The Basic Allowance for Housing comes in two rates for every rank and every location: one with dependents and one without. The gap between them is often several hundred dollars a month, and it is tax-free money, so knowing which rate applies to you matters.
A real example
At Fort Bragg, North Carolina, an E-5 receives $1,806 a month in 2026 with dependents and $1,527 without. That is a difference of $279 a month, or $3,348 a year, tax-free. Because it is not taxed, that $3,348 is worth more than a $3,348 raise in basic pay would be.
The gap grows in expensive areas and at higher ranks, because the with-dependents rate is based on bigger homes. Rates for members without dependents are typically based on an apartment or townhouse. Rates for members with dependents are based on larger homes for that pay grade, from two-bedroom townhouses for junior enlisted up to detached houses for senior officers.
Who counts as a dependent
For BAH, a dependent is generally:
- A spouse, including a spouse who is also in the military, though dual-military couples have their own rules.
- An unmarried child under 21, or under 23 if a full-time student, and a child of any age who cannot support themselves because of a disability.
- A stepchild or adopted child living with you.
- In some cases a parent or other relative who relies on you for more than half of their support, if approved.
Dependents must be enrolled in DEERS, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. Until they are, the higher rate does not start.
The number of dependents does not matter
This surprises many people. One child or five, the BAH with-dependents rate is the same. The allowance is designed around the type of home a member of your grade would rent, not family size. A member with a spouse and four children receives exactly what a member with only a spouse receives.
Common situations
Getting married. The higher rate starts from the date of the marriage once the spouse is enrolled in DEERS and the paperwork reaches finance. Pay is usually backdated to the marriage date if you file promptly.
Divorce or separation. If you pay child support and do not live with your children, you may receive the with-dependents rate, or a reduced rate called BAH-Differential if you live in government quarters. The rules depend on the support order, so ask your finance office.
Two service members married to each other. Each receives BAH. If there are no children, both receive the without-dependents rate. If there are children, one member usually draws the with-dependents rate and the other the without-dependents rate.
Living in the barracks. Single members in government quarters do not receive regular BAH. They may receive a small partial BAH instead.
Living on base with family. Members in government family housing do not receive BAH. The housing is provided in place of it.
How much it adds to total pay
Housing is often the largest piece of military compensation after basic pay. For the Fort Bragg E-5 above, basic pay is $4,110.00 a month at over 6 years of service. BAH with dependents adds $1,806, and BAS for food adds $476.95. That makes a monthly total of $6,392.95, and more than a third of it is tax-free.
Without dependents, the same E-5 would receive $6,113.95 in total. The $279 difference comes entirely from BAH.
Common questions
Does BAH depend on where my family lives or where I am stationed? Normally on your duty station’s ZIP code. Exceptions apply for some unaccompanied tours and special circumstances.
Does BAH go down if rents fall? Members already at a location keep their current rate under rate protection, as long as their status stays the same. New arrivals get the new rate.
Is BAH counted as income? Not for federal income tax. It can count for some loan applications and benefit programs, so check each one.
Find your rate on our BAH page, then put it into the total pay calculator to see your full monthly figure.