Does the national guard pay for housing?

Does the National Guard Pay for Housing?

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 the organization pays for housing. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive answer to this question and explore the various options available to National Guard members.

Does the National Guard Pay for Housing?

The short answer is: yes, the National Guard does pay for housing, but it depends on the circumstances. Here are the different scenarios:

• Active Duty: If you are called to active duty, the National Guard will provide you with housing allowances, which are designed to cover the cost of renting or owning a home while you are serving. These allowances are based on the location of your duty station and your rank.
• Drill Weekends: For National Guard members who attend drill weekends, the organization does not provide housing allowances. However, you may be able to claim a small stipend for travel and lodging expenses.
• Annual Training: During annual training, the National Guard provides a daily stipend for meals and lodging, but it does not cover the full cost of housing.

Housing Allowances for National Guard Members

The National Guard offers several types of housing allowances to its members:

• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This is the most common type of housing allowance, which is based on the location of your duty station and your rank. BAH is designed to cover the cost of renting or owning a home.
• Special Duty Housing Allowance (SDHA): This type of allowance is provided to National Guard members who are stationed in areas with high housing costs, such as major cities.
• Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): This allowance is provided to National Guard members who are temporarily stationed away from their home base and need to rent a hotel room or other temporary lodging.

Housing Options for National Guard Members

National Guard members have several housing options to consider:

• Government Quarters: The National Guard provides government quarters for members who are stationed at a base or installation. These quarters are usually shared with other members.
• Off-Base Housing: National Guard members can choose to live off-base and receive a housing allowance to cover the cost of renting or owning a home.
• Military Housing: Some National Guard bases offer military housing, which is usually provided through a partnership with a private housing company.

Table: National Guard Housing Allowances

Conclusion

In conclusion, the National Guard does pay for housing, but the type and amount of housing allowance provided depend on the circumstances. National Guard members can choose from several housing options, including government quarters, off-base housing, and military housing. It is essential to understand the different types of housing allowances and options available to make informed decisions about your housing needs.

Additional Resources

• National Guard website: www.nationalguard.com
• Military Housing Office: www.militaryhousingoffice.com
• Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors: www.va.gov/benefits

FAQs

• Q: Do National Guard members receive a housing allowance?
  A: Yes, National Guard members on active duty receive a housing allowance.
• Q: How much is the housing allowance?
  A: The amount of the housing allowance varies by location and rank.
• Q: Can National Guard members choose their own housing?
  A: Yes, National Guard members can choose to live off-base and receive a housing allowance.
• Q: What is the difference between BAH and SDHA?
  A: BAH is a standard housing allowance, while SDHA is provided to National Guard members stationed in high-cost areas.