Expert: Howard Lorenz - 2/22/2008

Question
Not sure how familiar you are with pay. But doesnt hurt to ask. I am a e-4 with 2 years and on shore duty, CA. I am married to an e-4 with 3 years on shore duty, japan. We do not have kids. I do understand that we are not each others dependents. He lives in the barracks. I live off base. I currently only get single BAH. And he get seperation and that it is. I have heard all kinds of stories about how the BAH should go, and how seperation should go. I know a lot of stuff has changed since way back way, and i cannot find any dod things relating to dual military shore duty. I have been told that i am entitled to full bah. It just doesnt make sense to me, that if he was helping pay rent with his single bah, now he leaves, and i am left to struggle paying bills. We both recieved single bah while he was here. Do you know the regulations or know where i can find an instructions regarding them?

Answer
Since you are married, this means that you are both entitled to BAH. I think the reason he is not getting BAH is becasue in Japan he is living in the dorms/ But you should still be getting full rate BAH for singles here in CA. If you had kids things would be greatly different. What you may have to do is take in a room mate... This sill also help take some of the burden off of you. or consider moving into the dorms yourself...I know that it is a Huge step back onto the reason you got out of the dorms....I would get the roomie!!