Do You Get BAH in the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, comprising units from each state and the District of Columbia. As a member of the National Guard, you may be wondering if you receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) like active-duty military personnel. In this article, we’ll provide a direct answer to your question and delve into the details of BAH for National Guard members.
Do National Guard Members Get BAH?
Yes, National Guard members are eligible to receive BAH, but with some limitations. According to the Department of Defense (DoD), BAH is a tax-free allowance paid to military members to help offset the cost of housing while serving in the military. However, not all National Guard members receive BAH, and the amount they receive depends on their pay grade, family size, and the location of their duty station.
Eligibility for BAH in the National Guard
To be eligible for BAH in the National Guard, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a drilling National Guard member (part-time)
- Be deployed for at least 15 days in a calendar year
- Be stationed in a location with a housing cost that exceeds the government’s maximum allowance
- Not be receiving full military pay (i.e., you’re not on active duty)
Types of BAH for National Guard Members
There are two types of BAH available to National Guard members:
- BAH-I (Basic Allowance for Housing-Individual): This type of BAH is paid to single soldiers or those with dependents.
- BAH-F (Basic Allowance for Housing-Family): This type of BAH is paid to married soldiers with dependents.
BAH Rates for National Guard Members
The BAH rate varies based on the member’s pay grade, family size, and duty station location. Here is a breakdown of the BAH rates for National Guard members:
| Pay Grade | Single Soldier | Married Soldier with Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,144 – $1,444 | $1,444 – $1,844 |
| E-2 | $1,244 – $1,544 | $1,644 – $2,044 |
| E-3 | $1,444 – $1,744 | $1,844 – $2,244 |
| E-4 | $1,644 – $1,944 | $2,044 – $2,444 |
| E-5 | $1,844 – $2,144 | $2,244 – $2,644 |
| E-6 | $2,044 – $2,344 | $2,444 – $2,844 |
| E-7 | $2,244 – $2,644 | $2,644 – $3,044 |
| E-8 | $2,644 – $3,144 | $3,044 – $3,344 |
| E-9 | $3,144 – $3,444 | $3,344 – $3,644 |
Important Notes
- The BAH rates listed above are subject to change annually and may vary depending on the location of your duty station.
- National Guard members may receive a Supplemental Subsistence Allowance (SSA) in addition to BAH, which helps offset the cost of food.
- BAH is not paid to National Guard members who are on active duty or receiving full military pay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Guard members are eligible to receive BAH, but the amount they receive depends on their pay grade, family size, and duty station location. To be eligible, National Guard members must meet specific requirements and be deployed for at least 15 days in a calendar year. While BAH rates vary based on pay grade and family size, it’s essential to note that the rates are subject to change annually. If you’re a National Guard member, be sure to check with your local personnel office for the most up-to-date BAH rates and eligibility information.
