b'DOD Releases 2021DoD PhotosBasic Allowance for Housing RatesDOD Press ReleaseDecember 15, 2020, www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2447343/dod-releases-2021-basic-allowance-for-housing-rates/The Department of Defense has released theTotal housing costs are developed for six2021 Basic Allowance for Housing rates. Basichousing profiles (based on dwelling type and Allowance for Housing rates will increase an averagenumber of bedrooms) in each military housing of 2.9 percent when the new rates take effect onarea. Basic Allowance for Housing rates are then January 1, 2021. An estimated $23 billion will becalculated for each pay grade, both with and paid to approximately one million Service members.without dependents. The 2021 Basic Allowance for Housing, asAn integral part of the Basic Allowance for part of a robust military compensation package,Housing program is the provision of individual continues the member out-of-pocket expenserate protection to all members. No matter what element at five percent of the national averagehappens to measured housing costsincluding housing cost by pay grade. The out-of-pocketthe out-of-pocket expense adjustment, anexpense amounts incorporated in the 2021 Basicindividual member who maintains uninterrupted Allowance for Housing rates vary by grade andBasic Allowance for Housing eligibility in a given dependency status and range from $70 to $158location will not see his/her Basic Allowancemonthly. Even with the out-of-pocket expensefor Housing rate decrease.This ensures that amounts, the overall military pay and benefitsmembers who have made long-term commitments package remains competitive and healthy.in the form of a lease or contract are not penalized Housing cost data are collected annually forif the areas housing costs decrease.approximately 300 military housing areas in theThe Department is committed to theUnited States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Anpreservation of a compensation and benefit important part of the Basic Allowance for Housingstructure that provides members with a suitable process is the cooperation from the Services andand secure standard of living to sustain a trained, local military housing offices in the data collec- experienced, and ready force now and in the tion effort. Input from local commands is used tofuture. determine in which neighborhoods data is col- For more information on the Basic Allowance lected and to direct the data collection effort infor Housing, including the 2021 Basic Allowance those neighborhoods towards adequate apartmentfor Housing rates and 2021 Basic Allowance for complexes and individual housing units. Housing rate component breakdown, visitMedian current market rent and average utilitieswww.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bah.cfm. (including electricity, heat, and water/sewer)Service members can calculate their BAHcomprise the total housing cost for each militarypayment by using the Basic Allowance for housing area and are included in the BasicHousing calculator at:Allowance for Housing computation.www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.cfm.16 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine Thank You For Your Service'