How do I fill out the form for BAH, single w/out dependents, but with a mortgage?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 20:51:06 -0400

Hello RP comunity,

I'm currently attending AIT after a pretty smooth ride in BCT. I'm glad to be a part of this massive operation, and am still sure I made a good decision by joining. The one thing that gives me pause in mydecison to join the Ar,y has been the struggles I've faced trying to resolve finance issues. Perhaps someone here can tell me how to resolve these issues, I've already tried my chain of command at BCT and Fort Lee. Nobody seems to be able to help and its getting increasingly close to the point where I ened to take out an AER loan which I am really trying to avoid.

As far as I've been told, as as ingle person without dependents but with a valid mortgage, I am eligible for the BAH allowance at the w/out dependents rate based on my ZIp. i have been going back and forth with my drill sgts and the army reserve liaison (even though I am reserve I do get BAH while I am in accession trainng, technically considered on active status). Has anyone else encoutered not recieving due BAH and having a horrible time getting it set? Its really frustrating because I get closer and closer to exhausting my savings as my outgoing funds exceed my incoming all because of this BAH issue. Anyone else out there single w/o Dependents and amortgage who has had success filling out he form for BAH? Perhaps Im filling it out wrong but I am filling it out with the assistance of my drill's. I'm not reassured they even know hat hey are doing though. So in the meanwhile I'm getting shafted and theres really noone who wants to lend an ear or provide the employee support I need to survive financially. It is discouraging but I am hoping somewhere here will have some wisdom to share. Thank you and have a good day.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Oct 7 at 2019 9:07 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 21:07:36 -0400

You need to speak with the Guard/Reserve liaison. I don't recall the amounts but you are eligible for BAH w/out rate. This is where the active duty fails the Guard/Reserve- we must assimilate with them, but they have no idea how to help you at times. That is where the liaison comes in- not sure from your post what the issue is exactly. It can take some time as the forms have to go back to your HOR base for processing. I am not sure if your financial issues are that bad that BAH will solve them, so you may ask for some assistance there or speak to your lender and explain the situation. Hope that helps.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 9:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 21:18:30 -0400

You need to go to the finance office. They usually have walk in hours and take your copy of your mortgage and your orders for AIT and BCT. They should be able to walk you through everything and if they need the reserve liaison they can involve them.

I know at my recent course on active duty as a reservist many times we and the guard members just get pushed off to the side like we are less than our active duty folks. It’s frustrating, but that’s where the liaison officer for the reserves can come into play.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 11:50 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 23:50:50 -0400

I'm sure it is not that your drills dont know how to fill out the paperwork. We are supposed to fill out 5960s every year.
I dont know if there is a special provision for NG/Reseves to get BAH while Active, but I've never seen a single PFC get BAH. Regardless of a mortgage. If a soldier wants out of the barracks but doesnt qualify for BAH, they pay out of pocket for an apartment.
I have a NG unit attached to me now and I'll talk to them and see what they say and let you know.

Response by SP5 Joseph Ascanio made Oct 11 at 2019 6:38 AM

SP5 Joseph Ascanio — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 06:38:26 -0400

Your unit should do that