How can I help a married soldier who has not received BAH in 6 months, is running out of savings, and will be borrowing to pay rent?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 17:40:13 -0400

Just got to a new unit and one of my married soldiers has not recieved BAH for 6 months after his marriage. He states he has applied for it multiple times and still nothing. He is running out of savings and will soon be borrowing money to pay rent. What options do we have? Obviously someone is not doing their job.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2021 5:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 17:47:49 -0400

Take him to finance and bring with you: Last 6 months LES
DA 5960 requesting to start BAH
Marriage certificate (original)
Pay inquiry

DO NOT LEAVE UNTIL THEY HAVE GONE THROUGH ALL THE PAPERWORK

he will also need a 4187 to stop meal deductions.

I’m finding it hard to believe that he’s gone 6 months without BAH and has submitted the paperwork multiple times. I can believe 1-3 months, but 6!? Get with your S1 and see if they have a 200 with his paperwork getting to finance.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 2 at 2021 7:47 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 19:47:01 -0400

I'm with SSG Private RallyPoint Member and CPT Lawrence Cable on this one.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 1:22 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:22:45 -0400

In the Marine Corps (and Navy) we would Request Mast. Having had to do that for 2 separate promotions it usually gets straightened out within 30 days. I am not sure what the Army equivalent is but I am sure there is one!

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Nov 3 at 2021 9:48 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 09:48:38 -0400

For immediate help with bills, contact AER. Since your Finance Det seems slow as cold molasses in January.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 10:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 10:11:33 -0400

The first step is to get this kid to AER in order to get those bills paid and put food on the table.

Next step is to make sure they actually added their spouse in DEERS, instead of just submitting a change of BAH form at S1. You'd be surprised how often it's something simple like the Soldier didn't update their DEERS, is still living in the barracks, or turned in the decorative marriage certificate instead of the legal one.

Then, as others mentioned, you need to bring your 1SG in on it, this is exactly what 1SG jobs are for - hitting something with enough rank to get the cogs unstuck.