March 14, 2025
2016 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates increased by 3.4% on average – or approximately $54.00 per month. The new rates took effect on Jan. 1, 2016.
While the BAH rates will increase for many service members this year, the BAH program also includes a plan to slow growth, eventually achieving a 5% out-of-pocket cost for living expenses. The new plan will eventually require service members to pay 5% of their housing expenses out of pocket.
See 2025 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates here.
2016 BAH Rates
The simplest way to find your BAH rate is with this BAH calculator. Click on the appropriate link below to view BAH rates in chart format.
The BAH rate increases are for all branches of the military, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Reserves forces where applicable.
2016 BAH Changes
The 5% out-of-pocket adjustment builds on the 1% out-of-pocket adjustment from the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Fortunately, the FY 2016 NDAA slowed the annual BAH increases by an additional 1% this year and will gradually decrease up to 4% over the next three years, or until rates cover 95 percent of housing rental and utility costs.
The Pentagon will maintain individual rate protection for service members so no one will see a reduction in their current BAH. Individual rate protection safeguards your current BAH rate at your specific duty station. Only newly reporting members would receive the lower rate.
What Can You Do?
Contact your congressional representatives and let them know that you oppose reducing Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to 95% of total living costs.
Other Notes on BAH
The BAH rate increase is an average increase across all locations. BAH rates vary by location; not everyone will see the same increase (or decrease). BAH calculations come from the DoD’s housing market analysis and the Department of Agriculture’s food cost index. These analyses happen closer to the effective date to ensure they capture the most accurate impact on the service member.
Veterans are exempt from the BAH reduction, and Post-9/11 GI Bill® recipients will not see monthly stipends reduced. Veterans, dependents, National Guard and reserves can use the MHA Calculator to see estimated monthly housing payments for the GI Bill, which can differ from BAH.
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