be eligible for an additional Cost of Living Adjustment on top of the BAH benefit.
To use DTMO’s BAH calculator, enter the year, your duty zip code and pay grade.
The calculator will return the BAH rate for your location for both the single and with-dependents rates. You can also find more background information on current BAH rates on our site, including the amount of the most recent BAH rate increases or decreases and other supporting information.
What Happens When My BAH Rates Change?
In most cases, your BAH rate can only go up in a given area. When BAH rates increase for your housing area, your benefit will increase as well.
But, your rate will not go down in an area while you’re living there – BAH rate protection has you covered.
Service members are entitled to the BAH rates published Jan. 1 or the amount of housing allowance they received Dec. 31, whichever is larger.
Individual rate protection prevents decreases in housing allowances, as long as the service member doesn’t have a change in status, such as:
- A permanent change of station (PCS)
- A reduction in pay grade
- A change in dependent status (only a change in with or without dependents, not the total number of dependents)
BAH for Dual-Military Couples
According to DTMO, BAH for dual-military couples depends on whether or not the couple has children.
Married partners in a dual-military couple without children or dependent parents can each receive BAH at the single service-member rate. If a married couple has children or a dependent parent, only one service member can receive the BAH “with dependents” rate. The other will continue to receive the single rate. (If you are married in this situation, you’ll receive a greater benefit if the higher-ranking service member takes the BAH “with dependents” rate
Unmarried service members living together who each have children or dependent parents can continue to receive the BAH “with dependents” rates.
More Information About BAH and BAH Rates
Here are some official sources for BAH regulations, rates and additional information:
- Defense Travel Management Office (official DoD Resource for BAH, rates and other information)
- Chapter 10 of the Joint Travel Regulations.
- Title 37 USC § 403 covers BAH law.
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Calysta McKinney says
Hello, I got out of the military around two years ago, so I am technically inactive reserve status. I am going to school using Chapter 31 benefits, which means I am also receiving housing benefits. I just got married to an active-duty member, so will we still rate the dual BAH?
Ryan Guina says
Calysta, yes, you should both rate BAH based on your situation. If it is just the two of you, then the active duty spouse would likely receive the individual BAH rate. If there is another dependent, then the active military spouse would most likely also receive the BAH with dependents rate.
Claudia Gonzalez says
Hi!
I’m in the reserves, but my husband will soon join the Navy as an active duty member. Will I qualify as a dependent for BAH?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Claudia, Yes, you will qualify as a dependent while you are in an inactive status. When you are activated, you will both receive the single BAH rate, unless you have other dependents. If that is the case, then the higher ranking individual will receive the BAH with dependents rate and the lower ranking individual will receive the single BAH rate. Best wishes!
chuc says
A future soldier will be attending active duty Basic training in 3 weeks and have a mortgage, he is single and have no dependents, will he be authorized BAH or partial
Ryan Guina says
Hello Chuc,
Servicemembers who are attending basic training and tech school only receive full BAH if they have dependents. If they have dependents, then they will receive BAH based on their home of residence or where their dependents are living.
Otherwise, they will receive Partial BAH. However, Partial BAH is very small and will not be enough to cover a mortgage payment.
The recruit should speak with his recruiter prior to joining the military for more information about his benefits. It would also be a good idea to consider selling our renting out his home to ensure the payments are eliminated or taken care of while he is in the military.
Best wishes!
duc says
as an 18 years old single with an active rental lease before basic trainning . will I get sometime of BAH to help with rent?
Ryan Guina says
Duc, BAH may be provided if you have dependents living with you and you do not wish to break your lease. Speak with your recruiter about this topic. He or she should be able to provide more information about this benefit and what you need to do to receive it, if eligible.
If you do not have dependents, you may not be eligible for BAH. However, you may be eligible to break your lease without penalty. I recommend looking into the Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act, or SCRA. My understanding is that military service should allow the member to break his or her lease in order to fulfill military obligations. However, you may wish to verify this with a military lawyer, or Judge Advocate General (JAG). Since you haven’t yet enlisted, I would ask your recruiter for assistance with this. He or she should be able to point you in the right direction.
teresa carringtin says
When my son deploys to Turkey, and his wife and child move in with her parents, will she get Bah?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Teresa, I don’t have enough information to answer this question. This is something your son should ask his finance office for clarification on, or alternatively, his wife can also ask the question. She should have access to the base finance office. Best wishes.
Allison Virginia Hobaugh says
We have been told that Lincoln military housing will take our BAH from 1 May to 15 May. We only lived in that house until 7 May. They told us we would be prorated back. I am just trying to figure out if that is the normal way and how long to recieve a refund check.
Mark says
I am a reservist starting ADOS orders. The orders have not been cut yet and I have the option to have orders for more than 30 days but less than 6 months, or orders for longer than 6 months but less than a year. I’ve been told that if I choose orders over 179 days (6 months) then I have the option to PCS, and thus will be paid BAH at the duty location rate with no other lodging allowance. Since I am not planning to move my family for a tour of less than a year, I will need BAH for my family, but also need lodging for myself at the duty location (military accommodations are not available). My question is, if the orders are less than 6 months but longer than 30 days, will I be paid BAH and lodging?
Thanks!
Ryan Guina says
Hello Mark,
This is a great question. Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer – I recommend sitting down with your finance office to look at your options and find the situation that will help you out the most. I can say that when I have attended tech schools on TDY orders of less than 6 months, I was given BAH and provided lodging at my TDY location. But I’m not sure if this would qualify as a TDY, or if this would qualify as your primary duty station. So I recommend speaking with your finance office so they can help you understand the specifics of how this will impact you.
Best wishes!
Chris says
I am active duty Army. My wife and I separated and she moved to another state with the kids while I deployed. We are receiving BAH for my Duty Station, if we are separated are we authorized to get BAH for where the spouse and kids are living permanently?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Chris,
BAH is provided for the member and the family members that are living with him or her. Because of this, BAH is provided at the member’s location. I recommend speaking with your finance office for more information regarding how your BAH will change if your spouse and kids move away permanently. I wish you and your family the best.
Alex rodriguez says
I am deploying soon and want to know if my bah for my spouse and I will change if she moves to California where housing is much more expensive than where I am now. Will it still be the bah rate for my duty when I am not here or in California for my wife to pay for expenses
Bob says
Can a married soldier receive BAH w/dependents if his or her spouse lives in a different state
Ryan Guina says
Hello Bob,
A military member with dependents is usually authorized BAH unless they are on an unaccompanied assignment or they are living in government-provided housing, such as the barracks or dorms. However, they would only be authorized BAH for their duty station, not for where their dependents live. There can also be some quirky rules regarding BAH.
I recommend the servicemember ensure their dependents are properly added to the DEERS system. Then the member can speak with his or her finance office to see about being authorized for BAH.
The finance office should be the member’s main point of contact.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service.
Marinea says
Hello- will the BAH be paid directly to the landlord or will it go to the service member to be paid to the landlord? We have an applicant who is applying for one of our properties and does not qualify based solely on income, however, she has disclosed that her BAH will cover the rent, which we would accept. I’m just curious as to whether or not it is paid directly to landlord? Thanks!
Ryan Guina says
Hello Marinea,
BAH is paid directly to the service member. BAH can and should also be used as part of a service member’s income when applying for housing, as BAH is a housing allowance intended for rent or mortgage payments.
Pao says
My wife is in the Philippines and im about to deploy to quatar, do i get Philippines OHA or still my duty station bah?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Pao, You should speak to your finance office. But in general, you will continue to receive the BAH from your duty station. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service.
Tim S says
My girlfriend is currently in a training status in the army. She lives in my house, which I own and pay a mortgage on and we have an agreement that she pays for half of the expenses. Can she get BAH to help me cover her costs while she is gone? Her command is trying to tell her no, but won’t provide the instruction where it states that. Can you provide me with the article that outlines this, or where to look?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Tim, The military provides service members with quarters or a housing allowance in lieu of quarters (called a Basic Housing Allowance, or BAH). When military members enter training and do not have dependents, such as a spouse or children, they are often put into military quarters, such as the barracks or dorms. If that is the case, then that counts as their housing benefit. They would not be eligible for BAH if they are residing in the barracks or dormitories.
The DoD website has an FAQ page that states the following (emphasis mine):
Servicemembers who enter the military and have a rental or lease agreement are afforded the opportunity to opt-out of that lease agreement through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or SCRA. So if she has a legally binding rental agreement with you, she may be legally allowed to opt-out of the agreement through the SCRA.
I hope this is helpful information in understanding her benefits.
Best wishes to you both.
Jonathan says
Good Afternoon,
my girlfriend and I are not married and have decided not to get married yet, but we are having a baby. She is at 24 weeks now. At what point will I be eligible for BAH and do I really need to have a custody agreement in order to receive BAH even if we are gonna be living together?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Jonathan, This is a question for your base finance or personnel office. I do not have the answer. Best wishes.
Michael says
Hello i just got married and finance is telling me i need a lease to get Bah is this right im just starting bah
Ryan Guina says
Hello Michael, Congratulations on your wedding! I’m not sure of the exact process. But if they are telling you to get a lease, then they are probably trying to verify you are moving out of the barracks. It would be a good idea to speak with your supervisor or First Sergeant to verify how the process works so you can ensure you get BAH as soon as possible. Best wishes, and thank you for your service!
Juan says
How can someone apply for BAH? what is the paperwork required? where can it be obtained?
Taleshia Mosby says
I’m a 100% disabled veteran and wanted to know if I qualify for BAH and how do I apply for it. Thanks
Ryan Guina says
Hello Taleshia, Thank you for contacting me. BAH is only for active duty service members. Veterans who are taking college courses with the Post-9/11 GI Bill are also eligible for a housing stipend based on the BAH rates. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service.
Juan says
My girlfriend and I will be getting married after basic training and she will be attending MOS school. Will we be able to live together once we are married on or off base while at MOS school? Will she receive BAH?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Juan, Each situation is unique and I’m not familiar with the Army regulations or the specifics of her training course. I recommend your girlfriend speak with her base human resources office or finance office to find out what her options are. Best wishes to you and your fiance.
Haley Jeter says
My friend is pregnant by her boyfriend who is a marine. She just hit 20 weeks. Now that she is 20 weeks pregnant, isn’t he entitled to BAH?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Haley, I don’t know Marine policies regarding this – but generally, the member must be approved to live off base to be eligible for BAH. The Marine would need to work with his supervision and/or base finance office for approval to move off base if he doesn’t already have it.
Best wishes.
SM says
Hello, I am active duty and my wife is National Guard not on orders. We just got a house and are moving in this month. Will our BAH still be my BAH with dependents and hers without dependents?
Ryan Guina says
Hello SM,
Your BAH will be your BAH rate with dependents. Your wife will not receive BAH while she is not on orders. When she is on orders she will either receive BAH Type II (for short orders), or her regular BAH rate while on longer orders. The member with the higher BAH rate will usually get the BAH with dependents rate and the person with the lower BAH will get the BAH rate without dependents.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Bill Brush says
Question: My son is an E3 at Fort Irwin. He should be promoted to E4 before year’s end. His mama (my wife) is a Philippine citizen and essentially incapable of caring for herself. I’ve had a number of surgeries recently, and at age 74, it seems my time is short. Will son’s mama be entitled to live with him either on-post in family housing, or considering the circumstances, become eligible for BAH? Thanks.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Bill, thank you for your comment and I wish you the best of health.
To answer your questions, in general, yes, adult parents would be allowed to live with their children in an on-base military housing if they are considered dependents of the servicemember. So, yes, it may be possible for her to live with them. But I’m not sure the exact process. Your son would need to contact his finance office for further information.
I wish you and your family the best.
stephanie says
Hi Ryan, I moved to my husbands current duty station (CA) from our last duty station and am now having to move back to Oregon for my job. Is it possible to get BAH in Oregon since I will live there or does it stay at the rate where my husband is stationed? Thanks!
Ryan Guina says
Hello Stephanie, I believe your husband would receive BAH for his duty station. However, I recommend contacting his unit’s finance office for full details and to see if there are any options. Best wishes.
Caleb Lassiter says
Hello! I will be leaving for the Airforce in September. My girlfriend and I are planning on marrying at some point. Say we get married and I’m active duty, and she’s living out of state as a full-time student for college, will I still be able to get BAH and live off base, or at least get on-base housing, or will I still be in the dorms? How exactly would that work?
Dmoney says
If commanded Sponsored to Germany and live in Government leased housing and now spouse wants to move to the Philippines. What will happen to her OHA?
Will I still receive OHA/BAH?
Will OHA be for me or her because no on-post quarters are available?
Will i no longer qualify for current government quarters?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Dmoney, this is outside my scope of knowledge. I recommend taking this question to your finance or personnel office. They will be best able to assist you. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Lee says
Hello,
I have a question about BAH. My spouse and I are station overseas in Germany (she is command sponsored) I have received orders to go to Fort Carson and she wants to stay her because of a a promotion.
I understand she has to self sponsor with her job in order to live and work on Germany under SOFA. But she will not receive LQA or any other living allowances other the COLA. I plan on living in the barracks at Carson. Is she not authorized BAH because I’d live in the barracks?
Thanks
Ryan Guina says
Hello Lee, this is a question for your finance department. They can assist you based on your specific situation. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Marshall w. says
I am active duty and getting single bah with dependent and I’m wondering should i be Getting bah where
My dependent lives or
Where i live
Phillip says
I’m currently Active Duty and want to go Reserve. Will my BAH change or will it be the same as if I was AD once I go into Reserves?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Phillip, If you go to a Reserve unit, your BAH will change to the BAH at your new location. If you are Active Reserves, you would receive full BAH. If you are a Traditional Reservist (one weekend a month, two weeks a year), you would receive BAH only when activated.
You can use the BAH calculator to get a better idea of what your BAH will be if you change status. Your finance office can also help you with this.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Aaron says
hello sir,
I got married in September 2017, and I haven’t been living with my wife since then because of her school, she has a really strict PhD program and the closest one that’s available is in Gainesville, FL. (I was stationed in GA btw). It never occurred to me to ask anyone till now if I should be getting some kind of partial bah for her or hardship pay since we don’t live together? My coworkers said I should be getting some kind of extra pay, but I went to finance to ask and they just shut me down right away. Just wondering if you have any resource I can use to look up my situation.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Aaron, I’m not sure. This is something that will need to be run through your finance office. You can contact your First Sergeant or someone else in your chain of command to assist you if the finance office isn’t helpful.
You can also contact DFAS and ask them how the rules work in this instance. They may be able to point you to the correct reg and how to interpret it. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service.
Ed Svatos says
You should be able to take your marriage license into the local finance office and start your Housing allowance (BAH). You and your wife do not have to be living together to draw this allowance.
unknown says
i just want to ask, since my husband and me got married last 2018 why his bah doesnt give to him? its been a year.
Ryan Guina says
Hello, I recommend speaking with your husband’s finance or personnel/human resources office. They can help you with this matter. It is also required that the family members are added to his DEERS account (this is the system in which military dependents are added to a member’s military benefits).
I wish you and your family the best.
Julie Hirschauer says
Can a sailor get BAH if they have been to DRB?
Catherine says
My boyfriend (USCG) and I (civilian) do not currently live in the same state. We would like to get married before he goes to Bahrain. I obviously won’t go with him. Will he receive BAH for my zip code once he leaves?
Thanks for your time.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Catherine, he should receive BAH for his duty station or his home of record if he does not live near his duty station (this typically applies to members of the Reserve component). He would only receive BAH for your zip code if that was his registered address. He can contact his finance department for more specific information about his BAH rates and what he will need to do to add you as a dependent in the DEERS system.
Best wishes to you both on your upcoming marriage!
Ed Svatos says
If you are stationed at a place where dependents are not authorized to go with you your BAH rate is based on where your dependents are living.
Gee says
Hello. I am in the process of enlisting into the national guard. Me, my wife and my son are living in a family house with her parents. We jointly contribute every month towards expenses and pay rent but technically we don’t have our names on the lease. Do we still qualify for BAH?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Gee,
You will qualify for BAH when you are on active duty. It won’t matter whether you live with someone else or if you have your own residence. You should still receive BAH while activated. You will not receive BAH when you are inactive. You can speak with your recruiter for more information on this topic, including what you need to do to register your family members in the DEERS system so you will be eligible for BAH.
Best wishes on your coming enlistment!
Gabby says
My husband is in the army and we just got married a couple days ago. We didn’t get a chance to enroll me in DEERS and I am on my way back home to a different state. Will he still be able to collect BAH without me being enrolled to DEERS. Also, how would I be able to enroll on DEERS on a base near me without an escort?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Gabby, I believe you will need to be enrolled in DEERS for your husband to be able to collect BAH with dependents rate.
Contact your local base ID card issuing station for more information regarding whether or not you will need to have a sponsor to gain base access and be added to DEERS. I believe your husband will need to sign a form in advance. However, I am not certain of the specific process. They can help you.
Locate the closest ID card issuing station.
They can also help you know which information and forms of ID you will need to be added to DEERS. At the minimum, you will need your marriage license, a photo ID, your husband’s information (DOB, SSN, etc.), and possibly another form of ID, such as your social security card, passport, or something similar. Again, they can provide you with this information.
More about getting a military ID Card.
I wish you and your husband the best!
Crump says
Hello Sir, i just want to find out if i’m qualified for bah and bas…
i’m married but my wife and my son they live in another country and they are not US citizen yet. But i am trying to take care of their passport and they might be here in 8months… i was im basic training on nov 2019, since then i never recieve bah and i was station in washington. I was here on march and i recieve my bah on april 530$ then they just give me 30days to stay in the barracks. Or else they will take my bah… they started taking my bah this may. My Question is, how about november to march ? Are they still going to pay me back? My bah and bas… and i am allowed to live on bast housing even my wife and my son are now here yet… thank you so much
Ryan Guina says
Hello Crump, This is a question you need to take up with your finance office. Are your family members in the DEERS system? This is required to have them listed as dependents. This is likely also required to be eligible for BAH and BAS.
Some branches of the military may require junior ranking members to live in the dormitories if they do not have their dependents living with them.
So I don’t have a good answer for you. You should speak with your personnel or finance office to ensure your dependents are listed in the DEERS system and that you are receiving all of the benefits you should be eligible to receive. They can also tell you what you need to do if you do not currently qualify for BAH.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Crump says
Do you get bah and bas if you live in the barracks?
Jason says
Me and my wife are enlisted. We recently got married and we are both shore duty. I am stationed in Jacksonville and she is stationed in California. We have a child. The child is living with her in CA until our Colo is finalized. I went on deployment in Feb 19. Should I be receiving BAH for my dependent location while deployed?
Ryan Guina says
Jason, I believe you should remain eligible for BAH while deployed. You should verify this with your finance office. Best wishes on your deployment, and stay safe!
HH says
BAH has change for my location last year. I’ve been in the Battalion for three years w/dependent pay. If I cchange it this year to w/o dependents will I get the w/o dependent rate from 2016 or the new one from 2018?
Ryan Guina says
Hello HH, Thank you for your question. Military members are generally eligible for BAH rate protection, which protects the current BAH rate if future rates fall. However, this is only en effect so long as their status does not change. So if you go from with dependents to without dependents, you are no longer grandfathered into the previous BAH rates and will receive whichever rates are in effect at the time your status changes.
You can confirm this with your finance office and verify what your new rates would be.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Candice says
My boyfriend is in the military and we are thinking about getting married soon , His duty station is in Hawaii and the cost of living is crazy . We are planning on getting off base housing , if we do will the military provide the deposit to the house or do we have to come up with that out of pocket ?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Candice, the military will provide a monthly BAH allowance, which will start in the month you get married. You will not receive the first payment until the month after you are married (the same as with military pay; you receive payment after you do the work). The military does not specifically provide money for a deposit. You will have to provide the deposit from your paycheck or from the BAH you receive. I recommend having some savings set aside for startup costs, such as your rental deposit and any deposits for utilities, such as gas, electric, and water.
You can also apply to live on base, which is much less expensive and is very nice housing. Living on base does not have to be a permanent situation – you can live there for a few months while getting settled, which will hopefully allow you to save a little money to be able to move off base.
I hope this is helpful, and I wish you and your fiance the best!
Zane says
Me and my wife got married in January while she was finishing up rotc for the Army, I’m in the Marines we got an apartment in -between the time before she commissioned early May. I informed IPAC that my wife entreated the service and they told me I would be losing all BAH money and that I would have to fill out a BAH own right package. Is this correct? Really trying to get this fixed thank you
Melissa says
What paperwork do we need to submit in order to qualify for BAH? And does the apartment contract have to be under both of our names?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Melissa, In most cases, the member should automatically receive BAH if he or she has dependents listed in DEERS. I recommend visiting the base finance office for more information or to ensure everything is set up properly.
Servicemembers generally don’t have to submit lease or rental contracts to receive BAH. However, members may have to do so in some overseas locations. Again, check with your base finance office.
Best wishes.
ryan says
i will be at BMT next month. i’am single and have 2 children in the philippines. will i qualify for the BAH? thanks in advance.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Ryan, You generally need to be their primary caregiver in order to receive BAH. In addition, they would need to be listed as your dependents in the DEERS system. I would work with your recruiter in advance to ensure the paperwork is correct before you leave for BMT. Your recruiter should also be able to provide further information on this.
Best wishes!
gerald says
on what form do you make the claim for BAH after a soldier dies? if there is no spouse do it go to the children? equal shares?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Gerald, I’m sorry to hear about this situation.
This is outside my area of expertise. I recommend contacting the base finance office. They should help the survivors understand their benefits, how the final pay is distributed, and how any survivor benefits will be paid.
The survivors can often find the base finance office contact information on the base website or directory. If that doesn’t work, I recommend contacting the base operator or base information line. They should be able to provide the information.
I hope this points you in the right direction.
Eli Field says
Married with kids. National guard on active duty for training for 123 days. I am living in barracks. Do we get bah or not?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Eli, Confirm this with your finance office. I believe you should be eligible for BAH, since you have dependents. For example, if you were to go TDY, they would pay you BAH, and they would cover the cost of your living expenses, whether that would be a hotel, barracks, etc. I’m not sure how this works if you are at home station and they put you up in housing. But I believe you should still get BAH since you have dependents.
Yout finance office should be able to explain your benefits and provide which reg is applicable.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Reyna says
My husband and I are both Navy reservists without any children. He was recently mobilized for a 10 month deployment to a hazardous area. Since I am still drilling as a reservist while he is considered active duty do we count as dual military? He is receiving BAH w/o a dependent even though I count as a dependent for everything else now (like Tricare and in DEERS). We are also receiving FSH. If that is incorrect then who would I talk to? He doesn’t have access to make phone calls so I have to figure out most of it by myself.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Reyna, So far as I am aware, your husband should be receiving BAH with dependents rate because you are a dependent and you are in DEERS. You can visit the finance or personnel office and have them take care of this. They should be able to make the change retroactive to the date he went on active duty orders.
I don’t know if you would count as dual military as far as BAH is concerned since you are not currently activated. So far as I am aware, this should be classified as Bah with dependent rate.
Best wishes!
Lexy says
My boyfriend and I want to get married but I live in Washington state and he is serving in southern California. Could we still get BAH to live in Washington state?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Lexy, the military will provide BAH for the member at his or her duty location. If you are a civilian, then your boyfriend would receive BAH for his duty location in southern CA. If you are both in the military, then you may both be eligible for BAH at your respective duty locations. Best wishes!
Dana says
My spouse is Active Duty Army. My kids and I went to Korea with him and lived on post. My kids and I came back states after an ERD was approved. His command is saying my spouse is only entitled to BAH II. I have read AT 608-99 but it doesn’t completely explain our situation. Side note….we are NOT legally separated and there is no court order. He sent us home and quit financially supporting us all together.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Dana, This is outside my area of expertise. If you are still in the DEERS system as a dependent, then you can go to the closest military installation and speak with the finance office or other customer service office. They can look up the situation and help you understand what the benefits currently are and if they should be different. I wish you and your family the best.
Coach says
hello, i leave to BMT next month, i pay my parents rent to help with the mortgage, do i qualify for BAH ??
Ryan Guina says
Hello Coach, You generally only qualify for BAH if you have dependents when you join the military, such as a wife or child(ren). Otherwise, you will receive housing in the base dormitories. Your previous or current obligations don’t influence your ability to receive BAH when you join the military. You can discuss this in more detail with your recruiter.
Alan says
I leave May 28th for BMT with the Airforce and my recruiter told me I would be getting BAH. I am considered single w/ a child(dependent). He said since I was entered into the DEERs system w/ a dependent I would be entitled BAH. I’ve read multiple different answers online on whether or not I would be getting BAH while not being married. Just looking for some confirmation, thanks!
I am listed as his primary caregiver, if that matters as well.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Alan, Your recruiter should be correct – you should receive BAH if you have a dependent listed in the DEERS system. The dependent does not have to be a spouse, it can be a child.
Best wishes at BMT!
Chris says
I’m in the Marines and my wife and I just got married. But she’s not a resident or a U.S citizen. Can she still be allowed to live with me on base? And get BAH?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Chris, You will need to speak with your personnel office, or whoever handles the DEERS enrollment process (DEERS is the system that enters dependents into the military system for ID cards and benefits such as TRICARE). They will let you know what steps you need to take to get her enrolled, and how to get her an ID card.
Here is how to enroll a dependent in DEERS.
BAH is paid to the military member, no to the spouse. But yes, you would most likely qualify for BAH once you get your wife registered in DEERS.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
King says
What if my name is on a lease for an apartment in another state, will i be able to get BAH even though I do not “technically” live there ? i.e, I own a home in Cali but is stationed at Fort Benning, GA.
Ryan Guina says
Hello King, Your BAH is based on your permanent duty station. BAH does not take into account previous leases, mortgages, or other housing arrangements. If you have a lease in another location, you should be able to break that lease if you receive PCS orders. There is a provision in the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) that provides for this. You should see your JAG for more information. The SCRA does not, however, have similar provisions to break a mortgage. If you PCS when you have a mortgage you should either sell the home or rent it out. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Troy says
If you PCS in December to a location and its BAH is going down in Jan, what rate will you get? Can you arrive 31 Dec and still get BAH rate protection?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Troy, From what I understand, yes, you get BAH rate protection so long as you were receiving BAH in that area before the rates changed.
That said, you should confirm this with your finance office. They will be able to provide you with a firm answer.
There may be other factors that come into play as well. For example, if you are receiving a temporary housing allowance, but not BAH. So definitely verify with your finance office.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Oliver Closeoff says
How are BAH rates decided? Specifically, if I a coming from an overseas assignment in transit to school (meaning I don’t have housing) ‘What will be the BAH rate location deciding factor’?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Oliver, are you asking how they will decide which BAH rate you will have at your school? If so, I can’t answer that, as it will depend on several factors including the duration of your school, whether you are on or off-base, what your orders state, and possibly other factors. You should direct this question to your personnel/HR office, and/or finance office. One of these offices should be able to help you understand what is written on your orders and what your BAH rate will be.
Jason says
My son hasn’t received his BAH for this month and his rent is due. He is in the field for training. What can be done?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Jason, He needs to work with his First Sergeant or his finance office for pay issues. As for making his rent while he is in field training, I recommend he contact his landlord to explain the situation and explain he is unable to make the payment today, but he will make it as soon as possible.
Tim says
If a service member is single with a baby and moves out of Navy housing to go on Cruise, do they get to keep BAH while on cruise?
Stella says
Hi, how does the BAH work if the spouse is deployed to a different state than the one we live and there is no intend to follow?
Jose Feliz says
For dual military, will my spouse receive BAH while at boot camp and A-School?
Khandice Fortenberry says
How is BAH paid for the month of december and January? I understand they dont pay for the winter break, do they pay before winter break and then start back up mid January?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Khandice, BAH is paid out on a prorated basis while the student is attending college. So if the student is attending college for the first two weeks of the month, they will receive a proportional amount of BAH for that time. (All months are based on 30 days, so you can determine the daily amount of BAH by dividing the monthly amount by 30). BAH is paid out on the same schedule as you would normally receive it for that time period.
Alex Ratledge says
Can you get some of your bah reduced if your house is constantly falling apart I’ve had 2 toilets break had multiple ac unit issues and the roof fall in from heavy rain I’m literally on the phone with maintenance every week
Ryan Guina says
Hello Alex, Thank you for your question.
BAH is set by law. I am not aware of any way to have it reduced. I would look into the terms of your lease or rental contract and see if there is a way to get out of it to find another house or apartment. You can work with your base legal department to see if they can assist you with this.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Logan says
How about if you want to get marry with a people who is non-citizen. Do you still can get BAH?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Logan, Yes, you can get BAH as long as your spouse is registered with DEERS as a dependent.
Renee says
How does BAH work when one of our dependents goes off to college full time? Will my husband and I lose our BAH?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Renee, No, you should not lose your BAH.
BAH is based on the military member’s rate, with dependents or without dependents.
The with dependents rate will be the same whether you have one or more dependents. So the BAH rate will not change if a child goes away to college, provided there is still at least one more dependent living in the home (non-military spouse, another child, or another qualified dependent).
I hope this is helpful and I wish you and your family the best.
Ryan says
What if your house is paid for?
Richard Henson says
You will still be eligible for BAH.
Jessica Espana says
How long does the BAH paperwork take and how long before you recieve the check ?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Jessica,
BAH paperwork can be processed within a few days if everything is handled correctly the first time. Payments usually begin within one or two pay cycles, depending on when the paperwork has been submitted and accepted by the system.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Bryce says
I am a retiree currently attending school full time, and taking advantage of my without dependent, E-5 BAH from the Post 9/11 GI Bill. If I marry an active duty member, will my spouse still receive w/ dependent BAH rate even though I am getting BAH through the GI Bill? Or will I no longer qualify for BAH since I am married to a military member receiving BAH? In other words, will I continue to receive w/o dependent E-5 BAH being married to an active duty member receiving w/ dependent BAH? How does that work?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Bryce,
The VA website states, “Active duty members and spouses of active duty members using transferred entitlement cannot receive the Housing Allowance benefit, but Veterans, their spouses and dependents can receive the benefit.”
My understanding is that you would continue to be able to receive the housing allowance while attending school, since this is the benefit you earned, as it was not transferred to you.
I also believe your spouse would be able to receive the BAH with dependents rate if you get married. These are not exclusionary benefits in this instance. They would only cancel out if you were married to a military member who transferred the benefits to you.
That said, this is my understanding. It wouldn’t hurt to verify with the VA customer service line.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!