BAH versus "International" OHA

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:32:53 -0500

I got married en route to my current assignment here in Korea. My wife is a non-US citizen and has yet to receive a US visa. I'm receiving $0.30 for BAH. I've talked to Finance and Legal and both agencies have told me that what I'm getting for BAH is all I'm entitled to. My wife is staying with her parents while I'm here and paying for mortgage, but since we're not "renting" I'm told we're not entitled to squat. I've been looking up and down the web trying to get answers, but I haven't found anything helpful. Any light you can shed on this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 11:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:34:50 -0500

I just came from Korea. OHA was good because you will also get utility pay. My BAH came no where close. But because you got married in route and already have orders you do not qualify. I had a Soldier go through the same deal. Once you get to the states again you will qualify for BAH.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 11:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:38:11 -0500

Where is the house you are paying a mortgage for? I am about to PCS OCONUS, and my wife and I have been told that we will get OHA to cover the rent at the new duty station (up to the max OHA rate), assuming we live on the economy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 9:11 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 09:11:44 -0500

When I got married to a Korean back in 2001, I had lots of issues too. While its not the same as your situation, it is kind of similar. But I would like to help any other Soldier out that may be in the situation I was in. I was authorized to live off post as a PFC/SPC by my unit however I was told to maintain a barracks room since back then Command Sponsorship was only for certain ranks/duty positions. I did receive partial BAH which was about 450$ a month along with COLA (about 300$ ?).

It was kind of funny when my units barracks got upgraded I no longer was assigned a barracks room and when I went to mention it to the CoC they told me if they gave me a room then I would have to live in it. Looking back, I should have probably pushed the issue more since they really didn't provide me a room.

Long story short, it may be possible to receive partial BAH but probably wont receive any OHA. But I don't see any reason why you should not be able to receive full BAH for your wife, how is it any different from Soldiers who have family living back in the States while the service member are in Korea.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 10:30 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 22:30:47 -0500

The only way you would be entitled to BAH in your situation would be to either have the deed to the house or rental agreement with you or your wife's name or both on it of which is being occupied by your wife. I had the same issue when I was in Korea back in 2005. Once I had the deed and marriage certificate in hand, I was good to go. That of course was turned in with all the finance paperwork to go along with it. Hope everything works out for you.