I was told before leaving for basic and AIT that I was going to receive BAH but haven’t received anything. How do I correct this?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 13:23:32 -0400

Hello,

So I was told before leaving for basic and AIT that I was going to receive BAH. I had submitted my lease agreement. Everything was fine. Then I received my first LES and it wasn’t on there. Now after months of going through basic and now at AIT I still haven’t received anything. I’ve called my Liason on so many occasions, left voicemails, was told to fill out a 5960 and then was told that I don’t get BAH. I just don’t understand who to call or how to get this fixed. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 1:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 13:59:25 -0400

SPC Burton,

Basic Allowance for Housing is an active duty entitlement. I do believe the Reserve and Guard elements receive BAH to an extent when conducting basic training and AIT, but only for individuals who own their house. Following the conclusion of your IET, you are no longer eligible for BAH. I do not believe you are entitled to BAH if you have a lease. MSG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 2:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 14:35:05 -0400

I know when I went through OSUT in 16 I got BAH, but I had a mortgage. It took two months to get it though and I had to physically go to DEERS to get it fixed. Talk with your NCO's about getting you to DEERS to talk to them about it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 2:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 14:35:19 -0400

You are, in fact, entitled to BAH. USAR Soldiers on Active Duty for Training (BCT and AIT), and Annual Training (this is per the myarmybenefits website). Whom ever it was that told you that you are not authorized BAH does not understand the particular rules for Reservists. What I recommend is that you redo the DA Form 5960, take that and the copy of your Lease Agreement, and submit that again with the assistance of your Cadre and possibly your training unit Commander. If none of that works, then elevate it up the flag pole. Call this number (Local - [login to see] ) for direct help from the benefits website. Their hours are 9AM and 5PM EST Monday - Friday. If no one answers, here is their email address: [login to see]

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 22 at 2020 3:31 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 15:31:57 -0400

Your school house should have an organization that looks after students. We used to call them orderly rooms. Suggest you ask your supervisor (DI) if such an organization exists. If it does get permission to go see them. Hopefully somebody there works with pay issues.

However, if you are living in government quarters while TDY for school then you might or might not get BAH. Army may have put a clause in your orders saying BAH isn’t authorized. Read the orders before you go to complain.