Military personnel and their families often rely on military housing or Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to ensure they have adequate accommodations during their service.
However, the process of applying for military housing support can be confusing and prone to errors.
Whether you’re filling out forms or calculating your benefits, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could delay or reduce your housing support.
Key Takeaways
1. Failing to Submit DA Form 5960 on Time
The DA Form 5960 is crucial in the housing process because it verifies your dependency status for BAH purposes. This form must be filled out accurately and submitted on time to avoid delays in receiving your BAH.
Mistake: Many service members either forget to submit DA 5960, submit it late, or do not fill it out correctly. This can cause delays in getting their housing allowance, leading to unnecessary financial strain.
Solution: Be proactive and submit DA Form 5960 as soon as possible when your situation changes, such as when you get married, have children or change duty stations. Double-check the form for accuracy and completeness before submission. Missing or incorrect information can cause processing delays. If unsure about any section of the form, consult your Personnel Administration Office or a knowledgeable advisor.
2. Misunderstanding Your BAH Rate
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The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate you receive depends on your rank, duty station, and dependent status.
Many service members overlook these variables or rely on outdated information.
Mistake: Assuming your BAH rate is the same as your peers or misunderstanding how the rate is calculated can lead to budgeting issues. BAH is specific to location and dependent status, and there are annual changes to BAH rates, so what you received last year may differ from your current rate.
Solution: Use the official BAH calculator provided by the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) to accurately determine your rate. The BAH calculator will ask for your ZIP code, rank, and dependent status, and it will provide you with the most up-to-date information.
3. Not Updating Your Dependency Status
Your BAH rate is directly affected by your dependency status. If you have dependents (e.g., spouse, children), you may be eligible for a higher rate. However, many service members forget to update their dependency status, which results in receiving a lower rate.
Mistake: Failing to update your dependency status when life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child occur can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in lost benefits.
Solution: Immediately update your Personnel Administration Office or use the appropriate online system whenever there is a change in your dependency status. Ensure that all necessary documents, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates, are submitted along with any updates to DA Form 5960.
4. Not Considering Geographic Location
One of the most misunderstood aspects of BAH is that it varies by location. BAH is intended to cover the median rental costs for your specific duty location. Service members moving to high-cost areas without understanding how their BAH is affected can face significant financial shortfalls.
Mistake: Assuming your BAH will cover the same percentage of your housing costs regardless of your location. In areas where rental prices are high, your BAH may cover less of your actual rent if you’re not careful.
Solution: Before moving to a new duty station, research the housing market in your new area. Compare your BAH rate with actual rental prices to ensure you can afford suitable housing. Many bases offer resources to help service members find affordable housing, so take advantage of these services.
5. Overlooking Utility Costs
BAH is designed to cover rent, but it may not cover all the additional costs associated with housing, such as utilities. This is especially true if you’re living off-base. Many service members underestimate how much they’ll need to budget for utilities, which can strain their finances.
Mistake: Focusing solely on rent and not accounting for costs such as electricity, gas, water, and garbage collection, which are often separate from your rent.
Solution: When calculating your monthly housing expenses, always include estimated utility costs. Ask the landlord or property manager for average utility bills for the property you’re considering, or use online tools to estimate your expected costs.
6. Inaccurate Information on Housing Applications
Have you download the AHOUS App?
The App provides housing information and resources for each Garrison to help make your PCS move a smooth transition. The App can be downloaded on Andriod and Apple iOS.#ArmyHousing #FamilyHousing #PCSMove #QualityofLife pic.twitter.com/yeq8T022qG
— U.S. Army Housing (@USArmyHousing) August 21, 2024
Whether you’re applying for on-base housing or submitting forms for BAH, accurate information is essential. Mistakes on applications can lead to denials or delays, which can be frustrating and costly.
Mistake: Providing incorrect details on housing forms, such as wrong dates, addresses, or dependent information. Even small mistakes can delay processing.
Solution: Always review your application thoroughly before submitting it. Double-check dates, Social Security numbers, addresses, and any other critical information. If you’re unsure about anything, seek help from your housing office or Personnel Administration Office to avoid errors.
7. Not Reviewing Your LES Regularly
Your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) is an important document that outlines your pay and benefits. However, many service members neglect to review their LES regularly for accuracy, which can lead to missed discrepancies in their housing allowances.
Mistake: Failing to catch errors in your BAH or other benefits due to not reviewing your LES regularly. This could result in either underpayment or overpayment, both of which can create financial headaches.
Solution: Make it a habit to review your LES at least monthly. Look closely at your BAH entitlement to ensure it matches your rank, duty location, and dependent status. If you notice any discrepancies, report them immediately to your finance office to avoid potential issues.
8. Ignoring Changes in Marital Status
Marital status plays a significant role in your BAH eligibility and rate. Failing to report changes in your marital status, such as divorce or separation, can lead to overpayments or underpayments, both of which can have serious consequences.
Mistake: Continuing to receive BAH at the dependent rate after a divorce or separation can lead to a debt that you’ll be required to repay later. Conversely, failing to report a marriage can mean missing out on higher benefits.
Solution: Always report changes in your marital status to your Personnel Administration Office promptly. Ensure that your DA Form 5960 and any other relevant paperwork are updated to reflect your new status. This will prevent you from receiving incorrect benefits.
