As we step into 2024, military members are curious about the updates to their pay and allowances. The new year brings changes to two vital areas of how service members get paid: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). Take a look at what’s changing.
BAS Adjustments
In 2024, the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for troops living outside barracks is increasing by 1.7%. For officers, this means a monthly increase to $316.98, and for enlisted members, it goes up from $452.56 to $460.25. This is a more modest increase compared to the substantial 11.2% rise in 2023.
BAH Changes
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) helps military members cover housing costs when government quarters aren’t provided. In 2024, BAH is getting a 5.4% increase, covering 95% of housing costs. While significant, it’s not as large as the 12.1% increase in 2023. These rates are determined yearly and protect against a decrease as long as your situation remains the same. If the BAH rate for your location increases on January 1, you’ll receive the corresponding raise.
Factors Influencing BAH Rates
BAH rates are determined by the Department of Defense, considering factors such as housing costs, grade, dependents, and local living expenses. Approval from Congress is received before finalizing the rates. Rates change based on your duty station, paygrade, dependents, and local costs like rent and utilities.
2024 Military Veteran Pay Raise
In 2024, active-duty, Guard, and reserve members will see a 5.2% raise in basic pay. Military retirees and veterans receiving disability checks will experience a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Though lower than 2022 (5.9%) and 2023 (8.7%), it remains higher than the 20-year average of 2.6%.
These yearly changes to BAH and BAS rates highlight the Department of Defense’s commitment to adapting to the changing cost of living. As military members plan their finances for the new year, understanding these adjustments is crucial to ensure financial stability.
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[Citations]
2024 Pay Raise: What You Need to Know.
DOD Releases 2024 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates
2024 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
About the Author:
Brandy Hall, Nurse Writer, turned a passion for patient teaching into content writing. She teams up with health and wellness providers to improve patient health and relationships. By creating easy-to-understand patient education content, she helps patients understand their health without complex terms and jargon. She is published on Sleep.com, Healthnews, and more. Now, she explores the world through creativity and adventure as a mom and military spouse.