Military Relocation – Basic Allowance for Housing for Military Families
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Basic Allowance for Housing for Military Families

Takeaways

  • The government offers a Basic Housing Allowance for military personnel living off-base.
  • This allowance helps service members meet local housing costs.
  • The rate is based on location, pay grade and dependency status.

Did you know?

  • The BAH is tax-free.
Buying a home is an option to living on-base. The Department of Defense’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is designed to help military consumers handle the extra expenses of living off base. Intended to provide service members compensation based on local civilian housing costs, the BAH is available to most pay grades at most locations. Payment rates are passed on geographic location, pay grade, and dependency status. BAH is also tax free.

Before you purchase off-base real estate, consult a military tax advisor for details on tax benefits and restrictions of the BAH. For more details, visit the Department of Defense website’s Defense Finance and Account Service page.

Learn More About Military Relocation and Real Estate

To learn more, explore the advice on Military Relocation in this section of our site and in our general advice on Buying a Home. You can also talk with a GMAC Real Estate Agent near your new Duty Station for professional and experienced advice about homes in nearby communities.