What additional steps can I take when the Army has not paid me BAH, OHA, FSA or provided a home for my family?

2019-05-23T01:29:30-04:00

Good morning from Germany. I don’t normally ask for help but I’ve been dealing with this problem for over a year now and it’s starting to cause problems between my wife and I. Even after 10 years in the Army this is the first time I’m not sure if I want to keep going or not.

We’ve been here in Germany since 2015. Until August of 2018 I was stationed in Landstuhl where my wife was able to find a good job as a GS employee and registered nurse. When it came time to reenlist I chose to do another tour in Germany so that she could have some career stability. The LTC Commanding her clinic also asked for her to stay due to their ongoing staffing issues here. I was then put on assignment to another base in the area. All seemed well. About 4 months before PCSing, I was informed that another NCO had taken my assignment. Although I was very vocal about how detrimental this would be I was forced to PCS to Vilseck, which is about 4 hours away.

Due to the lack of employment opportunities for my wife in Vilseck, I chose to leave her in the Landstuhl area and make the commute on the weekends. Ever since my PCS the army has not paid me BAH, OHA, FSA or provided a home for my family. It took over 9 months to file a waiver request from DA only to be denied.

I’ve contacted my local IG for help and filed a complaint with my congressman. Nothing seems to be working and all I can do is wait and hope someone helps me. I’ve been considering contacting the SMA or DA IG but I need some advice if anyone has any similar experience?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2019 3:38 AM

2019-05-23T03:38:24-04:00

Let's cut out the long story and get down to facts. You PCSed and your spouse is staying in another location. You're not eligible for FSA because the Army didn't separate you from your spouse, that was a family decision between the two of you. You're not eligible for BAH because that's a CONUS entitlement. You're eligible for OHA, but it sounds like you're asking about a second OHA since you mentioned asking for a DA waiver. You are entitled to receive OHA at your location. The Army isnt going to support paying for two households because it's better for you financially. So, if you haven't received any OHA for your location then you certainly have a valid finance issue that I would elevate. If your issue is that you haven't received OHA for your spouse, I wouldn't expect to, and your waiver request stands on very shaky ground.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 23 at 2019 4:11 AM

2019-05-23T04:11:07-04:00

Go to the commanding general. If you work for 21st support command go see Steve shairpo. Or send Pete Lichtenburger GS 15 former col. Us army. And be sure say Craig said hello from Thailand.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 23 at 2019 5:36 AM

2019-05-23T05:36:42-04:00

SFC Boyd is right on target. You and your spouse made these decisions. She may have one outlet herself, I am not familiar with the term, however, DOD can assign her a sponsored position allowing her to be on her own orders. This will require a waiver, and is impacted by how she was given the position she is in as a DOD civilian. If that is not possible, then you will have to deal with it. Quite frankly I am not sure how they are allowing you to stay in the barracks, since you are technically on a command sponsored tour. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2019 11:44 AM

2019-05-23T11:44:40-04:00

You left too much information out to answer. Why was your BAH stopped? These days BAH doesn't stop it only changes. Where are you living (ie. Barracks, Govt housing) Why were you recieving BAH instead of OHA in Germany? You are not authorized FSA because your wife is able to be where you are, you all chose to be separated.