Dec. 19, 2022

Flag Voice 593 - Basic Allowance for Housing & Basic Allowance for Subsistence—2023 Rates Released

Last week, 2023 Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates were announced. In most areas, BAH will increase for our members; BAS will also increase for both officers and enlisted members. CONUS Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) rates will be published soon. I want to provide some context to help you ensure your members’ understanding of BAH, BAS, and COLA.

Dec. 19, 2022

Basic Allowance for Housing Rates for 2023 Released

The Department of Defense has released the 2023 Basic Allowance for Housing rates. Basic Allowance for Housing rates will increase an average of 12.1 percent when the new rates take effect on January 1, 2023. An estimated $26.8 billion will be paid to approximately one million Service members. The significant increase in average BAH rates is reflective of the unique market conditions experienced across many locations nationwide over the past year. While average BAH rates increased substantially, different rental markets experience different market trends, and the 2023 BAH rates reflect those geographic market condition differences.

Sept. 23, 2022

DoD Announces Immediate and Long-Term Actions to Help Strengthen the Economic Security and Stability of Service Members and Their Families

DOD to increase BAH rates for 28 military housing areas, TLE duration from 10 to 14 days and up to 60 in some areas, and DLA rates effective 1 Oct 2022.

Sept. 23, 2022

DoD Authorizes an Automatic Increase to 2022 BAH Rates for Certain Locations

The Department of Defense (DoD) has authorized temporary increases to 2022 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for 28 military housing areas (MHAs) across the United States.

Sept. 2, 2022

Critical Housing Areas (CHA) Update

ALCGPSC message 109/22 adds Atlantic City, NJ (Military Housing Area NJ196) as a designated Critical Housing Area (CHA).

Aug. 18, 2022

Flag Voice #587 - Update on TLE Extension Process

Colleagues, I am providing an update on the Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) Extension process. As previously announced in Flag Voice 556 and ALCOAST 309/21, the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) was updated last year to include an expedited process for the Uniformed Services to request an extension to TLE, for up to 60 days, to assist those who are

July 12, 2022

2022 Critical Housing Areas Update

This message adds Astoria/Warrenton, OR and Cape Disappointment/Illwaco, WA (MHA OR241) as designated Critical Housing Areas.

May 19, 2022

Coast Guard Leased Housing Program Update

Contacting the housing office early in the PCS season allows time to request a waiver to leased housing eligibility if circumstances merit an exception. If Coast Guard leased housing is the best solution, the housing office may now contract that housing in advance, up to 60 days, in order to ensure its availability in time for your arrival.

May 13, 2022

Housing and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Communication

With the ever changing and volatile housing markets throughout the country, it is critical that local commands ensure they are providing inbound members the information needed through the welcome aboard messaging and follow-on discussion with the new command.

Feb. 27, 2020

Authorized Housing Flexibility Options Increase for Service Members and their Families During PCS Moves

Policy concerning Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and housing assignment flexibility for certain members with dependents undergoing a permanent change of station (PCS) within the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii).

Jan. 9, 2020

Policy Guidance for COLA, TLA, OHA and BAH Moved

JTR Chapters 8-10 (CONUS-COLA, OCONUS-COLA & TLA, BAH & OHA, respectively,) have been transferred to DoD FMR Vol. 7A (Active Duty & Reserve P&A) as Chapters 26 (BAH & OHA), 67 (CONUS-COLA), & 68 (OCONUS-COLA & TLA) effective 26 DEC 2019

June 30, 2019

Reminder: BAH for Single Recruit, OCS, or Academy Graduates In-Transit

A Transit housing allowance (BAH-Transit) is a temporary housing allowance paid while a member is in a travel or leave status between permanent duty stations, provided the member is not assigned Government quarters, including dependents who may be assigned to Government owned or leased family-type quarters. The Transit rate continues during proceed time and authorized delays en route, including TDY en route.

June 26, 2019

Reminder: BAH-Transit to Single Members PCS Transferred from outside the U.S.

The Transit housing allowance (BAH-Transit) is often overlooked by Servicing Personnel Offices resulting in members being underpaid.

April 23, 2019

Critical Housing Area Update: CG Special Missions Training Center (SMTC), Camp Lejeune, NC (Zip Code 28542) Designated

CG Special Missions Training Center (SMTC), Camp Lejeune, NC (Zip Code 28542) as a designated CHA.

March 18, 2019

How Does Divorce Affect Your TRICARE Benefit?

Closing the chapter on a marriage can be a confusing time. If you're going through a divorce, you may be wondering about your TRICARE benefits. Divorce, annulment, or dissolution of a marriage is a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event (QLE). This QLE allows you and family members to make changes to your TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select health plan outside of TRICARE Open Season.

Oct. 1, 2018

Housing Flexibility for Certain Members With Dependents Undergoing a Permanent Change OF Station (PCS) Within the United States

Purpose. This ACN implements policy concerning Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and housing assignment flexibility for certain members with dependents undergoing a permanent change of station (PCS) within the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii).