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BAH, OHA, and GI Bill Housing Allowance Rate Calculators 2025

Joe Wallace

BAH, OHA, and Post-9/11 GI Bill MHA Calculators

With our BAH calculator, you can find your housing allowance using the zip code or city and state combination.  With our OHA calculator, you can find your housing allowance overseas by using the country and city you’re searching for.

We offer OHA information for the following countries and territories: Germany, Japan, South Korea, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Guam.  For the GI Bill MHA, you can use the calculator to look up the housing allowance by school.

Introduction to Housing Allowances: OHA and BAH

Understanding your housing options as a service member starts with knowing the different types of housing allowances available to you. The Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) are the two primary housing allowances designed to help offset the housing costs you may face, whether you are stationed in the United States or overseas. These allowances are a vital part of your overall compensation, ensuring you have support in managing your monthly housing expenses.

The OHA is specifically for service members assigned to overseas locations who are not living in government housing, while BAH is for those stationed within the U.S. Both allowances are calculated to reflect local housing markets and your individual circumstances, such as pay grade and dependency status. To make the most of your benefits, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the housing allowance process guide, which outlines the steps to apply and the documentation required.

By using resources like the OHA calculator and reviewing current BAH rates, you can better understand your entitlements and plan your housing accordingly. These tools are designed to help you navigate the housing allowance process with confidence, ensuring you receive the maximum allowable benefits for your situation.

Housing Allowance Calculators

The Department of Defense offers servicemembers a housing allowance (BAH or Basic Allowance for Housing) to offset the cost of renting a home or a monthly mortgage payment. The military housing allowance is not intended to fully cover all costs of renting or owning a home, but the offset is significant. BAH and OHA are each a monthly payment designed to help cover housing costs for service members.

The VA, similarly, through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, offers a monthly housing allowance for those attending school. The GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is compared to the national average for active duty BAH, which helps students understand how their benefit aligns with typical military housing support. What do you need to know about these housing allowances? We’ll explore the most important details below and provide a method for calculating all three.

This features 3 housing allowance calculators:

• BAH Calculator – You can search by zip code or state/city combinations. This monthly payment supports your housing costs.
• OHA Calculator – Find housing allowances for Germany, Japan, South Korea, Guam, Italy, and the United Kingdom. This is a monthly payment designed to cover overseas housing expenses.
• GI Bill MHA Calculator – Find housing allowances for Post-9/11 GI Bill by college or university. The online GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance is half the national average for in-person attendance for the current school year and is not listed in the search tool below. This is a monthly payment supporting housing costs for students.

 

 

 

Post-9/11 GI Bill Housing Allowances by City

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) rates are not updated at the same time as the active duty BAH for currently serving enlisted members. They are updated in August of each school year.

Types of Military Housing Allowance

There are two basic types of military housing allowances: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA).  BAH and OHA rates can be affected by whether a service member has a dependent child, and in cases where there are dependent children, only one member in a military couple can claim the with-dependent rate.

But there is also a housing allowance for those who use the Post 9/11 GI Bill. This housing allowance is very similar to what is paid to the BAH for an E-5 at the with-dependents rate for the zip code where the service member takes most of their classes. If you want to see an approximation of your Post 9/11 GI Bill housing allowance, search using that criteria, but know that if you take online classes, you may qualify for a reduced BAH rate rather than the full rate.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

BAH is paid to those on military duty in the United States. OHA is paid to those assigned overseas and who do not live in government housing. BAH and OHA are considered rental allowances and are based on actual rental payments reported by service members. BAH and OHA are not taxable like basic pay. You are permitted to use BAH to qualify for a home loan and to pay your monthly mortgage.

BAH rates are set yearly based on current economic factors, housing market data, and other variables. Rates are subject to change, but you should generally not see your housing allowance decrease from one year to the next. We’ll examine why that is below.

Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA): What is it?

Overseas Housing Allowances (OHA) are paid to military members assigned overseas who won’t be living in on-base or government housing. The Overseas Housing Program enables service members to privately lease housing on the local economy at their DoD overseas station.

The allowance is meant to offset the cost of living off base, but like BAH, it is not necessarily meant to cover the entire cost of rent and utilities. But it does cover a significant portion of them, depending on location and other variables.

OHA has 3 separate components: rental allowance, utility/recurring maintenance allowance, and the move-in housing allowance (MIHA). The MIHA is a one-time payment that reimburses move-in costs associated with a move, such as utility hookups, appliance purchases, and security upgrades. MIHA operates as a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement system for eligible move-in expenses, ensuring service members are financially supported for these initial costs. If you qualify for MIHA, your first OHA payment may be larger than subsequent payments. The OHA calculator below does not reflect that first larger payment.

OHA also supports other expenses, such as HOA dues, and is structured as a reimbursement system based on actual expenditures.

OHA is paid monthly and includes support for recurring maintenance and other expenses related to maintaining privately leased housing. The amount service members receive is based on actual rental payments and surveys of what service members spend on housing and related costs.

The DoD says OHA is paid to approximately 55,000 troops overseas to the tune of $2 billion per year.

RELATED: Overseas Cost of Living Allowance Cuts

Rental Allowance

According to the Defense Department, OHA’s “rental allowance” portion is “computed using actual rent payments as reported through the local finance systems.”

The maximum rental allowances are set so that 80 percent of servicemembers with dependents have rents “fully reimbursed.” Some members are expected to pay some out-of-pocket amount. The housing costs of new arrivals are considered when adjusting rental allowances.”

All service members serving overseas who draw OHA “are reimbursed for rent up to the amount of the lease or the allowance, whichever is less,” according to the Defense Department.

Utilities Allowance

The Utility/Recurring Maintenance Allowance is a monthly benefit paid to those who qualify for OHA. It’s meant to offset utility costs “paid directly to utility companies and expenses incurred from recurring maintenance and minor repairs for the leased residence.”

“Expense data gathered from members receiving OHA and paying their own utility bills determines this allowance, set to cover the 80th percentile of reported costs.” It’s important to note one nuance of this allowance. 

According to the DoD, “Members with utilities paid by the landlord do not receive this allowance; it is added to the rental allowance. Members without dependents and paying their own utilities, are entitled to 75 percent of the rate set for members with dependents.” 

You will receive the benefit one way or the other, depending on the circumstances, once your application is approved.

Moving-In Housing Allowance

Move-In Housing Allowances (MIHA) help offset the costs associated with a PCS move-in to an overseas base. There are five possible MIHAs to apply for, and not all who PCS overseas will qualify for all of them. These allowances are paid once only, after the service member has PCSed overseas.

The following information is from the Defense Travel Management Office’s official site. All information is current as of press time; however, these options are subject to change depending on federal funding, policy updates, or modifications to federal law. 

• • MIHA/Miscellaneous is offered as an up-front payment “that reflects average expenditures to make dwellings habitable,” including “heating equipment, wardrobes, electricity connection,” and other options. Members with and without dependents receive the full allowance with their first OHA rental payment. 
  • MIHA/Rent “covers all reasonable rent-related expenses” described by the DoD as ”fixed, one-time, nonrefundable charges levied on behalf of the landlord or a foreign government that the Service member must pay before or upon occupying a dwelling.”
  • MIHA/Security is for “security-related enhancements to the physical dwelling when quarters must be modified to minimize exposure to terrorist or criminal threat.” Special authorization is required.
  • MIHA/Infectious Disease provides reimbursement for “dwelling upgrades related to preventing infectious disease” (such as window and door screens to reduce exposure to mosquitoes carrying the Zika Virus). Special authorization is required.
  • MIHA/Safety is for approved “safety-related expenses for a Service member assigned to an area where upgrades to the physical dwelling are required to comply with safety requirements…” Special authorization is required.

How to Apply for the Overseas Housing Allowance

• Apply for OHA by filling out DD Form 2367, the Individual Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) Report. 
• The completed form must be returned with a copy of your lease for approval. You’ll typically apply for this benefit either as part of your in-processing at the gaining base or shortly thereafter. 
• You’ll turn this form in with your lease; you can’t accomplish it before PCS travel.
• You will be asked on the form how you will pay utilities (to the landlord, to the utility company, or a combination thereof) so that your OHA can be calculated and remitted properly.

Germany OHA Locations

This is not an exhaustive list, but it provides a good example of how the Overseas Housing Allowance is allocated by location. The rates you may qualify for in one area may not apply in another due to various factors, including market demand, fluctuations in local currency, and regional utility costs.

Of course. Here is a comprehensive list of both the primary U.S. military commands and the individual installations (non-primary bases) located in Germany.

The U.S. military presence is structured with major commands, called Garrisons or Air Bases, that oversee numerous smaller installations. This list is organized by those primary commands to provide a complete picture.

United States Army Commands in Germany

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach

• • Barton Barracks
  • Bismarck Kaserne
  • Bleidorn Kaserne
  • Franken Kaserne
  • Katterbach Kaserne
  • Oberdachstetten Training Area
  • Shipton Kaserne
  • Storck Barracks
  • Urlas Kaserne

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria

• • Tower Barracks (Grafenwöhr)
  • Rose Barracks (Vilseck)
  • Hohenfels Training Area (Joint Multinational Readiness Center)
  • Artillery Kaserne (Garmisch)
  • Sheridan Barracks (Garmisch)
  • Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (Garmisch)

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz

• • Rhine Ordnance Barracks
  • Daenner Kaserne
  • Kaiserslautern Army Depot
  • Kleber Kaserne
  • Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
  • Miesau Army Depot
  • Panzer Kaserne (Kaiserslautern)
  • Pulaski Barracks
  • Sembach Kaserne
  • Wilson Barracks (Landstuhl)
  • Germersheim Army Depot
  • Grünstadt Depot

Installations within the Baumholder Military Community:

• • Smith Barracks
  • Wetzel Kaserne

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart

• • Panzer Kaserne (Böblingen also hosts MARFOREUR/AF)
  • Patch Barracks
  • Kelley Barracks
  • Robinson Barracks
  • Stuttgart Army Airfield

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden

• • Lucius D. Clay Kaserne (Wiesbaden Army Airfield)
  • Dagger Complex (Darmstadt)
  • McCully Barracks (Wackernheim)
  • Mainz-Kastell Station

United States Air Force Installations in Germany

Primary Command: Ramstein Air Base

• • Kapaun Air Station
  • Vogelweh Military Complex

Primary Command: Spangdahlem Air Base

United States Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa (MARFOREUR/AF)

U.S. Military OHA Locations in Germany

• • Ansbach
  • Augsburg
  • Babenhausen
  • Bamberg
  • Baumholder
  • Berlin
  • Bonn
  • Borgholzhausen
  • Bremerhaven
  • Buedingen
  • Cologne
  • Darmstadt
  • Dexheim
  • Erding
  • Erlensee
  • Frankfurt Am Main
  • Freiburg
  • Garmisch
  • Geilenkirchen
  • Giebelstadt
  • Giessen
  • Goettingen
  • Hamburg
  • Hanau
  • Hannover
  • Heidelberg
  • Hohenfels
  • Jena
  • Jever Ab
  • Kaiserslautern Military Community
  • Kalkar
  • Karlsruhe
  • Kiel
  • Kitzengen
  • Landsberg

United Kingdom OHA Locations

Primary Command: 48th Fighter Wing (“Liberty Wing”)

• • RAF Lakenheath
  • RAF Feltwell: A support site that hosts housing, a furniture exchange, and the Airman Leadership School for USAF personnel in the UK.

Primary Command: 100th Air Refueling Wing (“Bloody Hundredth”)

• • RAF Mildenhall

Primary Command: 501st Combat Support Wing (“Pathfinder Wing”)

Other UK Bases with OHA

• • RAF Fairford: Serves as USAFE’s bomber Forward Operating Location.
  • RAF Alconbury: A non-flying installation providing support services.
  • RAF Molesworth: A non-flying installation that is a hub for intelligence centers, including the Joint Intelligence Operations Center Europe Analytic Center (JAC).
  • RAF Croughton: A communications hub, operating one of Europe’s largest military switchboards.
  • RAF Welford: The second largest conventional munitions storage area for the USAF in Europe.
  • RAF Menwith Hill: A crucial intelligence and communications site run jointly by the UK and the U.S.

OHA Locations in the United Kingdom

• • Alconbury
  • Aldermaston
  • Bath
  • Cambridge
  • Cheltenham
  • Fairford
  • Harrogate/Menwith Hill
  • Helston
  • High Wycombe/Daws Hill
  • Lakenheath/Mildenhall
  • London
  • Oxford
  • Plymouth
  • Portland
  • Portsmouth
  • RAF Croughton
  • RAF Digby
  • RAF Waddington
  • Rochester
  • Salisbury/Wilton MOD Housing
  • Salisbury/Wilton non-MOD Housing
  • St Mawgan MOD Housing
  • St Mawgan non-MOD Housing
  • Welford
  • Yeovilton
  • Other England
  • Scotland
  • Wales

United States Army Commands in Japan

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Japan

• • Camp Zama
  • Sagami General Depot
  • Sagaminohara Family Housing Area
  • Akasaka Press Center (Hardy Barracks)
  • Kure Pier 6
  • Yokohama North Dock

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa

• • Torii Station
  • Naha Military Port
  • White Beach Area

United States Air Force Commands in Japan

Primary Command: Yokota Air Base

• • Headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and the 5th Air Force.
  • Tama Hills Recreation Area
  • Mochizuki Communication Site

Primary Command: Misawa Air Base

• • Hosts both U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force units. Also hosts Naval Air Facility Misawa.

Primary Command: Kadena Air Base

• • The largest U.S. Air Force installation in the Pacific.
  • Okuma Recreation Facility

United States Marine Corps Commands in Japan

Primary Command: Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC)

Sub-Command: Marine Corps Base Camp S.D. Butler (Okinawa)

• • Camp Courtney
  • Camp Foster
  • Camp Gonsalves (Jungle Warfare Training Center)
  • Camp Hansen
  • Camp Kinser
  • Camp Lester
  • Camp McTureous
  • Camp Schwab
  • Marine Corps Air Station Futenma

Sub-Command: Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

Sub-Command: Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji

United States Navy Commands in Japan

Primary Command: Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY)

• • Naval Air Facility Atsugi
  • Ikego Housing Area and Naval Annex
  • Totsuka Communication Site

Primary Command: Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS)

• • Akasaki Fuel Depot
  • Hario Housing Area

Primary Command: Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO)

• • Camp Shields
  • Awase Communication Site

Japan OHA Locations

Here is a select list of OHA locations in Japan. Not all assigned to these locations may qualify for an Overseas Housing Allowance. Single soldiers, unaccompanied airmen, and those who are considered “at sea” but ported or docked in Japan may not be offered OHA, depending on circumstances.

• • Atsugi
  • Camp Fuji
  • Camp Zama
  • Eta Jima Island
  • Gifu
  • Hamamatsu
  • Hyakuri Air Base
  • Iwakuni
  • Kamiseya
  • Kawasaki
  • Kichijoji
  • Komaki
  • Kumamoto
  • Kure
  • Kyoto
  • Misawa
  • Nyutabaru Air Base
  • Okinawa
  • Osaka-Kobe
  • Sapporo
  • Sasebo
  • Sendai
  • Shariki
  • Tokyo
  • Yokohama
  • Yokosuka
  • Yokota

OHA Locations: Italy

United States Army Installations in Italy

• • Caserma Ederle (Vicenza)
  • Caserma Del Din (Vicenza)
  • Camp Darby (near Pisa/Livorno)
  • Leghorn Army Depot (Livorno)

United States Air Force Base in Italy

Aviano Air Base

United States Navy Commands in Italy

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples

• • Capodichino Support Site (location of Naples International Airport)
  • Gaeta Support Site
  • Gricignano di Aversa Support Site (main housing and support services area)

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella

OHA Locations in Italy

The following is a list of locations in Italy for which the U.S. Department of Defense has designated an Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA).

• • Aviano
  • Bologna
  • Bolzano
  • Brindisi (including San Vito dei Normanni)
  • Florence
  • Gaeta (including Formia)
  • Ghedi
  • Istrana AB
  • La Maddalena
  • La Spezia (including Varignano)
  • Latina
  • Livorno (including Camp Darby)
  • Milan
  • Naples
  • Parma
  • Cameri AB
  • Pisa
  • Poggio Renatico
  • Rome (including Ciampino Airport)
  • Sanremo
  • Siena
  • Sigonella
  • Solbiate
  • Taranto (including Grottaglie)
  • Trapani
  • Udine
  • Verona
  • Vicenza (including Longare)

OHA Locations: South Korea

United States Army Installations in South Korea

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys (USAG-H)

• • Camp Humphreys: Main installation and headquarters.
  • Desiderio Army Airfield: Main airfield within Camp Humphreys.
  • Suwon Air Base: A co-located installation with the ROK Air Force.
  • CP Tango (Command Post TANGO): A key command and control facility located near Seongnam.

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey (USAG-YC)

• • Camp Casey: The main installation for rotational and forward-deployed combat units in Dongducheon.
  • Camp Hovey: Located adjacent to Camp Casey, supporting rotational armored and cavalry units.
  • Yongsan Garrison: The former headquarters in Seoul, now in a significantly reduced capacity, supporting residual and transitioning missions.
  • K-16 Air Base: An Army airfield located in Seongnam.
  • Camp Bonifas: A small post located at the southern end of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
  • Rodriguez Live Fire Complex: A major training area.

Primary Command: U.S. Army Garrison Daegu (USAG-D)

• • Camp Walker: The primary installation in Daegu, containing the main support facilities and a heliport.
  • Camp Henry: Co-located in Daegu, serves as the garrison’s headquarters.
  • Camp George: A small family housing and services installation in Daegu.
  • Camp Carroll: A logistical and storage base in Waegwan.
  • Busan Storage Facility & Pier 8: Key logistical port facilities in Busan.

United States Air Force Bases in South Korea

• • Osan Air Base
  • Kunsan Air Base

United States Navy Bases in South Korea

Primary Command: Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC)

• • Chinhae Naval Base: CFAC is the only U.S. Navy installation in South Korea, located within a larger ROK Navy base in the port city of Chinhae.
  • Busan Naval Base: The headquarters for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) is co-located on the ROK Fleet Base in Busan.

United States Marine Corps

Primary Command: Camp Mujuk

Other South Korea OHA Locations

• Camp Yongin
• Unified Changwon City (Chinhae, Changwon, Masan)
• Chunchon
• Dongducheon (Camp Casey)
• Inchon
• Kimhae
• Kunsan AB
• Kwanju AB
• Munsan
• Osan AB (Camp Humphreys)
• Pusan
• Seoul (K-16 Fld/C. Mercer/Site Tango & 33)
• Suwon
• Daegu/Waegwan (Camp Carroll, Camp Henry, and Camp Walker)
• Taejon
• Uijungbu
• Weonju

Guam OHA Locations

Guam has only a single OHA “location” for the entire territory.

How OHA Is Calculated

According to the Department of Defense, OHA is reviewed every six months. “Members have the opportunity to provide input in the annual OHA Utility Expenses Survey and triennial OHA Move-In Expenses Survey” held annually from January 1 to March 31. The survey helps update utility allowances and MIHA rates.

OHA and Exchange Rates

The DoD states that local currency exchange rates are “closely monitored” to calculate and maintain OHA rates, and the federal government makes adjustments “as often as every pay period to convert the allowance set in foreign currency to U.S. Dollars and maintain your purchasing power.”

The Department of Defense does not set or regulate currency exchange rates.

Navigating an Overseas Military PCS as a Spouse

How soon can we apply for our Overseas Housing Allowance?

Your OHA application must be turned in with your rental agreement so you won’t be able to apply for this benefit until you have secured housing in the new duty location.

Will OHA cover 100% of our housing expenses?

Typically, no. Expect to pay some expenses out of pocket at the new duty location. The amount will vary depending on circumstances.

Do we qualify for OHA if my military spouse is sent “unaccompanied” to an overseas location?

OHA is designed to offset the costs of living off-base in the local community. Servicemembers living on base in barracks or dorms are not paid a housing allowance for those quarters. Servicemembers who leave families behind to serve overseas may qualify for a housing allowance based on the location of their dependents.

Is the PCS preparation process the same for military members and their spouses?

Not entirely. Military members often have more direct access to PCS briefings and can ask questions directly through their chain of command, making it easier to obtain information. Spouses, however, may not be able to attend many of these briefings and may receive the information later.

Why is it crucial for military spouses to keep their ID and passport up-to-date for an overseas PCS?

Maintaining all forms of ID required for travel, especially your passport, is essential. No-fee passports for PCS moves are usually only offered after the service member receives orders. If your passport needs to be updated or replaced after orders are placed, you may face a time crunch to meet PCS deadlines.

Additionally, if the service member goes on an unaccompanied assignment, the spouse’s passport might not be updated at the government’s expense. Having a current passport also allows for potential travel to visit your spouse overseas, which is more common than some might think for non-remote assignments.

What should military spouses consider regarding their household goods for an overseas move?

Even if you’re not worried about exceeding weight limits, it’s wise to consider storing, donating, or selling some items before an overseas PCS.

Many countries have smaller living spaces than typical American homes, and your full load of household goods could easily overwhelm a smaller residence. Thinking ahead about potential differences in housing at your gaining base will help you decide what to keep and what to leave behind.

Should I always plan to ship my car to an overseas duty station?

Not necessarily. While some overseas assignments permit vehicle shipment, not all countries or assignments do.

Even if your current assignment allows it, consider future PCS moves. If you decide to volunteer for a second consecutive overseas tour, you could end up in a country that doesn’t allow vehicle shipment. Anticipating such scenarios can save you significant headaches in the future.

What unexpected issues should military spouses be prepared for during a PCS?

It’s wise to expect the unexpected. PCS orders can change, sometimes even while you’re preparing to move. While you might assume a smooth journey, complications can arise.

For example, a military spouse with specific medical issues might need a “command decision” from the service member’s chain of command to approve their PCS to the new location, if the gaining base lacks adequate medical support. The family might face tough choices if command sponsorship isn’t approved due to medical needs. Such problems, while challenging, are common enough to warrant preparedness.

Why is it important for military spouses to save extra cash for an overseas PCS?

During overseas travel, military spouses should be aware that some expenses will be out-of-pocket and only reimbursable later. Having extra savings is critical.

For instance, if your flight to your new duty location is delayed or canceled due to weather or other issues, you may need to cover lodging, meals, transportation, and other unexpected expenses.

Delays and cancellations are common, especially when traveling long distances or making multiple stops. Planning for these potential additional costs can significantly ease financial stress during the journey.

Housing Allowance Rate Protection

The DoD reminds servicemembers that “individual rate protection” will typically prevent a servicemember from getting a lower stateside housing allowance than the previous year, assuming certain conditions are not present.

What conditions?

The DoD requires the service member to maintain eligibility for BAH. Rate protection is meant to ensure that those in the military “who have made long-term commitments in the form of a lease or contract are not penalized” in cases where housing costs in a given market actually go down. BAH is generally protected from decreases due to market changes, such as falling home prices or rents in the duty station area, thanks to the BAH rate protection policy.

Rate protection for service members may be assumed UNLESS one of the following applies:

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
• Reduction in pay grade
• Change in dependency status

Who Is Eligible for a Military Housing Allowance

Uniformed service members not assigned quarters on base may be approved to draw BAH or OHA. Some who live on base in stateside public/private partnerships may pay rent to a property management company while living on base.

This is because the properties are owned or maintained by that private agency. In other cases, you may rent or purchase property off-post and use your housing allowance instead. Overseas, you will draw OHA when living off-base in the local economy. Eligibility for OHA is determined by the overseas housing program, which sets the requirements for service members stationed abroad.

How Military Housing Allowances Are Calculated

Your BAH is calculated based on your duty location (the local zip code for stateside bases or the specific location in the host nation where you serve), your rank, whether you are married or not, and the calendar year you are approved for the allowance in. OHA is calculated using a more complex formula that includes cost and currency data, location and size of the country, and your status as a single or married service member.

OHA rates are compiled by country and are updated based on new cost data and currency fluctuations.

Where to Find Your BAH Rates for the Current Year

• Calculate your stateside BAH rate using the BAH Calculator at the top of this page, or the official one found at the DoD Travel Management Office’s official site.
• Calculate your Overseas Housing Allowance rate using the OHA Calculator at the top of this page, or the one found at the DoD Travel Management Office website.

Official guidance on OHA calculations can be found in the DoD Financial Management Regulation and the OHA fact sheet. Service members should always refer to the most recent document review date to ensure they are using current information.

Applying for a Military Housing Allowance

When assigned overseas, you will apply with your base housing office and be sure to fill out DD Form 2367, Individual Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) Report. It is important to submit a completed form and ensure it is reviewed and approved by the appropriate official responsible for processing your housing allowance claim. Most bases have a rule that you should check in with the housing office prior to committing to any lease or other legally binding agreement–you will want to know what the locals know about renting off the post.

When assigned stateside, report to the base housing office as soon as possible to learn what local requirements may apply for you to begin drawing BAH. You may often be given information in your welcome briefing or in-processing appointments, but it’s best to check in with the housing office as early as possible.

Procedures for getting BAH may vary from base to base and may not be standardized across all service branches.

What to Know About BAH and OHA

Your military housing allowance for stateside and overseas duty is calculated on rental data, NOT homeownership data. This housing allowance does not take into account any costs associated with owning a home, and the amount of your BAH or OHA should not inform your decisions where purchasing a home is concerned.

The BAH you get is not meant to be a realistic yardstick for the costs of home ownership–if you try to decide how much mortgage you can afford each month, BAH doesn’t indicate how much loan you may be approved for. It may be best to think of BAH as supplemental income that can help offset a major portion of your home expenses, but NOT all of them. You may find that your out-of-pocket costs may run between 5% and 20% of the full mortgage or rental per month.

BAH and OHA may increase as your rank increases, which is helpful if you consider buying or renting a larger home sometime in the future.

Choosing the Right Calculator

Selecting the appropriate calculator is a key step in determining your housing allowance and making informed decisions about where and how you live. Service members have access to several calculators tailored to different needs: the OHA calculator for overseas assignments, the BAH calculator for stateside duty stations, and the GI Bill MHA calculator for those using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

The OHA calculator provides up-to-date overseas housing allowance rates based on your duty station, pay grade, and dependent status, helping you estimate your monthly housing allowance amount when stationed abroad. The BAH calculator, on the other hand, is designed for service members within the United States and factors in your location, pay grade, and whether you have dependents to determine your basic allowance for housing.

If you are using the GI Bill, the GI Bill MHA calculator helps you find the monthly housing allowance associated with your school and location. Each calculator is tailored to specific circumstances, so it’s important to choose the one that matches your current situation—whether you’re on active duty, studying with the GI Bill, or stationed overseas.

By using the right calculator, you can accurately estimate your housing allowances and make the best choices for your housing needs, taking into account your pay grade, dependent status, and duty station. This ensures you maximize your benefits and avoid surprises when it comes to your monthly housing costs.