What is the normal wait time for getting BAH (without dependents) approved?

2018-04-02T16:07:10-04:00

Im a long time gf of an E5, over 4 years, active duty Sailor. (I am aware that i am not a dependent, or have any say in the matter) but im very curious because he seems to be getting no where.
We live together in a rental home and pay our own rent, and have for a year and a half. Last October 2017, he applied for BAH, without dependents. January 2018, still no BAH. He was told to resubmit the application packet, as it " must have gotten lost.." he was told. He resubmitted again the same day, back in January.
Still nothing.
How long should he wait before he sees any BAH? Is this too long to wait or normal? He says he doesnt like inquiring constantly about it, he thinks it will just " take time". I hate bugging him about it, but i think something is missing or not being done correctly maybe?

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 2 at 2018 4:48 PM

2018-04-02T16:48:29-04:00

He probably will not get BAH as only married soldiers are entitled to BAH. If he's not getting it already that means he has a barracks room in his name and that is the military fulfilling their obligation to house him.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 2 at 2018 5:04 PM

2018-04-02T17:04:43-04:00

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

The "Normal Wait Time" is whenever the military feels like.

BAH is for dependents and for caring for dependents. Without that, the military isn't going to rush to get any paperwork started. Typically, as long as he isn't married, he's supposed to be maintaining a barracks room. The only time the military is going to authorize BAH for single military is when you're a SNCO or Officer, or the barracks is at 100+% capacity which it almost never is.

The fact that he's living out in town on his own dime is no one's problem except his, because without BAH, that means it's not Command Approved.

The only thing he's missing is a wedding ring on that finger...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2018 5:27 PM

2018-04-02T17:27:55-04:00

Shayna O Single enlisted live in barracks unless there is not space in the barracks and BAH is approved. Why does your boyfriend think that he will receive BAH?

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 2 at 2018 6:25 PM

2018-04-02T18:25:20-04:00

He may never get it... Did he get an exception to policy memorandum? If not, a single E5 isn't getting BAH.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2018 6:41 PM

2018-04-02T18:41:12-04:00

From what I know, your BF will not be receiving BAH unless his unit authorizes their E5's to live off post. He would receive the "without dependents" rate in that case.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 2 at 2018 6:50 PM

2018-04-02T18:50:13-04:00

Shayna O BAH is not automatically authorized for a E5, not sure what the Navy Regs say, but on the Army side for an idea, unless on post single enlisted quarters are filled POST WIDE at 95% Enlisted single BAH is not typically authorized. They can be exceptions made, for duty position that the commander is willing to make the call for, or quality of life issues, and other reasons, but your dealing with not just a application for BAH though the usual chain of command, there will need to be a statement of non availability from the post housing office (or more likely, a statement from them that says housing is available) and then an exception to policy letter endorsed from a senior commander ...what level commander that takes is a Navy reg and a post commander deal..If for instance the policy requires it to be requested at the unit level, then endorsed by the next two higher commanders ending on the garrison commanders desk for approval or disapproval it could be several months wait... and senior commanders often only touch "that pile" of paperwork once, maybe twice a month

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Apr 2 at 2018 7:03 PM

2018-04-02T19:03:55-04:00

Your bf is in the Navy then? You are right. Every situation is different and so is every member of the military different. He might have faith in the system and feels like if he keeps asking it is like begging. If he is not receiving what he was told is entitled to, he should find out why he is not getting it. The military is not above giving somebody the run around and just like civilians, there are good Human resource Offices and bad. He has to push for answers. I worked in Navy Human Resources and ultimately the battle is his, they won't divulge information to you unfortunately.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 2 at 2018 9:07 PM

2018-04-02T21:07:37-04:00

It has to wait till the money is there, and others are probably ahead of him

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 9:02 AM

2018-04-03T09:02:41-04:00

There is more to this story.
On it's face, I would say that the Sailor here is not being very diligent in following up on this with his Chain-of-Command. BAH is not hard to get, assuming all criteria are met. There is no reason why the CoC would deny a packet in a qualifying situation.
I CAN think of reasons why he might not be pushing this issue very hard.
I think it is time to have a frank talk with him as to what the deal is.