BAH Improvements in the Air Force

Published Jan. 17, 2019
By Cameron Hunt
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Recently, customers have brought to the attention of the 21st Comptroller Squadron that pay actions and monetary payouts regarding their Basic Allowance for Housing have experienced long waiting period.

The result is a slow processing of pay actions through the validation and approval process. Members can aid in the process when requesting pay adjustments by refraining from turning in non-original or incomplete documentation. Files such as PDF files or photo copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses and divorce decrees are not original copies by themselves; they have to have an original stamp or notarized seal.

“If there was one thing I could say to mentor young Airmen regarding their pay, it would be to get educated regarding their Leave and Earnings Statements,” said Master Sgt. James Johnson, 21st CPTS customer service flight chief. “Being aware of your entitlements will help you understand your pay, taxes and will ensure you’re receiving all of your designated entitlements.”

BAH rates increase and decrease in relationship to the economy. For those that have experienced a decrease in BAH this year, they can solicit guidance from their CPTS professionals. Finance technicians will be able to provide council and the best course of action for their circumstance. Some members may be qualified to be grandfathered into their previous year’s rate depending upon their eligibility.

“This situation is one to be answered on the Defense Travel Management Office level, which annually conduct surveys and area analysis that review cost of living expenses that influence BAH rates,” said Airman 1st Class Kennedy Smalls, 21st CPTS finance technician. “Although they can go up or down based upon that information, everyone’s situation is uniquely different.”

One improvement to the BAH system was the amendment of AFMAN 65-116, Volume 1 that allows for back pay to Airmen for unused entitlements. Airmen can now make a claim for unclaimed funds and receive a check for compensation. This is an improvement in regards to helping families in receiving past deployment benefits and with Permanent Change of Station moves.

If service members want to research current BAH rates for their area they can find this information at: www.defensetravel.dod.mil. The best advice for Airmen to learn about their pay entitlements is to contact the 21st CPTS office at 719 556-4770 or email at 21CPTS.FMFC@us.af.mil and schedule an appointment.