By Terry Howell
The DoD released the 2010 Basic Allowance for Housing charts on December 15. This is potentially big news for veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill because the living stipend (aka housing stipend) is directly tied to the BAH for an e-5 with dependents. Although some may see their GI Bill Living stipend increase by as much as 13.6 percent in 2010, the average increase will be more like 2.5 percent. Some may see no increase at all because the rates for 43% of the military housing areas covered by BAH will actually drop in 2010.
Read the full article explaining the 2010 BAH rate changes.
The first question is, when will this new BAH rate go into effect for the GI Bill? Will it be increased in January or will they wait until July and increase it with the annual tuition and fee rate adjustment?
UPDATE: A Dept. of Veterans Affairs official passed along the following answer to my first question: "In order to maintain continuity of service, BAH rates will remain the same to begin the spring semester. Any recalculations that may occur will not happen until later in the spring."
The second and possibly more important question is, what will the VA do in cases where the local BAH has dropped?
The DoD has a grandfathering policy (individual rate protection) that prevents the decrease of a BAH rate as long as the status of a servicemember remains unchanged. In the case of a veteran student this should mean that a current student will not see a decrease in their living stipend. Only new students or those changing their status would see the lower rate.
As always, with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, there are more questions than answers.
Ok, so Im looking at this new BAH list and Im wondering when this will take effect? My husband wants a divorce and is suspose to be giving me and his child 2/3 of the BAH if this increass is now in effect or will be next month shouldn't what he gives me incress? Im asking because he will hide this info and pocket the extra and so far the commander is no help at all.
Poor guy hope he gets a good lawyer….d d d another one bites the dust. Whynot go for the New age thing ya'all; The 50/50 % Shared custody.. each parent has equal amounts of parent time w/ the child (whats best for child.) both pay 1/2 of medical, dental bills, copays etc.., and then its about whats "best" for the child; not Mommy's extra paycheck to try to make a guy "pay" for what he's done to her (and using the kid as a tool to do so… which by the way is sooo wrong.)what if things were the other way around would you pay him as much? More when you got a raise?? I think 50/50 is the greatest/ closest thing they have now for: 1st-the child, 2nd the parents- ALL as a whole unit who BOTH chose to bring the kid into this world.. it takes two…. Lets b fair!!!
i swear all of you wives are all after the same thing, scandalous!
Whats your husband fails to realize is that all the BAH goes to you, not 2/3's. He is not entitled to any of that money. BAH goes to the spouse and children, he gets BAS and eventually have to apply for VHA for himself….but trust me he wont tell you that.
I wouldn't even tell her that. She seems like she's useless and just dragging all the money out of the guy that she can. Why should he be responsible for paying her rent? It really doesn't make any sense. Get a job.
Everyone needs to calm down and realize that you're better off than you think. Quit crying about how hard your lives are! If you don't like it, Canada has free health care…head north and ask for your handouts! I'm a veteran and think we get way too much given to us. Hard work should be rewarded, nothing else.
You are so very right. There are so many right-wing nuts in the military who whine about those receiving government handouts – all the while they are cashing their "benefits" check. Yes, I served a long time and worked hard and deployed. But I will never complain about my retirement benefits. I won't give them back, but I will be the first to admit they are more generous than they should be.
Im a veteran of Army and Navy, I gotta ask,,, Are u actually serious?
I feel you Mark! Its easier to complain…
I'm sorry to say that you are a veteran? the question is which one ? are you a West Point Grad? a Navy Seal? or a Kilo India sierra sierra alfa sierra sierra in the time you were alfa charlie tango india victor delta uniform tango yankee.
or "clit "a government employee just because its the only way for you to do your asshole and elbows as to you your hard work. I cant believe you. to think our vets only needed was a hand out.
Sir, try asshole and elbows an iron workers jobs and see what is hard work really are.
as for Hwy 17V, you are also maybe the same category as Mike alfa romeo kilo. go figure.
1974 -2005 Veteran active & reserve. I stayed that long to let people like you know what is like in the real world. we are all a human being with feelings,compassion, integrity, and we make mistake unless you are above and beyond recognition.
We served the US for a reason, why do we want to move to Canada.
According to the DoD, BAH rates now make it possible for servicemembers to have zero out-of-pocket expense — for servicemembers living in civilian rented housing. Since 2008 the BAH rates are directly related to the cost increases of the local rental housing markets.
Hmmm I get $1452.00 for BAH and my house payment is $2068.00. I bought at the bottom of the market so I have a great interest rate and the house isn't above what I need or something special. just a 1960's home with a remodeled kitchen! How is a difference of $616.00 no out of pocket expenses? utilities on top of that! Maybe the guy looking at these rates should come and spend some time in California!
I lived in California when I was stationed there and my brother is still stationed there and everyone I know that has lived in Cali and gotten BAH is able to live within the BAH. If you pay over $2000 a month in mortgage you have a $320,000 ++ house. YOU ARE LIVING BEYOND YOUR MEANS!!!!
they figure out the rate based on renting a house or an apartment depending on your family situation and rank. why complain that the DoD is buying you a house?
janesnuffy…. now let's take your math and add some reality to it.
your house payment is $2068 right??? How much of that is interest??? My guess is most of it but let's say about $1600 per month…. if not more.
Let's take your effective tax rate which should be around 20%…. and apply that to your interest….. bottomline you save $320 in federal taxes and even more in state taxes…….
You can't fool someone who prepares taxes.
I'm currently house hunting… will be lucky if I get settled before April 30th… doesn't matter to me… I'd love your house payment. My federal taxes would drop by close to $5000 per year…. what a shame. State taxes another $2000 oh I can't handle it.
When you whine about these things…. know the facts please.
i have a question about my bah I'm a wife and my husband has not given me any money while he was in bct an ait or now its been almost a year, we have San Francisco as a address of living and iv had to live with my parents cause he is not supporting me is this wrong of him? and can i get back pay? im thinking about divorce….
The government says it takes into consideration for the upped rental payments. Well that's not true at all the landlords/companies know that every year the BAH goes up so they steady raise it up too. Nothing changes and if anything does change it us that get screwed on it. The government is not cheap it just doesn't take care of its own. It takes care of other countries before its own people. For instance pretty much all people do not know this. I pay local afghanis 100s of thosuands of dollars a week. Were talking 10,000 soccer balls and 10,000 prayer rugs and the contract is worth 150K. But yet we can't take care of our own makes a lot of sense does it? I like America as a place to live and all but the government sucks big time.
WTF??! my BAH dropped? But my rent increased. It all makes sense now..
when will they allow people who are taking online classes to get bah?
they won't they seem to think if you are sitting at home online you can take your classes anytime and actually go to work during the day
Look uip H.R 950….contact your Congressman!
Thank god for the grandfathering policy! My BAH shows a drop of over $200 here in San Francisco and I signed a 2 year lease on my home to get it at a lower price! Are they serious about LOWERING the BAH for here? The ACTUAL prices have only gone UP because of the foreclosures, EXTREMELY high prices of homes and the nonexistence of land to build new homes!
That's what you get for living in an expensive state hahahaha
gicollegeguy what school are you going to in san francisco??????
Great… ours went down too. I mean it was only 7 bucks… but when you are barely making it and rent keeps going up, as is groceries and utilities…. boy is a punch in the stomach….
So much for an “economic stability” in the Navy….
I don’t know why they make this seem like it’s a good thing seems like everyone’s BAH is decreasing. I would be happy if the Army would decide to fix ours so I can actually pay our bills. my husband got deployed and I was relocated back in September 2009…and the BAH change (that’s significant)still isn’t done. Have been told twice it was fixed and it wasn’t. even with NCO’s involved they still haven’t fixed it. What do you do next????
I wonder if the GOV, will send a letter to the landlords asking to lower our rent. What’s going on??? Is someone taking in consideration that rents goes up and salary remains the same, and now the GOV decrease our BAH. Please tell someone in congress that 2+2 is NOT 3?
YOU KNOW THE PROBLEM ALL STARTED WHEN THE LAST PRESIDENT WAS ELECTED,THEY ALL GOT THERE PAY RAISES AND PLENTY OF VACATIONS,BUT YOU DON;T THINK THEY CARE DO YOU ,BLAME THEM WHO VOTED FOR HIM,SEEMS LIKE IF YOU ASK AROUND ANYMORE NO ONE DID.STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS COMPLAIN,AND THEY ARE TRYING TO TAKE HALF YOUR RIGHTS AWAY TOO…….KDL,,,LOUB
So by reading this, this only concerns VA’s and not active duty members who have their E-5?
So my BAH dropped $125 and the annual base pay raise was $114. I’m gonna earn less over all next year then I did this year. And for what, longer more frequent deployments? This is for the birds!Really this is crazy!
I can’t believe all the whining I’m hearing!!! I retired last year and made it fine my whole 20 years on the BAH I was given. Don’t forget that the BAH you’re given is non-taxable. And if any of you whiners would have actually read the article, you would have seen that BAH rates are grandfathered in, meaning that you won’t lose any money. Someone who newly makes a rank won’t get as much as you, that’s all. You guys are embarrassing…
roger that i was a infanrty grunt i fought for freedom not money tha army takes care of you i bought cars that a civilian could not buy eraning more money most of the time kicking ass in iraq .and these chumps crying about money live with in your means
Well sir what bothers me about your statement is that you signed a contract to give your life for the protection of the United States Constitution. Let me be more clear you signed your life away only to one day get out of the military and have promises that were made to you manipulated or comprimised for someone elses vacation bonus who probably never served a day in their life. Trust me these veterans should be able to voice there opinions and there concerns.
Well said, Mark. Thanks for putting them straight, more tactfully then I would have.
I am with you! I retired yesterday as a 29 year Chief. I can tell you that the two biggest reasons BAH goes down is because military members don't complete the housing surveys because it's boring, and that too many people have room mates/house mates/sham spouses/etc and only pay pennies on the dollar for their rent…they spend less on rent so they can pocket the difference or use it toward utilities. This practice skews the statistics and show that we need less money for housing…so they reduce the rate. Oh course there are other factors such as what landlords and brokers report as rental rates for their markets. Unfortunately, we are part of the problem.
I completely agree with you Sir. I am currently on active duty and soon will be getting out and will use the Post 911. This BAH was not designed to take care of all you living expenses. If you wanted all of that you should have stayed on active duty.
Yep a lot of whiners is right… or maybe they never had anyone explain to them how BAH works and how you won’t lose money. Maybe they’ve always had leaders like you, Mark, who never educated his subordinates. Congrats on the retirement, by the way. The military is obviously better off with you out of its ranks.
To everyone else, do your own research and get all of the facts.. FROM THE REGS… not from word of mouth or some website.
Slainte`.
wow your a dick….or maybe you know mark i don't know but you def seem like an asshole haha
I never realized that there were so many crybabies in the military and reserves. If they are not satisfied, get out of the service and join the unemployed that are really suffering around the country.
Don’t blame all this on our present President because it all started when Ronald Reagon got elected as President. I am willing to bet that all of you complainers did not complain when your taxes were cut but that cut caused the country’s national debt to increase. Other tax cuts were added by the presidents following Reagon with no way to pay for them except by adding to the national debt.
I retired from the army in 1972 and am thankful for what I have. I will not be like some of you crybabies and will continue to support our present president that is trying to get our country back on the right track.
thats it nothing else to say you should be in politics .i was a gunner in iraq light infantry crybabies show weakness on the battle feild so they should get out.10 mountain vet hooah go to war any day for people like you thats what i fight for freedom.
The national debt is NOT because of any tax cuts. The US government takes More than enough money from us. Most of the Debt is from there salaries and PORK BARREL SPENDING. Like the $400,000,000 that Puerto Rico got as a TAX REBATE for it's RUM!!!!
LOL you blame it on Reagan and can't even spell his name correctly. Do us a favor and leave economics to the intelligent people you retard.
can anyone confirm that BAH for a dependent in school is not paid if the service member is still active duty?
read Va 911 GI Bill webpage…………but I will save you time cause I've already confirmed it with VA. Va will not give your spouse BAH but your dependent child yes………………. (might be a catch if your child lives with you…….that's like double dipping)
Active duty service member will not receive the BAH if their are in school, why, because they're already receiving BAH.
What good is the GI Bill if your doing school online. That means you don’t get any BAH and that’s crap because veterans, like me, need to work on home work and everything, not worry about a job and school at the same time. I can’t do both….not enough time in the day to work, study, do homework…etc. I just wish BAH was for everyone…online and in class courses…etc.
stop youre complaining thousands of people work their butts off every year and go to school full-time just so they can pay for their classes. You get your classes paid for and youre complaining that you might have to work a little to have extra cash. Shut up!!!
dude quit being lazy i work 2 jobs and go to school full time life is not easy anything worth having takes work not just school and study yea i give up my socal life in a big way but thats part of the bargin
Not all people are as Talented as you.
There are also tens of thousands of people like me and Don that just can't do both!! But most of us don't have the advantage the New GI Bill has and so we suffer going job to job and getting minimal pay and barely supporting our family because the military experience we have doesn't mean anything to most employers. They want a degree!!
I agree. What difference does it make if you are going to the school or not. YOU STILL NEED TO HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE!!! I think that there should be more credits required but you should still get BAH. Going to the school I have to only have 12 credits to be full time and get bah. That should be more for online courses.
just go to class at school and get paid not a hard fix.
you are an idiot!! I did my BS degree on active duty and was able to go to school and get my degree with a 3.8 GPA going to class.. Many people make it just fine going to school and working. You must be like the mexicans in this country that want free money and be comfortable. People like you make it nowhere in this world. If you want something you need to work for it. Online classes is for the working man. If you want BAH go to class…. BUM!!
Sorry you had such as sham-ass MoS where you can get a degree while active duty.
This really suprises me that you have the nerve to put your title of SSgt in your name when you disrespect a fellow service member. We all played our part in the military and some of us work very hard 40-60 hours per week, have children to raise, relationships to upkeep, and earn a degree. You state "Online classes is for the working man", this is true and that is why I thank God that we have the ability to attend classes online while keeping up with our other responsibilities. I feel it is incredibly important to earn a degree and to continue an education throughout the course of our lives. I heard the other day that there was a benefit of BAH and that I should look into it. I attend the University of Phoenix online fulltime and it is definitely not a walk in the park. In fact, it takes alot of self motivation and determiniation. I am also unsure why online classes are not viewed as equals with going on campus. The degrees are the same and it does not matter how you earned it.
I wish I had housing allowance when I had my GI Bill. The housing allowance would have given me that lead way to break away from my husband as I am a full time student.
Don, it depends on what Chapter of the GI BIll you are receiving. If Post 9/11, you will get no BAH for online courses. If MGIB (for instance) and your tuition, books, fees, etc are less than your payment, then you pocket the rest. The best thing is to do the math and figure our what is best for you.
I can understand where a few of you think everyone is whining however, you are also like 90, also GeraldT did you sneak out of the home? I was not aware you all get wifi in those places. Im very happy for those of you that make it just fine now that youre out, sorry to tell you this but not everyone leads an identical life to you. I make it just fine with what i have as well but I also know quite a few people who are barely making it for other reasons
Gee… it’s a good thing we voted for “change” cause that is what we are all getting… enjoy it, you voted for it or stood by and let it happen. I’m glad I am still active duty, and not jumping ship for full time student with a free pass from 4-5 year service. Good luck all. You thought serving was tough… enjoy the civilian life where they definately DON’T CARE about you!!
To all you bitchin about the BHA rates and how much you have out of pocket, Move into BASE/ POST housing. or sell your sooo expensive house so you can meet your monthly bills. or better yet, just dont go to California so you have nothing to gripe about. I cant belive how many people are crying but are to blind to actually read what it said. None of you people are loosing any money so get the hell over it. If the military pay is so terrible, get chaptered so you can serve fries to your customers in the drive thru.
You can't just move on base, there are LONG waiting lists and you can'y just not move where they tell you to move. If they tell you your going to CA, then your going. And it's not quit as easy as that to get out. And your right no one who gets the current rate for their grades BAH is going to get less money, but anyone who is getting promoted will be getting less, even though rent isn't going to be any less.
Wowwww, HEATH.. NICELY PUT my man….
Have you ever heard of the phrase, ‘if you aren’t a part of the solution, you are part of the problem’. If not, you should think about it.
You criticize about them not understanding the article yet you offer no attempt to clarify. So please, Sir, with your infinite wisdom educate me, old wise one.
I shouldn’t have to explain a 228 word article. What in it was that difficult to understand? The solution, SIR, is if you don’t like it, either get out of the military or stop using the GI Bill. Be grateful of what you do have, and be glad you are not standing on a corner holding a sign saying,” I’m laid off and my family needs money to eat.” If you don’t look up answers for yourself and just take the word of crap house lawyers, then you deserve to be lost in the sauce. If you don’t take care of you, no one else will.
What I meant was BAH. My Yeoman doesn’t know how to type. I will fire him immediately while I sip this coffee of mine in my Stateroom.
Capt. Mike Hunt III
Military Interservice Logistics Force
The government gives us way too much in BAH as it is. If you can’t pay your rent, your bills, save money, and get trashed every weekend with your BAH, then you are being ridiculous. Learn how to be responsible with your money. Most bases offer free classes on money management (Navy, Fleet and Family Services), take one. Oh, and while you are there, take a time management class too.
Look here. The Gov’t doesn’t pay me enough for how my lifestyle is. I have 3 houses, 1 of them at Dubai, Numerous Lambos and a Bentley, an F18, and a Nuclear Carrier? I mean C’mon man! Can’t a brother get a break here? A tax break that is.. for those who make more than $500K a year.. But I can empathize for all you sub $100K a year people. It’s as if you’re homeless already. Tssk..tssk..tssk
I’m good as long as I have my E-tool, poncho liner and a meal card….GO MARINES!!!!!!!!!!!
Can anyone tell me where the 2010 BAH rates are listed?
I am taken back that rates are going down considering the state of the economy…it seems a little shady that the VA started offering this post 9/11 GI Bill just recently and now they are telling us that they want to lower BAH rates??!! That’s BS…especially making the election irrevocable! VERY SHADY…but I guess it makes sense w/ all those damn liberals being the majority party.
Leave it to politicians to promise some sort of financial security and then change the rules in the middle of the game when people have based their future 5+ year’s budgets on those promises.
And of course the Obama administration is so bent on passing this stupid social healthcare reform that he’s willing to cut pay from those that put their lives on the line to keep it safe…hell he’s out there bowing to our enemies. What a joke of a president.
Sorry got carried away.
click the link in the article.
I feel for those of you that use your BAH to survive, I’m in the same boat, and those that criticize how people spend their money are no better than the ones that sit on their high horses to look down at the rest of us with their million dollar salaries. People are only trying to survive. People are so wrapped up in political chaos they seem to forget we are just as human and as equal as they are. Be thankful for what you get cause it would be far worse if it were 0. My heart goes out to those who are struggling….but somehow regardless we seem to make things work.
I could care less what Uncle Sam pays. I already have something in place that will pay me more than Uncle Sam or any job will pay when I retire. No more trading time for money when I’m done.
Want to retire a millionaire and have your dreams come true rather than be buried with you. Then tweet me at mikey727 for more information.
Sorry folks, GeraldT is pretty much right on the money. Change? Who was the one who sent us into Iraq and got over 4000 AMERICAN service members killed and thousands more injured for no reason? The same bunch of coward chicken hawks who are now saying get us out of Afghanistan. As to the article, adding BAH to the GI Bill is brilliant. The less stress one has at school allows them to do better in their courses. Economic times stink right now, home values have shrunk. Rents are going up in many areas because people have walked away from their mortgages and are renting again. It appears the DOD is basing BAH on ownership rather than renting.
As with kourtney, I served when the GI Bill was gutted. The $300 a month stipend does not cover much. It seems like the more money the VA and DOD throws at things, the more people feel entitled for more.
BAH in DC area is about 2400 for me, not taxed. This should be a max amount: you live south and pay 1900 in rent, that’s what you get plus a utility amount…people play the game and pocket nice money but have the gall to complain because they cannot buy a BMW 328…? If it goes down for GI bill purposes, grandfather it for those already signed up for at least the school year. Sympathy does go out to those who could not get base housing and bought during the crazy/high priced years 2004-2007
Wow.. my BAH dropped over $200+ here in San Francisco and my rent for next year will be up a whopping $75. Awesome congressmen..
Heh, to be honest, I live pretty well off my BAH. To the guy whose paying for a house off that, get real. It was meant to pay for dormitories and rent, not to help you pay for your house. So you really have no grounds to complain.
My BAH dropped over $200 in San Francisco area and I just got approve for Post 9/11 for this Spring semester too, fck! My rent will increase $75 next month.
What is the world coming to? When I went to college I paid for it myself. My living expenses I did it myself, by getting a job. So many military veterans are used to being taken care of, having everything given to them. It is no wonder we see comments about the reduction of BAH being BS, which is BS all in itself. Maybe if you take some personal responsibilty for yourself and start taking care of yourself instead of relying on the VA you might get somewhere. Next thing you know people will start complaining about how the VA didn’t find them a job after they just paid for your education. It is embarrassing to see how many military veterans cant take of themselves. Maybe if people saved or invested, instead of acquiring enormous amounts of debt, they would be better prepared for life after the military.
i love to be in the military or the navy
Look first of all.. We cannot be spoiled to the fact that we are all veterans and active military.. If someone is giving you free money how are we complaining if it arrives on time or late.. We have no grounds.. I know for a fact that there is a majority of us who do not ask the right questions and complete all the forms required to receive their money.. I actually received my money on time and I was told early about a delay in my next payment.. But I am not going to relay on the government to pay my bills, that is my responsibilty.. I am just happy that I earned my time in the service to get awarded for my service to America.. These guys that are issuing our checks are trying everyhthing to get everyone their payments.. We just cannot be spoild and get mad if the payment is not on time.. We should be appreciative that someone is caring about the people who have served our country. Lets give the people in the Veterans office a break for giving their time to work on sending us payments.. Just remember that their is alot of people enrolled in college right now because of the recession that would have never enrolled in school before.. Do the math!!
I called the VA and spoke to them about this issue… the person I spoke to informed that there is NO BAH protection for soldiers using the GI Bill. That means that if the BAH for your area goes down, you will see a decrease in your monthly stipend. I’m willing to bet that this will change quickly, because it’s sure to cause an uproar (this message board is a testament to that). It could also be that this person was wrong; I have received false information from the VA before. But if I were one of the soldiers that might lose pay next year, I would start planning for it now just in case.
As for everyone who complains about people complaining about their BAH going down, bear this in mind: Anyone that suddenly sees a drop in income with only a two week notice is in for a rough ride. Even if cost of living for an area goes down, the renters in that area aren’t going to see their rent go down. They may be able to find a cheaper place, but what about people that signed year long leases in November or December? Will they be able to hold out a whole year? Think carefully before you speak ill of others. Often times, you’re just stuffing your foot in your mouth.
To Joe, this is not called “whining” these are called taking back what “we” as veterans deserved! Can I pay you about $45K (roughly about that much they give military members who put their lives on the line for 4+ years) and send you to Afghan for 4 years? Maybe that will serve you right a$$..
Suck it up and drink water!!!!!!!!!
Little confused. Why is it that when the people (ie. military ) live a day to day military life with the military pay ask the question Why will our BAH be reduced the average joe out there must rebuttal with Oh what are you complaining for it’s easy free money!? Seriously?! You know not of what the military members go through. You believe oh they get EVERYTHING for free. I’m here to testify that simply is an ignorant thought. You know not of how comfortable a mans shoe is until you walk a mile and at least one tour overseas. Service members do receive monies to compensate them for housing, however, with that comes non paid overtime, countless number of hardship tours, barely adequate medical treatment, and several tours to war. How can we put a price on a life that is willing to fight for causes that no one else will? After all is it not a right of ours to be able to express our opinions whether it be from experience or not. I know ignorance is bliss but can ignorance at least find some facts to back them up, or if not, then maybe experience, please.
I hate to see anybody saying military people complain,they deserve the best and on time,whenever they deploy they are never late.If a military personnel is late somebody or properties might be lost.They are not requesting their BAH and their tution its their right as they work for it.If the VA cant pay on time them we need not to pay our taxes on time.If they dont have enough people then hire more but dont ever accuse the military personnel.We provide the freedom and democracy and if they dont like it,they can as well take the M16 and deploy to Iraq.
Wow. So many of you are right. I mean it must be crazy to defend what a person feels is appropriate compensation, in light of it actually being reduced.
I am so utterly NOT shocked at the majority of commentary here, as to how veterans get everything “handed to them”. Why do our “sheeple” even feel they must belittle the day to day operations of the average soldier, sailor, airmen, or marine?
Lets see:
–Wake Up @ 5:30AM every day.
–Ensure PT Uniform is squared away.
–Get to PT. Run 12 miles, perform 80+ push-ups and situps, and various strenuous calisthenic exercises.
–Return to room and inhale food as fast as possible to get dressed and make sure you get to morning formation on time.
–Perform strenuous feats of ridiculous difficulty and complexity throughout the day.
–Stay up until 11pm squaring away uniform for next day.
–Oh you drew Charge of Quarters? Bummer. See you after your duty is done in 24 hours. No sleeping, or entertainment items please.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
Oh on top of that:
–Miss every major holiday.
–Be unable to attend family funerals due to duty obligations.
–Miss children as they grow up.
–Comfort significant other who is similarly stressed out due to rapid change in a never-ending evolving environment.
–In fact, why doesn’t your marriage just end, because this duty thing is ripping you two apart (I was never married while in just saw this happen quite a bit)
Oh yeah then there’s combat:
Things like I dunno, tasting your buddies blood or entrails yet still focusing on the fight at hand.
Boy,….your military members sure have it easy!
I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a mind blowing stressful situation like,…oh I dunno,…Gucci or Prada? What pizza joint we are going to eat at?
What a bunch of freeloaders am I right?
A ton of you need to sit down, count your braincells, and actually try to reply with comprehensive, well thought out responses, instead of the “wah they get something for nothing” retardation that a fair share of you have espoused.
Thanks!
To Joe, Dante and Heath.
We are not asking for hand outs. We earned the right to get assistance from the va to go to school to better ourselves. Our “handouts” as you so nicely put them are a right that we earned. If your employer drops your salery with only a few week notice you would be furious. So don’t sit there and judge someone who was offered one thing and then when you budget for that amount it gets reduced. We joined to defend the constitution and all inalleable rights from foreign and domestic. If the rights, which the gibill, base pay, BAH and BAS are, then we have the duty to say something to those who infringe on those rights. All we would like is that if we are supposed to be payed by a certain time then it should be there when it was promised. They would definately be taking money out of our checks if we didn’t pay them on time. for us there are reprocutions for them its an apology and maybe a better luck next month.
Oh JJ, you don’t know a thing about me, but yet try to criticize. My point that people are whining about things that aren’t even going to happen to them! The article itself was about veterans using the GI Bill – not active duty personnel. The article itself said people’s individual BAH payment won’t go down. It seems people always want to turn any story into a “poor me” sob story. You actually made one good point though – to get real information from the regulations.
The V.A., the Congress and the president have broken the promises they made on the New G.I. Bill for returning soldiers and veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq ! There was a photo op in the news that showed high ranking members of the Obama government saying they have corrected the problem of soldiers not getting their “Housing Allowances” under the New G.I. Bill. This was a false statement because many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are still not getting their Housing Allowance checks and are close to having themselves and their families evicted. And, who knows how many veterans have already been evicted because the V.A., The Congress, and the president have failed to follow through on their promise of getting the New G.I. Housing payments to them. This, might seem to be no big deal to the average person but to a returning soldier and veteran it’s the money they use to pay their rent for themselves and their families ! It is, so easy for this president to salute dead soldiers when the cameras are rolling but it seems very hard for him to follow through on his promises that no soldier would have to worry about paying for college with the New G.I. Bill, that’s kind of hard when you and your family are being evicted from apartment or house out onto the street ! Mr. president and Congress keep your promises to the veterans ! We have started a group on Facebook:
New G.I. Bill Promises To Veterans Broken, Make The V.A. Restore Them !
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=188528303993&ref=ts
Leonard Clark, Persian Gulf/ Iraq Occupation III vet
12-17-09 leonardclark385@hotmail.com
I have to say that it sickens me to hear military men and women referenced to as freeloaders. I have been married to a military man for a large number of years now. I could understand how being on the outside looking in could seem that way. We recieve housing (which is factored in with their pay, so if you live in base housing your check is lower)and we get free “healthcare” (calling it healthCARE is pushing it).
This is what I promise you…there is no price tag or free ride when my husband kisses me and our children goodbye for months on end. My husband missed our daughter’s first steps…anniversaries…birthdays…holidays…whew but let me tell you…all those free rides make it worth it! (note sarcasm)
OH MARK -
My husband IS a veteran of 4 wars. Yet he is still active duty. You don’t have to be OUT of the army to be a veteran……duh!!!
If you can’t stand behind our troops then please stand in front of them. I will gladly pay for your ticket to the front lines.
Oh Pixie,
There are different meanings to the word ‘Veteran’ (of which YOU are NEITHER). Again, your husband, being active duty, won’t be affected by any BAH change. Unless he’s out of the Army, going to school on the GI Bill – this article doesn’t even apply to him – DUH!!!
I can understand the concerns of the soldiers however, most of the comments stated that the soldiers were deployed overseas once maybe twice. I was deployed during my enlistment, why are soldiers stating that they are being put out of their houses because the VA has not paid them thier stipend payment. What happend to all the money that you recieved while you were deployed. I have seen many solders that deploy, come back and spend ridiculous money on cars, big screen television etc. This is money that they should have saved for a rainy day and now that the rainy day has come, they want to blame someone else for the mismanagement of funds. I have been retired since June 2009 and I am still waiting on the VA to pay me an increase on my disability, yes, I have gotten extremenly tired as well but there is nothing I can do but wait.
that is a big deal but i have one question what about the book cost a thousand dollars a year does not cover two semesters and tehy dont give you and book allowance if your taking courses over the summer i think this neeeds to be addressed too.
The military was really easy for me. All 9 years of it that is why I got out. It was so easy on my family too!
I spent 9 years in the Marines, deployed to Japan but mostly in the states, faced many deployments where I almost went to Iraq or Afghanistan but lucked out. I turned out okay from the effort even though I worked 60 or more hours a week without overtime pay. Had irregular sleeping patterns and got up everyday at 4am to be on base by 5am for an hour or so of PT before having to be at work for a 12 hour shift or more depending on what incidents popped up.
My wife ended up with acute anxiety from her worrying about my possible deployment, was hospitalized and now I am out of the military, barely have any medical care (VA disability health care) and my wife doesn’t have any health care either. Oh, and she just lost her job because her anxiety (yes, she still has anxiety) made her too sick to go to work and they terminated her.
I am so glad that I served my country and I am thankful that I never made it to combat and that my wife or I don’t have any lingering health effects from being in the military for 9 years. Us military vets sure have it easy, don’t we?
You left the marines because you didnt want to deploy. Your wife got anxiety attacks because you almosts deployed? Give me a break. You are a damn waste. Tell your wife to suck it up.
This is to the person who wants to blame something else on President Obama. All of the problems that we have concerning the war etc. is the residual effects from the Bush Administration. What rock have people been under for the last 8 years, all these money issues started as a result of the decisions to find “Weapons of Mass Destruction” and now the new president is doing all that he knows how to fix it. I hate to see people complain about President Obama, what are you doing to help the situation, I know start stupid websites with a bunch of other complainers. This world is going to “Hell” in a hand basket, where is the humanity. There are people all over the world that do not have a home and people are complaining because they cant pay the rent in the warm home where they still reside. When is the last time that you helped someone less fortunate than you. The holidays are about giving, lets concentrate on love and not hate.
This is humorous to me that people can say suck it up. I remember when I enlisted being told that if I fullfilled my contract this is what I would receive a GI Bill that I could go to school on. Ever since I got out it seems like when I have called the Va that they make it see like I am lucky to get what I am getting when I get it. Truth is I fullfilled my duties now they need to fullfill theirs and its not their money its mine. I agreed to it and it owed to me, 5 years of service and two years of that in Iraq. People need to think before they talk cause last time I checked if you have spent anytime in the desert you would know that the money isn’t why you signed up. Most people did it for the college. I do agree however that you shouldn’t think its going to pay all your bills but the Va takes their good old time in how they conduct business I know I work for them.
By the way its in the health care part of the va not the GI Bill..
Mark you have no tact at all and probably have had a desk job in your service. And if not that your just ignorant. We are owed this money its why we joined.Its called a contract. And its not when the Va gets around to it cause nobody had that attitude when they told us to move out or get the job done. I do think that you have to work if you have a family. But the money should be on time and the amount that is owed.Period
Actually, I have to correct you Vanessa. Just switch the blame from the son to the father. In 1991 H.W. Bush convinced, then president, Ronald Regan to de-regulize banks, insurance companies, oil companies, etc.
If you have done your history check, guess when was the last time this occured and what was the result?
If you’ve answered 1930′s and the Great Depression, then you are right. The de-regulizationing of these businesses created these giant conglomerates, which created these credit issues, which is creating another Depression (or close to it).
Just food for thought.
I am starting paramedic school in Jan and expect my GI benefits on time. I don’t want to hear how busy the VA is. That’s nothing more than a civilian excuse for a lack of a work ethic or lack of ability. Pathetic at best. If the pencil pushers @ the Va did not get their paychecks on time they would not “suck it up.” As far the comments about blaming this on Obama wake up young lady. I find your comments about weapons of mass destruction sad. Anybody remember the Kurds? Saddam used WMDs on civilians. HELLO THERE!
Johnny, where are the WMDs now? We’ve looked for 9 years. Could it be that Saddam was telling the truth and they were destroyed? Nah. Saddam wouldn’t tell the truth. Just like Saddam wanted nothing to do with Al Qaeda…
Paul,
Don’t just look at the “history” aspect.
You know why it was a good idea to “de-regulate” banks back then? The same reason they are reducing regulation now.
Large banks make our economy work efficiently…they allow us to borrow and purchase things we otherwise could not w/ out a line of credit…otherwise we’d be like some rural village in Africa or wherever still only able to buy w/ the money we have in our pockets.
So the banks lend money. In the late 1980′s, early 1990′s, many large banks were lending to countries in South America…well we all know their economies have went south b/c their exports are not very valuable/ high priced and varies other reasons.
So these countries began to default on their loans AND b/c of South Americas bad economy the loans became toxic…Why did they become toxic?
B/C the banks had to value the loans on their financial statements in what’s called “market-to-market”…they had to report NOT the historical value but the current “market” value which was much lower… rendering a lot of what’s called “Unrealized Loss”
…the big banks b/c of the “regulations” HAD TO report these “Unrealized Losses” and ToxicAssets on their Financial Statements…so what happens from there?
Those that had money were afraid to BUY securities (bonds, notes, etc.) issued by those banks b/c they viewed them as TOO risky. So things get worse…and when the banks suffer it ripples outward, affecting us all.
Now, follow me…IF the banks were less regulated and DID NOT have to report those Toxic Securities, investor confidence would not have dwindled and they could have slowly, piece-by-piece sold off their bad debts to investors w/ money…and that’s what Bush was trying to do.
The point is that the banks are an EXTREMLEY vital part of our economy and sometimes regulations do more harm than good… I know, I work in the industry.
Banks are not evil and shouldn’t be viewed as so. Yes there have been scandals. And those involved should be reprimanded.
But our economy NEEDS a HEALTHY & STRONG banking system.
Read the papers. Just this year, a subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee held hearings pressing the chairman to make it easier for banks to ignore market values of toxic securities…And guess what?
The board caved and agreed to their demands.
So I read some of the comments here…
Those of you that are basically saying to “bend over & take it” when a promise is broken are idiots! Did you guys forget that the government should work FOR the people AND NOT act like arrogant imperialists?!?!?!
IT’S NOT FREE MONEY or a hand out!!! It was guaranteed via contract!
Would you invest money, your life, etc. in an EXTREMLY risky venture w/ out expecting a higher required return?
Basic concept there guys.
What happens if you’re late while in service?? …if its soooo okay to be late on things like payments entitled to you for your services then why doesn’t that mentality extend to the entire military operation? Ha that would be funny!
WE ARE what makes the military what it is.
WE ARE what keeps this country safe.
WE ARE what makes & allows this country to be the greatest in the world.
AND DAMN IT WE ARE entitled to receive what was promised to us.
And what’s this BS about the Post 9/11 GI Bill BAH rates not being protected from reduction?? That’s some fine print for you! I read all the details in and out and I NEVER ran across that little tidbit…guess it was intentionally obscured.
And yes the Obama Administration has huge blame in this!
They allowed this pay cut to occur..THEY, the majority socialist/ liberal Democrats voted for it!
And don’t completely blame the Bush Administration for how bad the economy is…Obama has more than tripled our deficit since taking office…and for what?
(I know for what) but really, how may of you have benefited from those bogus stimulus reforms??
I got a $600 check over a year ago…WOW thanks Obama…you put mountains of debt & stole from our children & grand children so I could buy a year supply of dog food.
The so called “stimulus” was riddled w/ ear marks!
I’m not careless w/ my money or NEED the BAH to survive. But that does not matter..the POINT is that I, we all, entered into an agreement & now they want to change the rules AFTER I signed the line and gave them my services.
I applied for the Post 9/11 Bill in July, now it’s late December and I just had to take out an emergency loan with my school. I have 3 children and now I don’t know if I can afford a spring semester if I have to keep “upfronting” the money.
I ran out of the Pentagon on 9/11 with all of the other terrified people. I never did go to Iraq but my husband was there. I just want what was promised. Waiting is causing my family a lot of stress. The military is a good life, but the pay issues always seem to be soooooo slow!
Boy oh Boy I have herd it all. I dont know wether to laugh at some of these comments or just puke!!! If I could give a million dollars to every one who has ever served this country I would without a doubt!!! When you take the blanket away from those who protect you and defend your rights …you surely set your self up for failure!!! I would protect anyones right to freedom and justice in this world and give them comfort also..but not at the price of screwing those who provide that!!!! get that Vanessa!! Its not about Whos the president any more its about survival THINK HARD ABOUT THAT
Well I don’t seem to have a problem with my BAH. You people should just apply for welfare or unemployment. I’m living comfortable in my mansion. I love my job because I don’t have to do a thing.
General Richard Head IV
Oh mudpuppy… how can you say I have no tact? People are complaining about things that the article clearly told them wouldn't be a problem (and it hasn't been) If you're active duty – the BAH you receive won't go down just because the BAH rates for your area did. FYI… I was not at a desk job at all for my time in the Navy. And I hear about people saying they signed up for this program… The Post 9/11 GI Bill was only a rumor when the people who are using it now was signed into law. It's been around for less than a year! I agree, it sucks not to get the money you were expecting, but the VA did say it would take them two years to get the program fully implemented and Congress (in their infinite wisdom) said "do it in a year"
So keep up with the name calling – it just makes you look ignorant. This article was about BAH for veterans using the 9/11 GI bill – Not active duty personnel.
Tell me how three single E-5's sharing an apartment (which is very common) in San Diego can't pay for everything with a combined $4959 BAH($1653*3). A nice three bedroom would cost $2000. That leaves them EACH with almost $1000 for expenses. And that's not including base pay/special pay/BAS/sea or sub pay…
Hey General rich ass have you ever heard of friendly fire? We had it in Viet Nam an seems like it might be coming back cause of assholes like you.General rRichard Head you might be missing some brains in your head Semper-fi
General Richard Head do you have nothing but space in your head cause you only care for yourself an God has a place for you waiting so hurry up an get their ok. Have you ever heard of friendly fire? We had it in Viet nam an it was for assholes like you. I hope your burnt to the ground by our ever caring God for people in need that your not part of so sleep well an hope yoouo don't wake up in hell as you should an I'll say a prayer to God to help you get over your stupidy, watch your back aiways you scum. ROCK
I'm a retired veteran, retired in July and started college at the same time, its now December. Has anyone recieved their BAH?, I HAVENT.
Hey everyone. I just read the article and I thought it was very informative. I applied for the Post 9/11 GI Bill in July and just recieved my payment last week. It was great to see the backpay they owed me from September. What I did to make sure that all my paper work was squared away was:
1. I talked to the VA Representive at the college I'm attending to make sure everything on my end and her end was good.
2. I called the VA Department, Educational Div. every week to make sure my paper work and the school I was attending had sent in all my stuff.
3. While doing all this, any emails, paper work or letters I recieved I kept in a safe place.
You definetly have to be on top of this program. I say this because I forgot to elect the Chapter 33 on my paper work and it was holding it up and no one called and told me.
I'm glad one of my good friends was a YN and made sure that I knew how to square away my paper work. I hope this post helps you. Have a Happy Holiday and a Good Ol' Merry Christmas!!
If you have a problem contact you Senator or Congressman. They will contact the VA educational people and light a fire under their butt to get you money to you on time that is what I had to do for this past fall semester and I have already got my book money for the spring already.
I personally think that the promises made to me in my contract should be fulfilled the same way that I fulfilled my duties as a soldier. If you don't hold up your end of the bargain, why the hell should I? I've done my time overseas and came home with little to nothing, and now it is time for the government to step it up and do what they have PROMISED to do in the contracts. I have had nothing but headaches (which I have expected) with education issues, and it makes me sick. As a soldier, you can’t advance in the ranks without some sort of civilian education, and the way the educational benefits are set up (with all the headaches), it makes it hard for anybody to even want to go to college. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was the United States, but I would expect some money (and effort) being dumped into the computer systems that generate and process the claims for benefits, instead of the bailouts for the privately owned businesses. That must be just my feelings though.
Vanessa, you are in a world of your own arent you? Do some research find out what the “holidays” are really about. The “holidays” are what people like you call them that cant realize who the Christ in Christmas is. If think its about giving you are only fooling yourself.
In 3 years I will be excited to see what you say about your beloved president who has been able to accomplish nothing to date aside from carelessly spending over a trillion dollars we dont have and winning a nobel peace prize for his stand on ending global war. Just to have to give an acceptance speech explaining his 30,000 troop increase. LOL
As for the GI bill, the money should be paid up front at the amount agreed and there is nothing more to it.
this a bunch of bull s***,which is all we've be getting from our wounderful,and greatful congress,they thank you to your face,and turn around and put a knife into our backs,this kind of thanks from the current puppet congress,that will do anything the jedi master from illinois wants
For all you presidential haters out there you need to remember who got you in this position in the first place BUSH!! You bash Obama everyday but let me guess bush did everything right lmao!! Bush started this war that's why more troops are being sent to afghnistan. I've never seen this much hate for a president when the one before him should have been hated the most but we know the real reason why you guys' panties are in a bunch so just be real and come out and say it and stop finding these fake excuses to say why you don't like him. As a sociology major i know why.
Hey Jbow, you can eat crow! I was at Newark when they flew into the towers, Bush didn't do that! They started this WAR, get it straight, and No Bush didn't do everything right, but he did start out as a straight shooter, not trying to scam everyone in believing his Change is change for the better!
JBOW,
"As a sociology major i know why."
Really?????? That has got to be the most ignorant comment that I have ever seen posted. Let me get this straight…you are deducting that because you are a 19yr old sociology major at a junior college in Dumbassville, USA that the reasons why people voice their negative opinion of Obama is because they are RACIST? Is this what professor shmuck taught you in your sociology 101 class? You are a perfect example of why our education system has failed us and is producing so many mentally disabled liberals.
Everyone talks tough behind the computer.
I work in the military Pay section at the California Army National Guard Office and I know for a fact that all active duty and all soldiers on active duty tours that started before the new year and continue into the new year will get BAH rate protection if their zip codes BAH rate went done for 2010, this is done by DFAS directly and if they do reduce you, they will reimburse you the difference and as the article states BAH rate protection should occure for all students that are already using the GI Bill and should only effect new applicanta and those moving, getting married, etc… I am using the New Post 9/11 GI BIll also and my BAH zip went down too, I wouldn't worry, like I said you will get it back, just remember this is not an entittlement, it is an incentive, only those who paid the initial $1200 up front are entillted and even then they are only really entittled to $1200 worth of incentive pay, one way or another. I can say one thing that all vets deserve no matter what and should be free of charge, and that is medical care, if you disagree, you are on the wrong website!!!
We all know from our own experiences how the goverment does business, when you own them, they want it right away but when they own you, it is a slow and frustrating process.
This is why you should not count on your benefits to pay your bills, instead you should save it for a rainy day. I realizes that some us can't afford to do that, but if you allow yourself to be dependent on your benefits to survive, then you allow yourself to be dependent on the goverment. We need to be smarter and use the goverment to our advantages.
On one last thing it's embarrassing to read many of your comments and see the lack of proofreading on your work. Can you at least try to read back your comments before you hit send.
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Sargentonica
USMC
Why is it that every discussion turns into a political debate? Why don't we all let the politicians debate politics. Write your comments to your elected representative. You are all getting mad over things that are not in your control. Thomas Jefferson once said "When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty."
Where are we right now? Our elected officials need to be reminded that THEY work for us. Regardless of where you ly on the political spectrum, call and/or write your Congressman/woman AND both of your Senators and remind them! If they are barraged with enough emails, letters and phone calls, they will have no choice but to open their ears and listen. They should all live in fear that they will be elected out of office if they don't listen to the very constituants that elected them. They have abused their power far too long and it's time for a real change. A change that WE THE PEOPLE desire. Not what this, or any other administration believes we want. It's time for us to stand up for ourselves and not be oppressed by the very government that we elected. We escaped the tyranny of Europe more than 200 years ago only to bring it right back. It's self-inflicted if you ask me. Please, I beg you, write your elected officials and put them on notice. THAT is the only way we can solve our problems.
Merry Christmas everyone, have a blessed new year!
Tim
Why did you start your comment with, "Why is it that every discussion turns into a political debate?" and then you wrote 1500 words about nothing but politics?
This was listed as a frequently asked question (FAQ)on the webiste:
http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/bah.html that pertains to Active Duty personnel.
Q3: I looked up the current year BAH amount for my grade and ZIP Code and it’s less than I was getting last year. Am I going to lose money?
No. BAH rate protection keeps an individual from having a reduction in BAH as long as the individual maintains “uninterrupted eligibility” [see below] for BAH. This means an individual is authorized the 1 January rate for the individual’s grade and location or the housing allowance being paid on 31 December of the previous year, whichever is larger.
Bill,
There was no point in the discussion… I was merely pointing people in the appropriate direction to debate politics. Besides, I'm pretty sure I left the politics out of it. I quoted one of our founding fathers but how is that "political?" I just emplored everyone to use their constitutional power to voice their concerns to their elected officials. The discussion started out about why it was taking so long to get their BAH money and somehow turned in to insults about one side versus the other. What?!?! One guy even called another a racist to which he rebutted how stupid the other one was. We should use the energy to ACTUALLY get something done and voice their concerns to their Senators/Congressmen. BTW, did you really count the amount of words?
Hey, Joe. Get a grip dude!! used to being taken care of?? in case you forgot there are two conflicts going on right now. These men and women only have each other while on patrol. You may be correct to an extent in that they are used to being taken care of since many come straight from high school so obviously they would have been living at home..genius.. Every day when they went on patrol they were taking personal responsibility you would have no clue about…they put money into the bill its not given to them at least not all of it if any. and as far as I'm concerned they are entitled to further education and I'm willing to help pay for it through my taxes. I better stop this reply before I start getting beligerent after all you really aren't worth any more of my time..
Now, As is so frequently the case, these unfortunate men/women are getting screwed (dry and no foreplay) I'd swear that the DoD or whoever wrote the GI Bill knew these kind of problems would arise when they were writing it, hell it wouldn't surprise me if they purposely arranged it. How can they sleep knowing that, especially veterans, military personnel put in there time and only want to continue their education only to find out that they are getting screwed. There is a similar problem w/the bill where these men/women attempt to use the bill only to find that they cannot continue the school year unless they want to pay for the semester out of their pockets or charge it because the people responsible for making the payment to the institution are dragging their feet and not making the payment on time…SHAME ON YOU!! Same can be said for the institution (to some extent anyway) I don't see why they can't wait for the payment knowing they will get it, albeit late. especially knowing that the student has the money in their bill…If anyone doesn't agree with my opinion please feel free to comment on it.
1% Protect and Serve 99%. Maybe we should help the 1%. While someone somewhere may have lost my NOBE for awhile, I'm still grateful for the help I have received in school. And the support from regular people. The reason for the GI Bills is in taking care of our troops. Our government since the end of WW2 has made sure we have had opportunities to go to college, take care of our families , and ourselves. Though sometimes we may have to work hard for these things. As with being American working hard to get something. Not being given free handouts.
Paul.
I am most disappointed in the fact that E-5 pay has been intentionally reduced significantly in our location (by ~$70 per month) while E6 rates have actually increased. If the VA wants to reduce the rates in an area, they could at least do it proportionately. Intentionally reducing the E5 rates while not proportionately changing the rates of the other ranks adds evidence to the fact that these changes are being brought in to intentionally short change the New GI Bill recipients.
Wow, I gotta say that some people really should keep their mouths shut. I read alot of comments on this and I gotta say I like some of what UNF girl has to say and there was somebody else who said we need to stand up and make our gov listen to us. I def agree with that. I have been telling people for a couple years now how important it is to make your voice heard and remind the politicians that we control them, not the other way around. I would like to find a way to get my message out there to more people than the ones I can talk to face to face, one on one. If anyone wants to start a rally in an attempt at opening the eyes of our gov and hopefully reminding people that we are the ones who say what goes, I would love to have some support. My goal is a very public speech with a larger crowd and some media coverage. Nothing violent, nothing being set on fire nobody specifically being burned at the stake for how our economy is, just a message sent very clearly to the feds that we will not take this any more at any level. People forget about a term called political malpractice. That means we have the right to sue our politicians for screwing up. Well enough about that for now. If ANYONE with some common sense and a little education is interested in making a statement in a public way, get ahold of me and maybe we can work together on it. Like I said before, this is nothing violent or racist or whatever. I'm just a very outspoken guy with the intent of waking up the American population and starting some REAL change in the way our government acts. We vote politicians into office and out of office so we can maintain control, the problem is when we waste the control we were given and let them run rampant in office. AFter a certain point, the power we initially had is wasted and no longer usable because of abuse by politicians and the many new laws and policy we DON'T need. THe next right we maintain is the right to keep and bear arms and the right to a militia. That is the second way of protecting ourselves from the government. That right was reserved with the knowledge that we would get lazy and let the gov run over us to the point of voting being a wasted power.In my opinion, we are just about in between those two lines right now. Wtih quick action and strong public support, we may still be able to maintain control of our government with immediate change. That is my goal. If we do not act soon and make the government listen with more than just phone calls and emails and letters, we may have to use our second line of defense.
{quote} I am most disappointed in the fact that E-5 pay has been intentionally reduced significantly in our location (by ~$70 per month) while E6 rates have actually increased. If the VA wants to reduce the rates in an area, they could at least do it proportionately. Intentionally reducing the E5 rates while not proportionately changing the rates of the other ranks adds evidence to the fact that these changes are being brought in to intentionally short change the New GI Bill recipients.
Posted by: Melanie | December 29, 2009 at 05:01 PM
{quote}
Melanie – the Dept of Defense not Dept of VA sets the BAH rates – don't blame anyone at VA – DoD does surveys – the E5's that responded to the survey for your area is what caused the BAH rate to drop for your area.
Alan,
You are way behind the times! DOD does not send out surveys any longer, and hasn't for about 10 years.
BAH rates are set via a civilian company who surveys what civilians pay for the area.
BAH is based on the cost of rentals in teh area it has nothing to do with people income
Alright,
I know that I am not an expert on this matter by any means. I know that my wife, I and my 3 kids live fine on my E5 pay with a BAH of 1055. I was a little pissed that I had just moved from a place that had a $280 pay increase in the BAH and if I would have moved up another $340 dollars when I make my E6. Other than that, we just live s little below our means. I know single E6s that can't make their bills, which are obligations, because they go out every single weekend, drive $800/Month cars and have all of the latest crap. Don't live above your means. Do I personally like the "change", no I don't. Did we as a nation bring it on ourselves when we voted for other reasons besides the educated one? YES WE DID! As for the BAH and pay raise and all of that. We have a record number of people joining the military now, it is a guaranteed pay check. I have a close friend who lost his job after 12 years and a salary 82,000/yr. His family of 6 was literally on the streets,so lets maintain a little perspective here. The economy sucks, we know that. At least we still have an income. Good luck and God be with you.
JD
I wasn't aware that many vets were getting paid their BAH. I have been scouring the net trying to see what's going on because I'll be serarating soon and would like to attend college; although I'm hesitant because of the difficulties many seem to face. I think that the government issues are secondary in importance to the issues with the financial system. If anyone is familiar with the federal reserve bank then you know what I'm talking about. Understanding the monetary system is key in knowing why things are the way they are. There is a massive amount of paradigm shifting info out there about the FED, IRS and other agencies that are useful to those who haven't become aware of the info. Some great films to check out to learn WHY all this is how it is are the Zeitgeist films. I am not here to address the religious/911 aspects of the film, but rather the crux of the films which is the monetary system. You can view these online (youtube, google video and zeitgeistmovie.com) as many others have:)
Having said that I wish everyone the best with their educational endevors. These times may well be testing and when we're faced with these challanges we will be forced to fall back to what really matters; community:) Look on the bright side of things….maybe this a a prelude toward some of these unnecessary institutions falling away and a renewance of deeper values which will help sustain us. Certainly all this red tape isn't necessary in order to function as a society.
I understand the how and the why of this agreement but how of you are active duty who pcs to a new area then try 2 find housing? most of the time the owners kno your bah rate so they try to charge you almost the whole amount which is bad for non military who wants to rent because the cost of living in these military towns are military driven!!
yo heath, what about people not in the service who's only planned income is their medical disability (why the are not in the military- oh and BTW that can take over a YEAR to go through once they're not receiveing a pay check), and their gi bill BAH while they go to school full time????
If cost of living increases ,as it does EVERY SINGLE YEAR, and the $ doesn't come till the end of a semester…. they are £%$^ed
This scenario applies to TENS OF THOUSANDS of young veterans across the nation.
We need to retake control of the veterans groups that have leadership that gets nothing accomplished and tell the general public we're so thank-full that they give us decrepit hospitals and cannot get us funds on time.- we're talking a few thousand per vet, how many trillions got dished out to wall street in like a weeks time period.??? Wake up ladies and gents, if we don't fight for each other we will ALL get left behind.
get a job
FYI no one in his command, nor in the office in charge of paying him will ever give you any monetary information, or any other information of that sort for the reason of protecting the service member, Also just because you're his wife or ex-wife or whatever, that doesn't entitle you to that kind of info… you wouldn't even be able to get that info if you were his mom and he was in jail.
How Long does it take for you to receive your BAH. I applied for it first week of Dec.. When should i be expecting the BAH? and when are they going to pay for my tuition? Im glad to say that BAH is going to help me. Its tight on Money being a Sergeant Vet and coming to the Civilian world to start all over again. BAH does help us a little but its not like I live in Luxury here in Cali, i work full time and its barely enough with the BAH. Some people need to realize that not everyone has a simple life. I am thankful thou for the BAH and whatever I get well it helps so plz stop complaining about the BAH. Its a privaleged. I know it sucks its not too much but it helps right. If you never serve in the Military plz stop commenting on things you dont have experience in. I wont comment on your experiece because I wasnt in your shoes so plz dont comment here. Thanks to all that have serve even thou Im a vet I still see all Vets as my heroes.
BAH is basic allowance for housing, not extra pay. its to pay your rent and utilities. if you want cable, internet or anything else thats not a necessity that should come out of your own pay. Rent+power+water+gas+sewer=BAH. the rent is based on the average rent in approved areas in the zip code. if you move to a nicer area and buy a house you probably have to put a little of your pay toward it. THE DoD IS NOT BUYING YOU A HOUSE. BAS is Basic Allowance for Subsistence. So this is what the DoD says it will cost to feed you. this is not to go out every night, its the least amount it would cost for them to feed you in the barracks. If you live above your means its not the DoD's fault. If you have 27 kids, still not the DoD's fault. maybe a few of you should take some classes on how to manage your money. if you get 1000 a month in bah your rent should not be 1000 a month. talk to the FRG they will set you up with a finance class. quit crying
Shut the **** up dotard. However they spend there money is on them ******* POG
How many of you whiners have cable and car made in the last few years. Live within your means and learn how to budget. How many people do you know who are out of a job or struggling with a crappy one? Times are tough. In short – grow up and tighten your belt.
are you serious !!!!!! Your child will have medical — that is all you are entilted to… Unless the court rules in favor of child support…. But as for as BHA that is the members not yours— Once the divorce is final you are no longer a dependent… — In the past 23 years as being a spouse of a Active member I have seen to much of this crap—–
hey now that is not all spouses— thats not fair— I have been a spouse for 23 yrs — I work — not too fat — and my kids were always cleaned and dressed— I now have a daughter that is a spouse and she is not fat and my granddaughter is always clean and dressed… But I have met the ones you are talking about…..
I'm thinking that all of these people that are replying to you to get a job, probably have never been where you are. They don't think about the "military spouses" that have given up their dreams and goals of a career because they married someone as an A1C, straight out of high school, couldn't afford to go to college and have lived paycheck to paycheck for the past 20 years. They don't think of you being the one at home taking care of the house, the kids, more than likely working a full time piss ant job because it's all you can get hired for without YOUR degree, just so that you can pay the bills for HIS fancy cars, motorcycles, and whatever other hobbies he has……. while he's off TDY hangin in bars with his wedding ring in his pocket, or better yet in his hotel room that he ultimately takes some drunken slut back to. And they want to know why you think you EARNED part of his pay? I'd say that's reason enough… wouldn't you?
Annoyed…. it's attitudes like that, that make this country suck. If she married for love and it's no longer there… oh well… the kid deserves oh so much more than her. The fact that she is on here scrounging for info on his benefits says alot. I've never married or had kids due to the potential of losing my bennies to what amounts to a POS in the end. Seen too many shipmates get screwed over… I've also seen it on both sides… male and female. It's a two way street……. if she is smart… she'll go get a job and forget him and his bennies.
typical brainwashed american reply.
You can really see the GI joe oozing out your mouth.
If you dont like it quit? WTF, thats not what my recruiter said?
In fact, I remember being treated to a great deal of promises prior to my enlistment. Americans don't have to QUIT WHINING when they are asking for redress of a grievance. We are asked to perform a job and promised the world.
Then after we perform our work with great attention to detail, we are told to not pay attention to the fact that our compensation is inadequate.
Its wrong. If you ever though about having any kind of loyalty to 'the troops' then it should start here. If you ask me, servicemembers should get a goddamned HOUSE, not a barely scraping by rent allowance.
No other full time job in the world gives you BAH, most people have to budget that out of their pay. Nothing is easy, everyone tends to barely get by no matter how much they get. I know I didn’t sign up for the military for the money. I wish more people hadn’t. I have a roof over my head, cheap food, and get the honor of serving my country.
DONT EVER LET THEM CONVINCE YOU THAT THEY ARE GIVING YOU TOO MUCH FOR THE JOB WE DO!
IF ANYTHING, WE ARE NOT GIVEN ENOUGH!
Proof? Just stop doing your job for a few days and find out just how important it is to them. Without us who will make the warmongers rich?
Point: We shape the world and keep billionaires money machines running. Wheres our cut?
Earl O. White
FILE# 27 093 334 2226 N.MAIN ST
TULSA,OK 74106
918 313-81606
Can any one help before its to late this is about Earl o. White. a Disable Veteran that is in a lot of trouble while waiting on the V.A. Mr White has been waiting on the V.A. to get his benefits to him it been years now and still he wait and the payment that is been sent to him monthly is a shame. the V.A. has been sending him checks for $6.00 for a few months. do you know how that made him fell we talk about it and this is why I'm writing this letter Mr White let me tell you a little Mr White join the UNITED STATE MILITARY right out of high school from May 28,1963 to May 27,1966 gave all he had seen many of his friends die and was almost dead his self. was shot 11 time and left for dead and was found with 11 bullets in him was in a coma for 2yrs and still to this day has a bullet in his back witch he still is having pain all these years later . come back home and to live and now the V.A. don't want to give him benefits. keep putting him off he is about to be a homeless man and he need help and i can't believe that the military is tuning it back on Veteran and now he is getting 127.00 a month is this all he is worth. I know other veteran that is getting more money than this a month that is why he is about to lose his home he has getting older and the bullet in his back keep him from working now he can't stand very long and that is a problem. his bills are due and he was sitting in the dark cause he could not pay the electric he have it back on now but the next bills are here $127.00 is not enough money for this disable veteran to live on he could use some help the Military should not forget Mr White help before he lose all he has. he need his back pay the Military owe him help save this man house you have put him off long enough he is about to lose every thing if you don't help now he service his country he almost gave his life for his country he lost the fun of having kids with one of these bullets the war took a lot from him . I will send this letter to every one that i think will help him
VIVION L. CLEMONS
v
Earl O. White
12416 E. 86th Street NorthEarl O. White
FILE# 27 093 334
I guess it depends on who u are and what your lyfestyle is….
PLEASE HELP ME OUT
I am a graduate student seeking my Master’s degree in Social Work at California State University, Northridge. I am also a 10 year Army veteran.
The purpose of the survey found by clicking the link below is to gather information about veterans' experience with the Post 9-11 GI BILL. In addition, there are a few questions that ask your opinion about how the receipt of emergency funds affected you personally.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DGQRQP6
All your responses will be kept confidential within reasonable limits.
Completion and return of this survey indicate voluntary consent to participate in this study.
Questions about this study can be directed to me at leah.mcgowan.72@my.csun.edu
Thank you for taking the time to assist me in this research.
Read more: GI Bill "Advanced Pay" Payback Details | Military.com
Does the BAH from the post 9/11 GI bill count for child support?
If you joined the military to make money, you are a idiot. You join to serve your country and recieve the benifits for doing so. Such as living your whole life know that you did something that not everyone does, and being a veteran.
Ms. Unknown,
You have the right to collect his BAH! For example, if you were married for 4 years, you are entitled to half his BAH for 2 years, it's half of the life of your marriage and you are also entitled to child support. Go to legal on base. You are also entitled to educational benefits. Do not listen to all those negative people. You gave up your life to be with this person and as you know the military is not all that. Being in the military and being a military wife, I know this all too well. Go to legal and fight for what you are entitled too. Good luck and take care.
Heath, your attitude of get out or don't use the GI Bill is unacceptable. The issue is that the VA has for years not administered effectively. If veterans simply don't use the benefits that they earned, that does not correct the problem. The VA has to be help accountable. They should have timely and logical answers to legitimate BAH/GI Bill questions–not pat responses such as "to keep the continuity." If DFAS can handle BAH changes every year for thousands of service members, the VA should be able to correctly respond to BAH changes (when they're made–not months later) for veterans.
It's not a matter of whining as several have stated. If benefits are going to be offered to anyone, veteran or civilian, government agencies in control of administering those benefits should be able to do so competently. Obviously, a few mistakes will be made here and there, but the VA by all accounts has bungled the Post 9/11 GI Bill, and we do a disservice to not only our veterans but to others who must deal with government agencies, when we sit by and say or do nothing. My husband and I have contacted various Congressmen and Senators associated with veterans' benefits and are starting to see some progress. We do so, not just because my husband has had problems with the VA but also because other veterans should not have to continue going through the same problems. We taxpayers have a right to expect accuracy and efficiency from the VA since we pay their salaries–whether it be in regards to setting the correct BAH payments quickly for the GI Bill or processing other types of claims.
We have not seen our increase take effect yet? Ours went up about $50 a month but were still getting paid the 2009 rate. Anyone had this happen or find out what is going on?
I just called the G.I. people to find out why I'm getting paid almost $400 less than what an E-5 with dependents should be making for the 9/11 Bill and their answer is "all of our computers are currently paying out 2009 BAH rates and we can't change it manually. there's a bill in congress though that's getting a program started for backpay!" Call to find out if this is happening to you! Need the number? I'll post it!
I just called the G.I. people to find out why I'm getting paid almost $400 less than what an E-5 with dependents should be making for the 9/11 Bill and their answer is "all of our computers are currently paying out 2009 BAH rates and we can't change it manually. there's a bill in congress though that's getting a program started for backpay!" Call to find out if this is happening to you! Need the number, I'll post it!
Can somebody stick to the facts and topic please?!? Now good afternoon!! Does anyone know when the 2010 rate is suppose to kick in. I ask this in March and Like kats_mom I have contacted both DFAS and VA for that answer and both are pointing the fingers at each other. Currently I am told we will receive back pay from the time Jan 10 till whenever they post the new rates to be released. But the problem is really why havent they posted the new rates?? Does anyone know this answer??
I just talked to the GI Bill people, because I haven't recieved 2010 rates either (It's July, now) and she said not only do they not know when they'll be enacted, but they don't even know IF they will be. That really pisses me off. I just read the regulation, and the regulation stated simply that BAH would be equal to the E5 with dependent rate for the zip code of your school. WELL HELL's BELLS! According to their own regulation, they HAVE to update it, or it WON'T be! Egad, this makes me mad.
Does the former spouse get BAH? Does the divorced Soldier get BAH?
Ok.. I got out in 2007. First off Bush was an awesome president, I got a raise every year. BAH went up just about every year, now he took care of the troops. I'm about to take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the last great thing he did for the troops. And to the ones in the service bitching about the BAH dropping. First off, I blame it alot on the current president. Second off, yes.. Join the civillian ranks, where EVERYTHING is out of pocket, nothing is taxfree! You get one basic pay, and you don't get "cost of living" raises every year no matter what. Enjoy the military guys while your in, you guys definately have it alot easier as far as how hard you have to work to what is just "given". As long as you in the military you might as well still be living under your parents roof, only that your new mom & dad is Uncle Sam. Of course civillian side has its perks as I no longer have primadona senior NCOs who think they're gods gift to this planet.
Does anyone here understand deflation? Apparently not, wholesale prices are actually dropping and may continue to drop even further. Do your homework before sounding off!
move to russia if you dont like what you get, Live by your means and start saving the pennies you throw away.
Just goes to show how our government is trying to save money due to it's gross out of control spending. I just got my letter from VA today and it states that my 2009 rate is higher then my 2010 rate and it will be adjusted accordingly for the next payment. So much for the Grandfather Policy I have been in school since January 10, 2010 so I am not a new student. I am a veteran an am a full-time student, this semester I am actually taking 14 credit hours my decrease was $60.00, a month. It disgusts me to hear about these retired veterans thinking we are complaining without merit, I am a veteran and I am in school full-time, this BAH rate adjustment negatively affects me and I should be able to voice that along with any others who are affected. If your not affected much or it doesn't harm you maybe you should consider not commenting or making rude remarks about those of us that it does affect.
If you think your military pay is bad, try going civilian. All in all an E6 makes more than $25, make that a lot more because if you have to pay for health insurance and tax on your whole pay you will see a major drop in pay. My comparison is from 2003. Yes there are some out there that will come out making a lot more but there are a lot that will make a lot less and you will be paying for health care to the tune of $200 – $500 a month. Plus as I said the extra taxes. I thank God everyday for our benefits as my husband is a retiree. He is also going to school and working full time so we can earn more in the future.
Just got a letter yesterday from the VA stating that they have noticed the BAH rates have change for my area and I can expect back pay for the time I have spent in school for 2010 and was not payed the correct rate.
Ok I get it, half of you are pissed off because your bah was lowered and the other half is complaining about the others being lazy, granted although we served in different branches, we are all service members so I agree about not bashing the ones who you might have depended on for your own well being but the sad truth of the matter is that while this site is dedicated to the new bah rates, there are alot of veterans who are recieving the post 9/11 gi bill and are getting into debt because the VA makes mistakes. Like when they overpay a school and then tells the veteran this is now your debt so were going to take your whole BAH. Some of them own business, have children and other expenses. So the extra money comes in handy, most of you know about survival or should know by now, a few dollars or a couple hundred won't kill you when there are others who have to do without their whole bah.
Now we know who the seisnble one is here. Great post!
Why are there so many crybabies on here? All I stopped in for was some info as to why my Chapter 33 money hasn't hit yet. LOWER BAH is BETTER than no BAH. If you are struggling to "make it" in life, look back at the choices you made and blame only yourself! Have a kid you can't pay for? How did it get here? Cry on baby, cry on. I would LOVE to hear some of these complainers' MOS…..
I don't know what everyone's upset about. BAH for an E-5 w/dep in 2010 (last year I was in) was like 1125 at Bragg. I just got an apartment that was only $625, in a nice area by the hospital with no crime and pocketed the rest. Sure utilities were around $40 (if you know how to shut things you're not using off) and there was gas but I made out.
Point is: Don't max yourself out and leave some breathing room. We're too accustomed to making monthly payments in this country and saying "I make X amount a month, so that means I can afford to spend 100% of X."
Sorry, that's not the smart way to go about it.
Also agree with Aaron about making good choices. The military even pays you extra to pop out that kid. Try doing it if we weren't living in a welfare-state (and the military is also a welfare system as far as families go, the pay and amenities are earned by the service member only).
Me: I saved 80% of my checks over 4 years and go out and bought a house. It was half paid off on day zero and I still have 100K in various funds. Mortgage = $566/mo.
Not to brag or anything. Just saying that it's totally doable as long as you don't blow your money on car payments, rims/sound systems, expensive clothes, TVs, dinner out every night, etc…..
Wow they really know how to screw a guy
NO WAY! your name isn't really Capt. Mike Hunt the 3rd…. THAT WOULD BE EPIC LOL
If one gives his life for his country voluntarily; he/she has earned infinity of benefits.
Are you rich?
If not rich, why would someone suggest that a defender of freedom is over paid?
School may be difficult for a veteran; he may need a break just to prepare for the next semester. Many veterans have had an awful experience while serving, he/she will need the breaks to rehabilitate and adjust to an environment that he has proudly defended without a handout. Veterans are the handouts given to the people by the GOVERNMENT. The people pay for their freedom and enjoy their freedom without a thought of becoming a patriot. They get rich and believe he/she has done it by himself/herself. The reality is that Veterans allow the people to live and prosper by the blood we shed.
KEVIN LOUBIER
"THE LAST PRESIDENT WAS ELECTED"? You are saying former president bush.
If so, you are right on.
I have a question. If you get medically discharged and still have your GI bill do you collect BAH if your a full time student?
BAH…weather it decreases or increases, we all have to take note that we are lucky to recieve housing allowance..Where in the world gives money for housing and have their basic pay on top of that special pay too..As for cilvilians they are not granted those benefit we are, and with the unemployment so high..We need to reflect on more important things than to complain..I understand the cost of rental units have gone up and so has everything else..but then again we can offset those challenges by balancing or cutting certain expenses in our everyday living..
You all suck at life. If you think you arent getting enough then you should stop trying to live above your means. We all want to live like kings but sometimes you have to give before you can take. I made quite a bit in BAH and i paid for the rent just fine and had left overs. I like play money more than i like staying in a nice apt that i dont even get to keep. for those with homes i get you but renters… you guys are lame. Quit crying and move to a cheaper place.
I started college May 12 and I did my paperwork April 05 2011 and I want to know will I get paid for May and June from BAH.
Maybe Marines, ESPECIALLY enlisted Marines shouldn't have 5 freakin' kids while the husband is on active duty. That's just selfish. It's not his command's fault that he can't be smart enough to use protection when he has to deploy and whatnot! This is coming from a female Marine too…
Your story is probably a rare exception to the rule. Life is not perfect, nor is the Military, but you chose to serve. I highly suggest that you separate at the earliest possible date and hold yourself a pity party elsewhere as many are proud to serve and understand that our leader often make tough decisions that are not always popular.
And what unit you were with. Were you with a unit that always deploys or can be in class so you have to do it online. or maybe you were a poug. hint to your user name SSGT.. did you let you junior marine go to class or was it all about you. I am a SSGT I got seniority.shut the front door with that BS. I go to school and work 2 jobs but have some consideration for others situations. And your were single too I bet.
Not everyone is a male chauvinist! I served proudly for 20 years in the military.. And some of you @$$holes need some serious counseling you half rearded @#$*$! Everyone here has a right to voice their opinions, whether you agree with it or not! You're probably a sissy anyways which is why you're talking the way you talk. Move on sucker!!
soo another wife after the money… typical!