Do you still qualify for BAH after getting divorced if you bought a house during marriage?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 00:17:16 -0500

Me and wife recently file a divorce, and I bought a house during our marriage, because I have Morgage, am I still qualify for bah without dependent rate? Me and wife don’t have any child

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2020 2:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 02:13:40 -0500

You will need to apply for an ETP for BAH from your post. Be aware that they probably will not grant it for more than a year, and you'll probably need to sell your house. The ETP is intended for people who are in a lease while they are getting divorced and can't break that lease but don't warrant BAH.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Nov 5 at 2020 6:13 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 06:13:52 -0500

You could on a band-aid status. You command can grant you an exemption for about a year or so; all based on local policy.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2020 10:14 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 10:14:01 -0500

Normally, no. Check with your local SJA, but I believe that if you have custody of your kids (or at least 51%) you MAY still qualify for the "With Dependent" BAH rate. Again, check with SJA and/or Finance.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 5 at 2020 1:14 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 13:14:01 -0500

Doubtful, services say that your finances are your problems as long as you are paid correctly, if they do approve it will only last for maybe up to a year.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2020 3:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 15:44:23 -0500

No. Buying a house was considered a personal expense and BAH is provided to pay for housing for individuals who are married or have kids or have attained a specific rank. You need to sell your house and will likely have to pay your mortgage with your base pay until it is sold. Is unfortunate, but I don't see many ETPs for divorcing couples who bought a house getting approved.

Response by PO2 Chris Mccarthy made Nov 9 at 2020 4:26 PM

PO2 Chris Mccarthy — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:26:46 -0500

Apparently this has changed a lot since I was in. It used to be you rolled over to single BAH after the divorce was settled. After reading the comments it does not look like that is the case anymore.

Response by MSG Clyde Mills made Nov 11 at 2020 2:14 AM

MSG Clyde Mills — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 02:14:10 -0500

When I was activated for Desert Storm, I owned a Home and qualified for BAH from day 1 of Activation.