Archives for February 2010

NEW 2012 BAS Rates Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) entitlement continues for service members while hospitalized. BAS is meant to offset costs for a member's meals. This allowance is based in the historic origins of the military in which the military provided room and board (or rations) as part of a member's pay. This allowance is not intended to offset the costs of meals … [Read more...]

Military Enlisted members are provided monetary allowances to pay for uniform replacement and maintenance. These allowances are based on the cost of specific uniform items, and on an estimated “wear out” date for each specific item. The clothing allowance typically is paid on the anniversary of the day members entered the military. People with fewer than three years … [Read more...]

*Cost of Living Adjustment for 2012* * COLA update for 2010 * A decrease in the Consumer Price Index means military retirees and annuitants will not receive a Cost of Living Adjustment increase in 2010. Also, Survivor Benefit Plan premiums, will not increase. The CPI, published by the Department of Labor, normally increases as a result of inflation, leading to a COLA increase. … [Read more...]

VHA is paid to service members residing in high-cost housing areas in the United States. VHA is usually based upon your pay grade, dependency status and duty station location. In certain circumstances, SECNAV has the authority to pay VHA based on the location of your family members. VHA rates are established based upon your reported housing expenses in the VHA survey. These … [Read more...]