Can I get BAH as an Active Reservist without dependents but pay rent?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 02:16:06 -0400

I am a Soldier recently came to JBLM-WTB, on orders for treatment.
I am single, living in the barracks currently no dependents.
I pay for rent back home helping my Mom but I am not on the lease, nor do I have her as a dependent.
I was told I cannot get BAH, because I live in the barracks (the Army is providing housing) and that they don't care that I pay rent.

Can I take over the lease and make my Mom a dependent to get BAH? I pay for rent anyway so why can't I just do this?

P.S. If you can attach Army Regulations please do so!

Thank you!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 25 at 2019 3:52 AM

SSG Brian G. — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 03:52:14 -0400

Ok, you are not thinking this through. You are paying the rent for your mom now. So you get put on the lease, and get approved for BAH and if you list her as dependant it will be with Dependants.

So now you have THAT lease to pay. Boom. Done. But... now you have to move out of the barracks and then you have the second lease to pay. Your BAH w/Dependants is only based off of your current duty station so you will have to fork over the money for your new place and pay water, electric, gas, phone etc for it... your salary as a E-4 is shot, not to mention for gas, insurance and groceries.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 25 at 2019 6:44 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 06:44:01 -0400

You are not authorized BAH. To get your mother listed as a dependant requires proof that she is for some reason unable to take care of herself, usually mental or physical medical issues that are not resolveable. If you did get her added you would have to the pay two rents or leases as you would no longer be authorized to live in the barracks. Not sure this makes sense for you. I had many friends and Soldiers over the years Adair parents and they did so on their salary while living in the barracks. Thank you for your service. Won’t be easy.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2019 8:36 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 08:36:06 -0400

The Army does care, but you don't qualify for BAH.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 25 at 2019 11:37 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 11:37:30 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member it is not a matter of simply taking in a lease and poof! Your Mom is your dependent. There is a documented process to make a parent a dependent. This link has a summary and the individual services have their spin on it, links included.

A parent must usually be incapable of caring for themselves with out the SM. Burden of proof will be on your family and whatever medical provider documentation in support is provided. The link is DFAS. DEERS may also have to make a determination. This should be enough to get you started on your research. If your Mom provides care for you as a WTB soldier in your treatment there may also be assistance for that through TRICARE or the VA. https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/SecondaryDependency/SDC.html

If you are simply helping out your family, there is no Army incentive or assistance for that. The fact that you are a reserve component soldier further complicates this. Work with your chain of command. The type of orders you are on will set boundaries on this.

SDC.html

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2019 2:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 14:36:05 -0400

To best honest, as a reservist on CONUS orders, it is more about what your orders say. If your orders were not cut for it or some sort of allowance. Do you have to file monthly for expenses??? Is there someone in your parent unit that can help decipher your orders

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2019 2:53 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 14:53:15 -0400

Thank you for all the answers it seems quite obvious I am not able to receive BAH.
Regardless of my circumstances.

I appreciate everyone time and research to answer my question!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2019 2:23 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 14:23:58 -0400

Ask the WTB finance person.