April 1, 2008 • June Walbert
Q: My finance office is
based in Norfolk, Va.
and I will be moving there this July after my wedding. I am transferring to a
college in Norfolk and have everything squared away. However, I have some questions.
How soon after we are
married will my husband and I get Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)? What does
my finance office have to do to inform the Navy about the marriage? Will my
husband get Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) as well? I know that BAS is
only for him and not for family members, but it would sure help.
Also, what Tricare plan
would be good for us? How do I qualify for Tricare? Who can we contact to do
that?
Thank you so much for your
help!
-Alyssa, Grass Valley, Calif.
A: Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. It sounds like your
husband-to-be is marrying right—you’ve clearly got your eye on the ball! As
soon as you get hitched, your husband will have to complete the appropriate
paperwork and provide documentation (marriage certificate) to his personnel
office.
If your husband is living off-base, he should already be receiving Basic
Allowance for Housing (BAH). Once you’re married and he provides the
appropriate documentation to the personnel office, you guys will receive the
increased “with dependents” rate. If he’s currently on-base and you plan to
move, you’ll have to submit a copy of your lease agreement or mortgage to the
personnel office to receive BAH. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is a
tax-free supplement meant to pay for food. He should already be receiving it
and your marriage will not impact this allowance.
To qualify you for Tricare, your husband will need to update the Defense
Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and then you need to get an ID
card. Usually, this is done at the same place identification cards are done on
base. As long as you are on DEERS, you will be eligible for Tricare. Once
you’re on the system, you can select one of three plans for your health care: PRIME, EXTRA, or STANDARD. Your active duty
husband can only use Tricare PRIME. In the same order, your selection will be similar
to choosing an HMO, PPO or major medical plan in the civilian world. Learn more
at www.tricare.mil.
Best wishes for a long and happy life together.
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As far as BAS goes, there are many factors. It is for the military member ONLY - there is no increase for a family. If he is assigned to a ship, he will probably NOT get BAS as the ship provides three meals a day. It could be based on rank - my last ship E-7 and above could get BAS, whether or not they they lived on the ship, but then they would have to pay for meals on the ship and everyone would NOT get BAS when out to sea as they would obviously be eating ON the ship.
Your husband MUST put in a request with his command for BAS and if it is approved, then it must go to personnel (or equivalent) to start to receive it.
Posted by: PNC(SW) Ret. Christine Shepherd | April 04, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I am getting married and we are relocating to Fort Carson in May. I have a degree in human services and counseling. I need guidance in finding new employment as a spouse.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Posted by: Wisdom Lewis | April 04, 2008 at 05:48 AM