What is needed for a BAH waiver and where can I find example of the memo?

2014-03-11T21:58:40-04:00

I am stationed in Hawaii and fixing to go to Fort Sam for a 68W reclass. The class is only 18 weeks so my dependents cannot go with me. I was instructed that I would need to put in for a BAH/COLA waiver so that I will continue to receive it for Hawaii where my dependents will remain until I finish school. I need to know what documents is needed and where I can find the memo to summit my request. My unit has not a clue nor does the BN I am with ( or so they say). Any help with be much appreciated.

Response by SGT Sarah Maxwell made Mar 11 at 2014 10:05 PM

2014-03-11T22:05:43-04:00

This may seem like a silly response, but have you tried Google? Anytime I have a question that no one seems to have an answer to, I just type in the question... Usually (more likely than not) an answer is found. Hope that helps.

Response by SGT Sarah Maxwell made Mar 11 at 2014 10:11 PM

2014-03-11T22:11:09-04:00

Ok, I googled it and found Army Housing on Facebook, took a screenshot for you... But a lot of answers came up. You should definitely be able to at least find a good POC for an example.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 10:13 PM

2014-03-11T22:13:20-04:00

Experience would tell me if they're asking for one, they have a copy somewhere or at least the formatting for one available.

Response by 1SG Nathanial Wood made Mar 11 at 2014 10:32 PM

2014-03-11T22:32:56-04:00

As far as I know if you are in TDY status your BAH remains active for the duty station that your family resides at. Are you dual military with no dependents? A little more specific information about your family situation might help solve this.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 12:13 AM

2014-03-12T00:13:17-04:00

SPC Douglas, I am somewhat familiar with the process as I've been in a similar situation and hope that this may be helpful in some way, the information and process provided is for the USAF and in the case of a PCS, but I would imagine that it is fundamentally similar for the USA (although the length of the school may be a sticking point); that said here is a starting point for a draft letter, it will of course be on official letterhead and will have to be endorsed by the Army equivalent of the "Chief, Air Force Compensation ad Travel Division (Directorate of Force Management Policy). The body of the final approval letter will look something like this (adjust accordingly for an official request letter from you to their office)

-- SUBJECT: Request for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Waiver for 68W Reclassification - SPC Meckey Douglas

-- BODY: We have reviewed SPC Douglas' request for a waiver to retain BAH at the with-dependent rate based on dependents' address (address here), while attending military occupational specialty retraining.

Approved BAH rate will be effective for Military Housing Area (MHA) (dependents' address here) on the date member arrived at the new duty station, (duty location here). If dependents change residential address, then member is no longer eligible for BAH waiver and needs to submit an updated waiver request based on dependents' changed circumstances.

Since this authorization is based on member's request, Family Separation Housing Allowance is not authorized.

-- Signature block

-- First endorsement

Please note that this was approved for a PCS situation, again for schools/training of 20 weeks or less (the TDY en route is likely something to emphasize in your draft letter), it may be a bit more challenging to get approved. Let's see what others on the Army side have to say about current trends, potential templates, and office contact information. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to reply to this post or send a direct message if you'd rather. I wish you and your family all the best and good luck with your upcoming school!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 7:31 PM

2015-11-18T19:31:43-05:00

I have the same question. Im deploying and Im looking to fill out a memo to be able to send my family back home while im gone. If you get answers can you please help

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-02-25T16:37:52-05:00

http://www.ncosupport.com/military-news/bah-waiver.html

I found this. hopefully it is of some help

ALARACT 021/2008 Exception to Policy for BAH Waivers

ALARACT 021/2008 EXCEPTION TO POLICY FOR BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING (BAH) WAIVERS. THIS MESSAGE IS BEING RELEASED TO CLARIFY POLICY GUIDANCE FOR SECRETARIAL WAIVERS TO RECEIVE BAH AT OTHER THAN THE SOLDIER'S DUTY STATION LOCATION.