Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance prescribed by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets within the United States when government quarters are not provided.

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Real Estate Military Rewards

When you connect with a real estate agent, earn between $350 to $7,500 in cash back or rewards when you buy or sell a home.*

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BAH Rates

BAH rates are based on local area rental market data and vary by geographic duty station, pay grade, and dependency status. The cost of utilities is also considered. BAH is based only on rental properties, not homeownership costs like mortgage payments and property taxes. BAH also includes rate protection. This means, if a member’s current BAH rate is less than the previous year, the member receives at least the same amount of BAH as the previous year, provided that the member’s duty location, rank and dependency status stays the same. If BAH rates go up, the member will receive the higher BAH rate as long as eligibility is uninterrupted. This ensures that members who have made long-term commitments in the form of a lease or contract are not penalized if the area's housing costs decrease.

Housing

BAH enables service members to live off-base comparably to their civilian counterparts. It is not designed to cover all housing costs for all members. Some members may have out-of-pocket expenses, because rates are based on the median cost of rent. A member’s actual expenses may be higher or lower based on a member’s actual choice of housing and where they live. Because members are free to make housing choices that best suit their needs, a member may choose to use all their housing allowance to rent more expensive housing close to the duty station, or have a longer commute for either a larger or less expensive house in an outlying area.

BAH Frequently Asked Questions

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*The cash back bonus is offered in most states. In some states a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. The cash back bonus is not available in Alaska, Louisiana and Oklahoma. In Kansas and Tennessee, a MasterCard MAX gift card will be issued. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. The cash back bonus is only available with the purchase and/or sale of your home through the use of a participating program real estate agent. The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. Participating program real estate agents are affiliated with the participating real estate brands: Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and Corcoran and all related logos are trademarks owned or licensed by Realogy Services Group LLC or its affiliated companies. All real estate commissions are negotiable. Other terms and conditions may apply. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Please check with a program Advocate for details. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Realogy Services Groups LLC and its affiliated companies fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Franchise brokerage office is independently owned and operated.

By participating in the program you agree to have your information shared with a participating Real Estate Agent and they may contact you by phone or text message including by automated means about real estate services. You acknowledge you can access real estate services without providing your phone number by calling 1-800-716-6782.

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