As a military member, one of the most essential benefits you receive to support you as you move out your home base is the Basic Allowance for Housing (or BAH). For dual military couples in which both you and your partner are in the military you’re BAH arrangement can be a little more complicated, but is often a benefit. It is important to understand how dual military BAH works so that these special families can take full advantage of this financial perk.
What is BAH?
BAH is a monthly payment that service members living in private housing receive on a nontaxable basis. How much it is depends on things like:
- Rank or pay grade
- Location of duty station
- Dependents (with or without dependents)
I meant to specifically cover the cost of housing, such as rent or mortgage, utilities and other related expenses.
Dual Military Couples and BAH
When two service members are married to each other, their BAH entitlements differ from the calculation for single service members or for couples where only one spouse serves. These calculations vary based on whether the couples have dependents, and their individual duty assignments.
Examples of Dual Military BAH Scenarios
1. No Dependents
In dual military couples with no dependents, each service member is eligible for BAH at the “without dependents” rate for their individual rank and duty station. In this situation, both individuals may claim a different BAH amount, meaning that the service members might even receive separate payment if they split housing.
2. With Dependents
The BAH entitlement changes dramatically for a dual military couple with dependents:
- One service member is entitled to BAH at the with dependents rate.
- The other service member receives “without dependents” BAH.
- Typically, the decision regarding which spouse to claim the “with dependents” rate is based on which member has a higher pay grade because the higher ranking member usually gets a higher amount of BAH.
Example:
If a married dual-military couple has one dependent child, they can each claim the dependent BAH rate; the higher-ranking spouse can claim the BAH at the higher amount.
3. Geographical Separation
If the couple is stationed apart and lives separately, both are eligible for BAH based on their respective duty stations. One spouse may claim the “with dependents” rate and the other the “without dependents” rate, even if they aren’t living together.
4. Overseas Assignments
The Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) rules will apply to dual-military couples stationed overseas. The couple can make the choice of who receives the “with dependents” OHA and who is left with the “without dependents” rate.
Double Dipping in BAH for Dual Military
Dual military couples can potentially create a larger BAH by spending their entitlements wisely. To maximize this financial boost, here are some tips:
1. Understand Local BAH Rates
Because BAH rates differ widely by location, beginning in the first month of service and can be found on the Defense Travel Management Office website. Knowing the rates at each of their spouse’s duty stations will inform how to allocate housing expenses and may be beneficial to both of them.
2. Coordinate Housing Plans
For couples who cohabitate, renting or purchasing a home that falls within the higher-ranking spouse’s “with dependents” BAH rate can ensure the expenses are covered.
3. Geographic Separation Strategy
If they are stationed separately, each should check into their BAH entitlements separately, plus weigh the financial costs of maintaining two households.
4. Make Use of Military Housing Offices
Military housing offices offer resources and guidance to help couples navigate BAH rules and find appropriate housing options.
5. Deployment Opportunities for Leverage
If only one spouse is deployed, the remaining spouse can retain benefits at the “with dependents” rate, to accommodate their family’s needs, which may provide extra financial flexibility.
Famous Struggles of Dual Military Couples
In other words, couples may find themselves in situations that are beneficial financially but challenging personally:
- Complex Calculations: Managing dual BAH entitlements can be challenging when factoring in different dependents and geographical separations.
- Regular Station Change: Moving around could make you need new housing and recalculate your BAH benefits.
- Communication: Husband and wife need to be on the same page regarding how BAH rates are allocated to ensure they are properly set and to avoid confusion.
Real-Life Example: Dual Military BAH
A dual-military couple each stationed at different bases with one dependent child:
- Spouse A (of rank E-6) is stationed in San Diego and draws the more generous “with dependents” BAH rate, given that location and their pay grade.
- Spouse B (E-5) is stationed in Norfolk, VA and receives the “without dependents” BAH rate.
This scenario would allow you to claim the appropriate BAH entitlements on both sides, but this would allow the couple to pay for housing in both locations while maximizing benefits.
Conclusion
Perhaps because of this, Dual Military couples uniquely experience the benefits tied to the military BAH system to strategize housing expenses and financial advantages. It is imperative for these families to understand the accompanying rules and entitlements regarding dua military BAH, whether they are living together or are located in different parts of the country. With proper information, coordination, and resources, dual military couples can ultimately do their part to meet housing needs while enjoying the benefits that this important military benefit provides.