Expert: Rod Powers - 3/28/2007

Question
Hi,
I wanted a few answers regarding BAH.
I don't know if it makes particular difference in which branch of the military it involves...
But anway, my husband is going to join the Coast Guard
and I wanted to know when they start paying the BAH.
Then when he goes into A-School, will he still be getting BAH so that he can sustain me as a dependent?  Or will BAH be ceased until after he finishes A-School?
Also, what is the current BAH rate for E-4, say if we live in an area of zipcode 95118?  Our recruiter was telling us one thing, and the internet said another, so I just wanted to make sure.
Please help me clarify.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Vivian,

It doesn't matter which service. BAH is payable according to the Department of Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A (Active Duty & Reserve Pay), Chapter 26 -- Basic Allowance For Housing (BAH) (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/dodpayregulation/l/blchap26.htm).

(Yes, I know that the USCG is not officially a member of the DOD, but under Federal law, all military service members (which includes the Coast Guard) are paid under this regulation.

Because he has dependents (ie, he's married), he will receive BAH, from the very first day of active duty, and continue to receive BAH through basic training and A-school. While he is in basic training and A-School, the amount of BAH he will receive is based on the location of his dependents (see my charts at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/housingallowance/a/07bah.htm). During basic training and A-school, he is authorized to reside in government quarters (the barracks) and still receive BAH for his family members.

Now, once he graduates from basic training and A-school, and is assigned to his first duty station, the rules change. At this point, he is authorized to relocate his family members to his duty station, at government expense.

In other words, it is *expected* that you will move to his duty location, and it is *expected* that he will live with you. Therefore, the BAH amount he will receive will be based on the location of his permanent duty station, even if you decide not to move. Additionally, after he arrives at his first duty station, being married, he may not be allowed to live on-base (in the barracks) (It's up to the command), so, even if you elect not to move, he may be required to live off-base and pay rent, whether you relocate to his base, or not. At most permanent duty assignments, married military members are expected to reside with their dependents, so they usually aren't allowed to stay in the barracks for free (because they're receiving BAH).

You may wish to read my article, "What the Recruiter Never Told You" at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup/a/recruiter.htm as it should serve to answer many of your questions about Military entitlements.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com