Basic allowance for housing (BAH) calculator 2026

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a tax-free benefit that helps service members cover housing costs when government quarters aren’t available. Your rank, location, and dependents determine the amount.

Only active duty military members are eligible for BAH. That means if you’re currently serving full time in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard, you’re eligible to receive it.

Your BAH rate depends on your duty location, pay grade, and dependent status. The Department of Defense sets rates yearly using local rent and utility data, ensuring fair, location-based housing support.

No, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is tax-free. It’s not subject to federal or Social Security taxes, so you keep more of your benefit every month. Always confirm your state’s tax rules.

If you PCS or relocate to a lower-cost area, your BAH may not drop immediately — thanks to individual rate protection. But once you move, your new BAH will match your new duty station's rate.

Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) is a tax-free benefit for service members stationed outside the U.S. It helps reimburse housing rent, utilities, and move-in costs based on what you actually pay.

If you’re both active-duty service members, each of you may receive BAH.

• No dependents: You’ll each get the single rate for your duty location.
• With dependents: One receives the “with dependents” rate, and the other gets the “without dependents” rate.

Check with your personnel office or the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) to confirm your specific eligibility.

The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) helps Veterans, reservists, Guard members, and dependents cover housing costs through the GI Bill. It’s similar to Basic Allowance for Housing but tied to school enrollment. Most lenders don’t count MHA as stable income for a VA loan, so you’ll need other reliable income sources to qualify.