Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a United States (U.S.) based allowance that provides uniformed service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local housing markets when government quarters are not provided. A service member stationed outside of the U.S., including U.S. territories and possessions, who does not have government housing available is eligible for Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA).

There are several types of BAH to satisfy various housing situations that occur among military members. In general, the amount of BAH you receive depends on your location, pay grade, and whether you have dependents. Under most circumstances, you receive BAH for the location where you are assigned, not where you live. Additionally, you may be entitled to some BAH amounts if you are residing separately from your dependents. This occurs in situations involving unaccompanied overseas tours or having a dependent child that resides with a former spouse. The rules regarding these situations can become quite complex. Consult your Finance Office if you are in one of these situations.

The BAH rates have increased an average of 5.4% effective January 1, 2024.

Basic Allowance for Housing is only available to active duty service members. Air Force Reserve Service members on Drill status are not eligible.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH):
https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/

Different Types of BAH:
https://militarypay.defense.gov/Pay/Allowances/BAH_Types/

BAH Overview:
https://media.defense.gov/2022/Nov/30/2003123606/-1/-1/0/BAH_FACT_SHEET.PDF

BAH Calculator:
https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/

BAH Component Breakdown for All Locations:
https://www.travel.dod.mil/?dir=/Allowances/BAH/Component_Breakdown/

BAH Service Representatives:
https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/

BAH Primer:
https://media.defense.gov/2022/Jun/23/2003023204/-1/-1/0/BAH-PRIMER.PDF

Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (FMR), Volume 7A, Chapter 26 "Housing Allowances":
https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/current/07a/07a_26.pdf