BAH Rates Climb

In January, service members will see an average increase in Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) of 5.9 percent. For members with dependents, the rise will be about $53 per month. A typical E-4 with dependents will find the BAH about $45 per month higher than last year, while an E-8 with dependents will receive some $56 more than last year. Also in January, geographic rate protection will be replaced by individual rate protection, which assures that an individual member in a given location will never see a decrease in BAH. This guarantees that members with long-term leases or rental contracts won’t be penalized if the area’s housing costs decrease. In addition, members who live in government quarters and pay child support will continue to receive the BAH Differential, while those who live off base will commence receiving BAH at the “with dependents” rate.