BAH Rates Vary for Neighbors

Geographic rate protection (GRP) and individual rate protection (IRP) are temporarily clashing to provide next-door neighbors of the same rank different levels of Basic Allowance for Housing. Under GRP, which was a five-year program, BAH rates could rise if housing costs in an area increased, but if costs dropped, GRP rates would not go down below a certain level. This would protect military families that had contracted leases at the higher costs. GRP ended Jan. 1 but under IRP, troops arriving in certain locations will continue to receive the BAH rate that is being paid when they arrive, even if the costs drop – so long as they remain at that duty station. Officials assert that this temporary five-year differential will go away by normal transfers, to be replaced by a lesser one-year disparity.