Hawaii BAH 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Military personnel stationed in Hawaii receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) [1] to help cover their housing costs. This monthly allowance varies based on your rank, dependency status, and location.

What is BAH?

 

BAH, also known as military housing allowance (MHA) [1], is a benefit that helps service members afford housing in areas where the private market is expensive. The Department of Defense sets BAH rates based on the local housing market and your specific situation.

Who Gets BAH?

 

Active duty service members, Coast Guard members, and in some cases, Guard and Reserve members [1] are eligible for BAH. If you choose not to live in government housing or privatized military housing, you’ll receive BAH to help cover your rent or mortgage payment.

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in Hawaii

 

In addition to BAH, you’ll also receive a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) [2] while stationed in Hawaii. COLA helps offset the higher cost of living in certain locations compared to the national average.

BAH Rates in Hawaii

 

BAH rates in Hawaii vary depending on your rank and dependency status. You can find the specific rates for your situation using the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) BAH calculator: [2].

Here’s a table summarizing the 2024 BAH rates for Honolulu County, Hawaii, for various ranks with and without dependents:

Using BAH to Buy a Home

 

While BAH can help cover your housing costs, it’s important to remember that it’s not intended to cover your entire mortgage payment. You’ll need to consider your other expenses and income when deciding whether buying a home is feasible.

Hawaii BAH FAQs:

1. Do Guard and Reserve Members Receive BAH?

Yes, under specific circumstances, including travel status and short-term active duty (BAH RC/T).

2. Will my spouse and I both receive BAH in Hawaii?

I spoke with a representative from the Air Force accounting and finance service.  Here’s what they told me.

You will both receive government BAH at the without dependent rate if you don’t have any dependents.

If you have dependents then the senior military member will receive the with dependent rate BAH and the other member will receive the without dependent rate BAH.

3. Do I have to use all my BAH?

No, any leftover amount is yours to keep.

4. Can I buy a home with BAH in Hawaii?

Affordability depends on various factors, but BAH can contribute to your mortgage payment.

5. What are some important BAH considerations?

• Not part of retirement pay.
• Rates change annually based on the housing market.
• Report dependency status changes.
• Consult resource personnel for Guard/Reserve specifics.

6. What will happen to 2025 Hawaii BAH rates?

A 5% increase is estimated, but final figures depend on the 2025 defense budget.

7. What if I refinance my loan?

Your BAH remains the same even if you refinance.

8. Can I buy land with BAH?

Yes, you can use your BAH for various purposes, including purchasing land.

9. Is Army BAH different than Navy BAH?

No. Hawaii Basic allowance for housing is the same regardless of base or branch of service.

10. Do you get OHA or BAH in Hawaii?

Military members assigned to Hawaii receive BAH as their basic allowance according to their rank. (https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/)

 

Additional Resources

 

Here are some helpful resources for military personnel moving to Hawaii:

• The Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website: [2]
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan website: [3]
• Information on public schools in Hawaii: [4]

About the Author

 

MaryJo is a certified Military Relocation Professional and a retired military spouse. She has extensive experience helping service members and their families navigate the challenges of moving to Hawaii.

Contact:

 

If you have any questions about buying a home or just need information about schools, shopping, beaches, or other aspects of life in Hawaii, you can contact MaryJo at 808-439-2965.

Citations:

1. Department of Defense: https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/
2. Defense Travel Management Office: https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/
3. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.homeloans.va.gov/
4. Hawaii Department of Education: https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/Pages/Home.aspx