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By: FEDweek StaffThe Army is moving forward to provide help soldiers for who are feeling the cost-of-living crunch brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The planned temporary increase in the basic allowance for housing (BAH) would apply to soldiers and Army families living in 56 of the service’s more than 300 housing areas. Soldiers in five of those sites would receive a 20-percent increase. Eleven others would get a 15-percent increase, while those in the remaining areas would see a 10-percent increase. The higher rates would take effect next month and continue through December.
Soldiers who wish to receive the increased BAH should apply through their unit S-1s, and be able to show that their housing costs are higher because of the pandemic. Documentation would include “monthly expense, lease and mortgage agreements, and other details,” the service stated.
The Army expects that roughly 200,000 soldiers would qualify for the higher BAH. Base personnel offices soon will have details regarding criteria for qualification.
