BASIC HOUSING ALLOWANCE (BAH)
BAH is based on factors such as location, pay grade, and the number of dependents a service member has. The numbers are calculated using the average living expenses of approximately 300 Military Housing Areas (MHA). The government accounts for varying home types and sizes in its calculations to accommodate various ranks and family sizes to appropriately meet each family’s needs.
Your BAH isn’t intended to cover 100% of your housing expenses—95% is more accurate. That leaves the remaining 5% coming from the remainder of your paycheck. Depending on where you live, you might find that 5% equates to several hundred dollars—a crucial thing to keep in mind as you start drafting your budget to stay within your new BAH rate.
BAH Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to receive BAH?
What happens if my BAH goes down?
Do I receive BAH if I live on a military base?
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