Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service

Military Housing Allowance for Married Couples: What to Know

Posted by Roy L. Kaufmann

Approximately half of active duty service members are married, and if you’re raising a family, you might not want to live in the barracks. While you can opt for government quarters, it’s understandable that some married couples would rather have a home outside the military base. But how much will the Armed Forces cover? We’ll discuss military housing costs to provide some clarification.

Does the Military Pay for Housing for Married Couples?

Yes, married service members are granted a basic allowance for housing (BAH) to cover most of their housing costs. This allowance is above your compensation as a service member, so you don’t have to worry about spending most of your pay on housing.

How Much Money Does the Military Give You for Housing?

The amount you’re entitled to depends on various factors, namely your rank, whether or not you have dependents, and the average rent around your military base. There is no set amount for one’s housing allowance. However, the Armed Forces provides a yearly rate guide for easy reference.

All About Basic Housing Allowance (BAH)

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided to all active duty service members, including reservists and National Guard members, who have been called to service for at least 30 consecutive days.

The BAH covers most of one’s housing needs, including utilities, making it easier to manage one’s expenses if you live in the United States. The BAH is allocated for rental properties only. It doesn’t cover property taxes or mortgage payments.

The BAH also has rate protections, meaning you receive the same amount if your current BAH rate is less than the year prior. This is given that your rank, dependency status, and duty station are the same. If the BAH rates elevate, you’ll receive the higher BAH if your eligibility isn’t interrupted. This protection ensures military members with long-term commitments won’t be punished if the area’s housing costs decrease.

Different Types of Basic Housing Allowance

If you choose not to reside in government housing, your BAH depends on different factors. We’ll cover different Basic Allowance for Housing types to provide some guidance.

BAH With Dependents and BAH Without Dependents

A service member with permanent duty in the US is eligible for BAH, depending on their dependency status at the permanent duty zip code. If that service member is stationed overseas, they’re given Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) instead.

Dual Military BAH

In the case of dual military couples or situations where both are active duty service members, they’ll each receive a without-dependent BAH rate, which relies on their pay grade and area. If they have children, the spouse with the higher rank will be entitled to the higher with-dependent BAH rate.

BAH Type 2

Also known as BAH Reserve Component/Transit (BAH RC/T), BAH Type 2 is given to reservists and National Guard members called to active duty for at least 30 consecutive days. BAH Type 2 depends on your rank and dependency status. Your location isn’t considered when computing BAH rates.

Partial BAH

If you’re a service member and none of your dependents reside in government quarters, you’re entitled to a small portion of the standard BAH. Your rate would depend on the location’s rates and your rank.

BAH Diff

BAH Diff is allocated specifically for military members who live in government housing but must pay child support. You’re not given BAH Diff if the amount you pay monthly for child support is less than what you qualify for.

Determined by the US Secretary of Defense or SECDEF, BAH Diff equates to the difference between Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ) with dependents and BAQ without dependents for their pay grade. The rate is published annually and relies on the military pay’s annual percentage growth.

Calculating Basic Allowance for Housing

BAH rates are published annually for everyone’s convenience. To determine the Basic Allowance for Housing you’re entitled to; you need three elements: your pay grade, duty station zip code, and dependency status.

The Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) has a BAH Calculator with updated rates. The site has a list of zip codes for your reference. If you’re curious, you can check the rates for previous years.

Overseas Housing Allowance

Service members outside the United States can live in furnished government housing overseas. Those who prefer to live outside these quarters obtain an Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA). Your OHA covers rent and utility expenses, but you may also get MIHA or an initial move-in allowance.

The MIHA is meant to assist service members beginning to live outside the country. Like the BAH, your OHA would depend on your duty station zip code, dependency status, and pay grade. The DTMO also has an OHA Calculator to help you determine your budget.

What is the Housing Allowance Waiver Program?

The Housing Allowance Waiver Program gives temporary assistance to military members and their dependents in unique situations wherein the service member and dependents live separately. This program makes it easier for them to transition from a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to a new Permanent Duty Station (PDS).

Instead of getting dual allowances, service members are given a higher BAH rate for their dependents living in their old homes. This program enables dependents to finish their education in their current home despite their parents having to be stationed elsewhere.

How the SCRA Can Help with Housing Costs

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) helps active duty members with their housing arrangements in several ways. For example, if given a PCS, they can break a lease contract without penalties. In case they’re unable to pay rent because of military orders, their landlord isn’t allowed to evict them from the property. The landlord must obtain a court order before continuing the eviction process.

Final Words

Local housing markets can impact the housing allowance amount you’re entitled to, but fortunately, married couples are granted an allowance to manage expenses. Proving your military status is vital to unlock SCRA protections should the need arise. Click here to sign up at SCRAVS and verify the active duty status.

FAQs

Do you get BAH if you’re married?

Yes, you are entitled to BAH if married to a civilian or another service member.

Can you get BAH if you’re single?

It would depend on your pay grade, but yes, you can get BAH if you’re single but with dependents.

What state has the highest BAH?

California has the highest BAH because of its location. Your amount in California depends on your dependency status and rank.

How long does it take for BAH to get approved?

It takes three to five weeks to approve and process your BAH. You should contact your finance office if there are further delays.

Attorney Roy Kaufmann serves as the Director of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service, located in Washington, D.C. As a recognized authority on the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Mr. Kaufmann has published hundreds of articles and hosted many webinars. His teachings help law firms and businesses to remain compliant with the SCRA rules and regulations so as to avoid costly fines.