How can my soldier and his military spouse get BAH?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 20:30:37 -0400

My soldier is stationed here at fort bragg, his wife is stationed in Alaska. They got married last year and they are both still getting paid as if they are single soldiers. Is this how it’s supposed be because I thought one of them was supposed to receive BAH?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 8:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 20:45:34 -0400

I would also like to add they both live in the barracks and neither are receiving BAH, BAS nor Separation Pay.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 11:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:09:19 -0400

Did they ever fill out a DA 5960 to start BAH? It doesn't just happen when someone gets married. They need to go to either S1 or finance to start the process.

I got married, then had my daughter 2 weeks later (a month early). After I got out of the hospital and home with her, I went to finance to get BAH with dependent rating. When I told the person at finance I got married too, he backdated my BAH to when I got married.

They should have started their BAH a year ago when they got married. So what they need to do on each end is a DA 5960 and process it through S1 and then they should get it backdated to when they got married.

I can't believe they haven't done anything for a year - and if they did file the paperwork a year ago whey they have waited a year to get it fixed.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 18 at 2021 6:11 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 06:11:48 -0400

You get either BAH or quarters. If they are stationed at separate posts and both are in Government Quarters, then no BAH.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 18 at 2021 6:45 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 06:45:19 -0400

If they both have Barracks rooms why would they receive BAH!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 9:57 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:57:11 -0400

I recommend you have your Soldier speak with Admin and Finance to get the specific answers and instructions they will need. I recommend you go with them to ensure you are educated as well.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 18 at 2021 10:28 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:28:43 -0400

First, are they in base housing or living out in town? If they are in bas housing they don't rate BAH. So if they rate BAH and aren't receiving it they need to go to Admin and get it squared away. Easy solution.

Response by MSgt Frank Askins made Aug 19 at 2021 6:24 AM

MSgt Frank Askins — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 06:24:03 -0400

I am still amazed at some of the questions that are posted here. Any question about things like BAH should be addressed to your unit/base EXPERTS instead of seeking a resolution on some forum. I am retired from the Air Force and have a pretty good knowledge of the rules and regulations.....HOWEVER, my knowledge and expertise is more than 33 years old. I'm smart enough to say that some things have changed since I retired in 1988 so anything I should opine on regulations is just that...an opinion. Why don't active duty personnel talk to finance about financial questions, personnel office about personnel questions, etc.? Stop looking for someone to give you the easy answer and do the work yourself. You'll remember the process and answers much better if you do! Just my opinion!