2025 Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) Rates

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) increases in 2025 are still in question, but the current proposal from the Department of Defense calls for a 4.5% increase. While still part of budget talks, lawmakers are in agreement on raising it by 4.5% for 2025. When passed in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the raise will go into effect on January 1, 2025. 

If you are wondering, “What is Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)?” Don’t worry. Let’s quickly break down what it is, the differences between BAS and BAS II rates, and what the proposed rates would look like in 2025 if they’re approved. 

What is the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)?

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) was established to provide financial assistance to military personnel for grocery expenses. Each year, the Department of Defense calculates BAS rates to ensure service members are adequately compensated for the increasing cost of goods caused by inflation.

Unlike some military benefits, BAS is not used to pay directly for groceries at the store or meals at a restaurant. Military members are responsible for managing their food expenses, and BAS is an added benefit that partially offsets the cost of food depending on the area.

It’s important to note that some military installations are in areas with proportionally high grocery and meal costs. Service members stationed in these areas with higher living costs may be eligible to receive a cost-of-living allowance as added support. 

Is BAS Taxable? 

Fortunately, military benefits such as BAS and even BAH are considered non-taxable income. This means the government does not ask for military members to report this income on their tax returns, as that would ultimately reduce the amount of money they would actually receive. 

What is BAS II?

The Basic Allowance for Subsistence II (BAS II) program provides extra financial support to military members residing in single/unaccompanied quarters without access to government-issued meals. This allowance is specifically allocated to help cover additional food expenses.

Typically, BAS II is only given to those PCSing to serve unaccompanied, and the rate is twice as much as the enlisted BAS rate. Therefore, BAS II is a benefit provided after great consideration and requires authorization from the Secretary of the Military Department. 

2025 BAS Raise Charts

BAS Restrictions

Since the purpose of BAS is to support military members who are actively serving, some restrictions may prevent some service members from receiving the benefit. The following situations prevent you from receiving BAS:

• Military members who are going through basic training or officer training (one exception is officers who are going through training and also have continuous prior enlisted service may be eligible for BAS). 
• Any military members who are taking excess leave or educational leave.
• Military members who are absent without official leave (AWOL).

History of BAS Rates for Military Members

Calculating BAS

Very similar to how Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are calculated, Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is based on an analysis of how much groceries have increased over the year within a given area. 

For instance, in 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) noticed the cost of groceries jumped  4.7% in June from the previous June. The agency also saw restaurant food purchases spike by 7.7%. Because food costs were going upward, the USDA predicted a 3.4% increase in 2024. 

While calculations are used to get an idea of the costs of goods and services nationally, sometimes budgets call for increases that may surpass what agencies predict. This year, the defense budget is calling for a 4.5% increase in allowances and base pay. 

Final Points

BAS rates in 2025 will increase, but we won’t know by just how much. Based on the mutual agreement between the Biden Administration and lawmakers responsible for passing the budget, I think it’s fair to say a 4.5% increase is a reasonable expectation for how much it will go up.