Posted on Apr 2, 2018
What is the normal wait time for getting BAH (without dependents) approved?
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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?
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?
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Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 9
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
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PO3 (Join to see)
Anytime, I find it interesting at how different each branch of service does things.
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Shayna O
Thank you, each branch and duty station are different. I was hoping to hear from Navy guys because of that reason
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SGM Erik Marquez
You are exactly right and for that reason understand the edges you get back may not get be completely accurate and less it’s from somebody at the specific duty station your boyfriend is at
Even better if it’s the same unit as the process starts with the local commander
Even better if it’s the same unit as the process starts with the local commander
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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.
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.
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1SG (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - Nope, I read you. You were picking up what I was putting down.
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Shayna O
Yeah i get ya loud and clear. Im not sure what that has to do with our relationship if he is already on a year long lease. Its our second year in it. I agree, who slacks on money? Hence why im asking if he should push or wait
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1SG (Join to see)
Shayna O - YOU should push.
From what you describe, I wouldn't find that answer satisfactory.
The gears of paperwork drive slowly, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
From what you describe, I wouldn't find that answer satisfactory.
The gears of paperwork drive slowly, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
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Shayna O
1SG ( anonymous)
I figured thats what you meant. And no, thats not the case. He has been on a yearly lease going on 2 years now.
Bottom line, im trying to figure out who is slacking, the Navy admin or my bf or both. I take ANYTHING to do with the military with a grain of salt. I know better
I figured thats what you meant. And no, thats not the case. He has been on a yearly lease going on 2 years now.
Bottom line, im trying to figure out who is slacking, the Navy admin or my bf or both. I take ANYTHING to do with the military with a grain of salt. I know better
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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.
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PO1 Rick Serviss
Absolutely ask more questions and push. His pay is his responsibility. In other words if I screw up your pay it's your fault because you should know how much you are supposed to get. It's bs because a Sailor doesn't know all the rules. He should talk to his chain of command and let them know what is going on and ask them to talk to his HR.
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Shayna O
Exactly what i told him! Thank you so much, this is very helpful. And yes, he doesnt know the rules and much is he said she said, this is why i was trying to help out by asking here
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PO3 (Join to see)
What PO1 Serviss said, he has to go to his command admin office and find out whats going on with his paperwork. Unfortunately, admin has a reputation of losing paperwork and all he can do is resubmit and check in with them often to check on the status.
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LCpl Ferdinand Hughes
it depends on where he is stationed at. Each base has their own rules to get Single BAH. Where is he stationed?
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