What to Know About the Basic Needs Allowance for 2025
Military members and families below certain income thresholds can recieve a Basic Needs Allowance to help boost their income in 2025.
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Military compensation includes basic pay, special payments, and allowances for housing and food. These combine to form regular military compensation, often used to compare with civilian pay.
In response to food insecurity among many service families, Congress created the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Initially, it applied to service members with dependents and gross household incomes (GHI) were below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Under the 2025 NDAA, eligibility was permanently raised to include families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. The allowance is designed to supplement household income and bring it up to at least 150% of the poverty line. The exact amount varies by household size and location.
There’s no fixed application deadline, but eligible members must apply within 60 days of notification. The military services screen pay data and notify members who may potentially qualify.
Who is Eligible for the BNA?
The Department of Defense uses Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines to determine annual BNA payment thresholds. These federal guidelines vary according to household size and location.
How Much Is the BNA?
BNA rates vary according to service member income and where they live. Different rates apply to service members living in the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii.
For example, if a service member’s income is $500 below 150% of federal poverty guidelines, their BNA would cover that $500 difference.
2025 Poverty Guideline Charts
The federal government’s 2025 poverty guidelines will determine individual allowances.
You can view the 2025 federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, with separate charts for Alaska and Hawaii further below.
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the Continental United States
| Household Size | Federal Poverty Guideline | 200% Federal Poverty Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| One Person | $15,650 | $31,300 |
| Two People | $21,150 | $42,300 |
| Three People | $26,650 | $53,300 |
| Four People | $32,150 | $64,300 |
| Five People | $37,650 | $75,300 |
| Six People | $43,150 | $86,300 |
| Seven People | $48,650 | $97,300 |
| Eight People | $54,150 | $108,300 |
| Each Additional Person (Over Eight People) | $5,500 | $11,000 |
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Alaska
| Household Size | Federal Poverty Guideline | 200% Federal Poverty Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| One Person | $19,550 | $39,100 |
| Two People | $26,430 | $52,860 |
| Three People | $33,310 | $66,620 |
| Four People | $40,190 | $80,380 |
| Five People | $47,070 | $94,140 |
| Six People | $53,950 | $107,900 |
| Seven People | $60,830 | $121,660 |
| Eight People | $67,710 | $135,420 |
| Each Additional Person (Over Eight People) | $6,880 | $13,760 |
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii
| Household Size | Federal Poverty Guideline | 200% Federal Poverty Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| One Person | $17,990 | $35,980 |
| Two People | $24,320 | $48,640 |
| Three People | $30,650 | $61,300 |
| Four People | $36,980 | $73,960 |
| Five People | $43,310 | $86,620 |
| Six People | $49,640 | $99,280 |
| Seven People | $55,970 | $111,940 |
| Eight People | $62,300 | $124,600 |
| Each Additional Person (Over Eight People) | $6,330 | $12,660 |
How to Apply for the BNA
Service members must initiate paperwork to apply for the BNA.
All branches accept BNA applications on a rolling basis, usually with no set deadline. Service members can start the process through their personnel or finance offices, with support available from installation financial counselors and family readiness staff.
Here’s how to apply for each specific branch:
- Army – Apply through your local finance office or installation support services.
- Marine Corps – Contact your installation’s financial readiness or family support office for help with paperwork and eligibility.
- Navy – Start the process through your Command Career Counselor or Fleet and Family Support Center.
- Air Force – Reach out to the Total Force Service Center or your base’s Airman & Family Readiness Center.
- Coast Guard – Contact your admin office or the Military Pay and Compensation Division for application assistance.
You must provide tax statements and other paperwork to prove your gross household income is below the guidelines. Your gross household income includes income from all sources, including your spouse’s paycheck.
You won’t receive BNA until your branch of service approves your application, and you can only receive BNA from the date the application is approved. Retroactive payments prior to application approval are not authorized.
Receiving a BNA will be effective as of the date the application is approved by their branch of service. Services are required to process and adjudicate applications within 30 days of receipt.
For More Information
You can visit the Office of Financial Readiness information page to get more information.
For background information on the Basic Needs Allowance, check out Department of Defense website which provides information on the policy, assigns responsibility and describes procedures for determining service member eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance.
Check Back for Updates!
We’ll publish more details on the BNA application process, income requirements and payment details as they become available.
