Topic
Housing & BAH
How you get housed in the military — barracks, on-base family housing, or a tax-free housing allowance.
Barracks (Unaccompanied Housing)
Single junior enlisted typically live in barracks — government-owned dorms on base. Free room and meals (your BAS may be reduced or you may go on meal cards). Rooms vary from shared (E-1 to E-3) to single private rooms (E-4 and up at most installations). Furniture, utilities, and internet are typically included.
On-Base Family Housing
Married service members and those with dependents can request on-base housing. At most installations, housing is privatized through partners like Lendlease, Lincoln, or Balfour Beatty. You sign over your BAH as rent — usually no out-of-pocket cost. Wait lists vary from a few weeks to 12+ months at high-demand locations.
BAH — Basic Allowance for Housing
If you live off base, BAH pays rent or mortgage. It's tax-free and based on three things: paygrade, dependency status (with or without dependents), and the ZIP code of your duty station. BAH rates update each January 1st using DoD-collected rental market data. Important: BAH covers about 95% of typical housing costs in your area — you usually pay a small out-of-pocket share.
BAH-Partial
If you live in barracks but don't get full BAH, you receive a small partial BAH payment (typically $25–$80/month). It exists to give some allowance to single members in single-occupancy housing.
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
For overseas assignments outside the U.S., you get OHA instead of BAH. OHA reimburses your actual rent up to a cap (no leftover), plus a utility/recurring maintenance allowance and a one-time Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) for purchases like transformers and appliances.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
A one-time payment when you PCS (permanent change of station) to help with moving costs not covered by the standard move (deposits, miscellaneous setup costs). Amount depends on rank and dependent status — usually 1–2 months of BAH equivalent.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)
Covers hotel/lodging costs (up to 14 days CONUS, 60 days OCONUS) while you wait for permanent housing during a PCS. Also covers meals during transit.
Buying with a VA Loan
If you're stationed in one place long-term, many service members buy a home using a VA Loan (0% down, no PMI). Your BAH covers most or all of the mortgage payment, and you build equity instead of paying rent. See our VA Loan page for full details.
Family Separation Housing (FSH)
If you're on an unaccompanied overseas tour and your family stays in the U.S., FSH provides additional housing payment so your family can keep their U.S. residence while you're deployed.
Verify your rate
Look up exact BAH at defensetravel.dod.mil → BAH Calculator. For OHA: defensetravel.dod.mil → OHA Calculator. For privatized base housing partners, check housing.mil.
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Open the Boot Buddy chat in the corner and ask anything — eligibility, examples, or how a benefit applies to your situation.
Official VA resources