examsandjobs.inyour one stop career hub
2024 Military Housing Allowance - What You Need to Know
Last Updated:  December 24, 2023  |  

2024 Military Housing Allowance - What You Need to Know

The Pentagon has some good news for military folks in 2024! They're increasing the money they give to military members to help them pay for their homes. This extra money is called the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Starting on January 1, 2024, military families can expect a 5.4% increase in this allowance.

What's the Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)?

The BAH is like a bonus for military people to help them pay for their housing. It covers most of their housing costs, about 95%. They only need to pay the remaining 5%. How much BAH someone gets depends on where they live, how many family members they have, and their military rank.

For military members living outside the United States, in places like overseas bases, they might get extra money called the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) because living in those areas can be more expensive.

How Much Will the 2024 Military Housing Allowance Be?

In 2024, military members will still need to pay 5.4% of the national average housing cost based on their rank. However, the actual increase in the allowance will be different for everyone. It could be anywhere from $85 to $194 more each month. It's important to note that even if some areas have lower BAH rates in 2024, military members there won't lose any money compared to 2023.

Why Do We Have Military Housing Allowance?

The BAH is there to help military members and their families with housing costs when they can't live in military housing. Even if they live in private housing, they can still get BAH to help with expenses. This extra money helps military families afford things like food and a place to live when the government can't provide those things.

How Can Military Members Find Out Their 2024 Housing Allowance Rates?

Military members can easily find their 2024 BAH rates by using a tool from the Defense Department. They just need to put in their rank and ZIP code, and it will show them the new rates for their area. This tool is essential because housing costs have been going up, and this helps military families plan better.

In 2023, BAH rates went up by a lot, the most in 15 years, with an average increase of 12.1%. The Defense Department did this to help military members who were struggling with housing costs.

What Are the Actual Housing Costs and BAH Rates?

In the past, BAH rates were lower than actual housing costs by 5%. But in 2019, that rule changed. Now, in 2024, about one million military members will see $84 to $194 less taken from their housing budget each month. The BAH will continue to cover most of the real housing costs.

How Do They Calculate BAH Rates for 2024?

The Department of Defense (DoD) uses research and studies about housing to figure out BAH rates. They also need approval from Congress. They look at the housing market, compare national housing costs, and make calculations based on things like ranks, family size, and ZIP codes.

BAH rates don't stay the same; they go up every year to keep up with the rising cost of living worldwide. And because some places are more expensive to live in than others, BAH rates change depending on where military members are stationed.

In the end, the 5.4% increase in BAH rates for 2024 is great news for military families. It gives them the extra financial help they need to have a comfortable place to live. As the cost of living keeps rising, BAH remains an essential part of the military's compensation package, ensuring that those who serve our country can have a stable home life.

Return to Homepage for more content.