How long will I have in the barracks to collect BAH after getting E-6?

2020-07-20T14:42:19-04:00

I am a single E-5 promotable, and I will be promoted by the end of this month. My direct leadership says I will have time after my promotion to collect BAH before I have to leave the barracks, but I was looking for a definite answer, or a regulation to study.
Thank you for your time.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 20 at 2020 2:43 PM

2020-07-20T14:43:51-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member: Our Dear Brother Derek, if I may indeed, address you by your first name; I pray that you find an answer to your question.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2020 3:09 PM

2020-07-20T15:09:13-04:00

It’s my understanding that you can’t receive BAH until you’re out of the barracks. You would be double dipping if you stayed in the barracks and received BAH.
When I got married my BAH wasn’t effective until the date I left the barracks, not when I got married.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Jul 20 at 2020 3:16 PM

2020-07-20T15:16:38-04:00

Back in the day (keeping in mind things may have changed since the 1990s)...An E-6 was able to collect BAH (BAQ) at the discretion of the Company Commander and 1SG. The SSG or above collected a prorated amount if room was available in the barracks, not the full amount of BAH given to off Post Soldiers. Check into this, I believe you should be able to apply for BAH now or when your orders declare you an E-6...best advice, call the JAG hotline for the straight legal answer

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jul 20 at 2020 3:48 PM

2020-07-20T15:48:49-04:00

Do BEQs work like BOQs, BAH pays for the room? I remember a couple of WWII BEQs right near the OOM at PSF. Probably originally built as BOQs, Camp Pickett had some BOQs that looked like them and they acrooss street from OOM. Not much but cheaper than living in SF.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2020 4:10 PM

2020-07-20T16:10:40-04:00

This will depend on your installation. Most installations require that you vacate the barracks once you have attained the rank of SSG. You will receive BAH back pay from the date of promotion or the date you move out. Normal protocol is that if you are living in the barracks, as single, you will not receive BAH. If you cannot afford the initial move costs, contact ACS for financial assistance. In the future, as a SSG you should be aware of the value of saving money. You should have been saving some money since this seems that you were aware that you would eventually be moving out of the barracks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2020 4:28 PM

2020-07-20T16:28:24-04:00

That depends on your base and your leadership. I got promoted to SSG a month before I had to PCS. I asked the BN CSM if I could just stay in the barracks until I left. He said sure. (This was in 2009). But I didn't apply for BAH until I PCSed to my next unit so I wasn't pulling any BAH until a month or two after I got promoted.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2020 5:00 AM

2020-07-21T05:00:22-04:00

A barracks clearance memo is required in the packet to start your BAH. You can not live in the barracks and collect BAH at the same time. Better start saving your first and last months rent. There is AER if you need it.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jul 21 at 2020 7:47 PM

2020-07-21T19:47:05-04:00

You won't draw BAH until you clear the barracks. And it takes your barracks clearance papers to even apply for BAH. It takes roughly 30 days for BAH to kick in so you will be doing roughly a month out of pocket so need to save up.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 10:19 PM

2020-07-22T22:19:34-04:00

It’s not the “right” answer, but 1SG’s typically have “cool down” rooms. So you might be able to work something out where you can stay there until your BAH kicks in. Or just stay with a buddy, probably the best idea.