Do I get partial BAH if going on leave for more than 30 days back to the US from overseas since my COLA was taken away?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:57:51 -0400

Greetings everyone, I just have one question about COLA and BAH. Long story short I took parental leave and travel back to the US from Germany. After I came back from leave, this month LES I had to pay back some debt from the COLA that I was receiving when I was on leave. So do I supposed to get BAH for the location I was on leave when I had my COLA taken away for that 3 months? TIA

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 29 at 2023 8:48 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 08:48:28 -0400

You will continue to draw BAH.

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 29 at 2023 8:57 AM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 08:57:05 -0400

Short answer: No. You're mixing apples and oranges.

You likely had a decrease in COLA because DOD put new rules* in effect, starting May 15th.

BAH is based on your permanently assigned location, not a leave or temporary duty location. Specifically, partial BAH is for servicemembers who live in government provided quarters but don't have dependents (i.e., barracks, etc.)
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* https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Overseas-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/

Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowance | COLA | Defense Travel Management Office

Service members serving outside of the continental United States (OCONUS) where the cost of living is higher than CONUS receive an Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA). Overseas COLA is a non-taxable allowance designed to offset higher prices of non-housing goods and services OCONUS and equalize purchasing power with members stationed in CONUS. It does not reimburse expenses, compensate for remoteness, hardship, loss of spousal income, or...