BAH During PCS and TDY

BAH and Permanent Change of Station

When a Marine PCS, BAH coordinates with the move per MCO 7220.56MCO 7220.56 and DOD FMR Volume 7ADOD FMR Volume 7A Chapter 26.

General PCS Rule

The member's BAH location.

• Old duty station BAH stops at PCS departure date
• New duty station BAH starts at PCS arrival date
• Rate adjusts based on new zip code
• Dependent status remains unless changed during move

Specific Effective Dates

• BAH stops at old location: Day before report date at new station (typically)
• BAH starts at new location: Day of report date at new station
• Travel days: Member entitled to BAH during travel per JTR

BAH and PCS with Dependents

When member has dependents and PCS.

Dependents Move with Member

• BAH transitions per standard PCS rules
• New zip code rate applies upon arrival
• No BAH-Diff
• Standard with-dependents rate

Dependents Stay in Old Location

Different scenarios apply.

• Member married, dependents stay at old location during housing search: BAH-Diff or BAH at new location based on specific rules
• Member single PCS, dependents move later: Coordinated BAH transitions
• Specific accompanied vs unaccompanied tour rules

Dependents Travel Separately

If dependents travel to new station after member.

• Member arrives, BAH starts at new location
• Dependents arrive later, no rate change (with-dependents continues)
• Specific JTR rules for dependent travel reimbursement

BAH for Unaccompanied Tours

Some PCS orders are unaccompanied tours where dependents do not move.

Common Unaccompanied Tours

• Korea unaccompanied (1-year tour)
• Specific overseas locations with limited family support
• Sea duty in some cases

BAH During Unaccompanied Tour

The Marine has options.

• Maintain home where dependents reside (BAH at home location, primary BAH)
• Live in barracks at unaccompanied tour location (no BAH at tour location)
• Specific BAH-Diff or other entitlement may apply based on tour type

Designated Location Move

Member may designate dependents to a location during unaccompanied tour.

• Family moves to designated location
• BAH applies at designated location
• Specific procedures per JTR and MCO 7220.56MCO 7220.56

BAH and Temporary Duty (TDY)

Per JTR, TDY does not generally affect BAH.

Standard TDY

• BAH at home station continues
• Per diem covers TDY lodging at TDY location
• No change to BAH category

Long TDY

For TDY exceeding specific durations.

• BAH may continue at home station
• Specific JTR provisions for extended TDY housing
• Coordinate with PAC for unusual situations

BAH and Deployment

Deployment is treated as TDY for BAH purposes in most cases.

CONUS Deployments

• BAH at home station continues during deployment
• No change to BAH category
• Deployment-related allowances (HFP/IDP, FSA) layer on top

OCONUS Deployments

• BAH at home station continues during deployment
• Deployment per diem applies separately
• Combat zone tax exclusion may apply

Partial Month Issues

Most BAH actions during deployment do not require partial month adjustments.

• BAH paid full monthly amount
• Deployment status does not pro-rate BAH
• Coordinate with PAC for unusual situations

Performance Steps for BAH PCS Processing

Step 1 - Receive PCS Orders

When member receives PCS orders.

• Identify report date at new station
• Identify accompanied vs unaccompanied tour
• Identify dependents' planned residence

Step 2 - Determine BAH Action

Based on PCS specifics.

• Standard PCS: BAH stop at old, start at new with effective dates
• Unaccompanied tour with designated location: Specific BAH actions
• Government quarters at new station: BAH stops on quarters move-in date

Step 3 - Process Transactions

Apply UD/MIPS transactions.

• BAH stop at old station with effective date
• BAH start at new station with effective date and new rate
• Verify dependent status correct
• Coordinate timing to avoid pay gaps

Step 4 - Verify EDFR

Confirm processing.

• Pull EDFR within 5 business days
• Verify BAH posts correctly at both stations
• Address any failures or gaps

Step 5 - Member Coordination

Brief the member.

• Effective dates for old and new BAH
• Total amount during transition month
• Any gaps or overlaps

Common PCS BAH Errors

These hit during PAC processing.

1. Old station BAH not stopped. Member PCS but old station BAH continues. Creates overpayment. Stop retroactive to PCS departure.
2. New station BAH not started. Member arrives but new station BAH never starts. Member underpaid. Process retroactive start.
3. Wrong zip code at new station. Member's new BAH at wrong rate due to zip code error. Update zip code and recalculate.
4. Government quarters not coordinated. Member moves into base housing but BAH continues. Stop BAH retroactive to quarters move-in.
5. Unaccompanied tour BAH miscalculated. Specific unaccompanied tour rules not applied. Fix per tour type.

Common TDY BAH Errors

These hit on TDY-related processing.

1. BAH stopped during TDY. TDY does not stop BAH. Restore BAH retroactive to incorrect stop date.
2. TDY treated as PCS for BAH. TDY does not change BAH location. Maintain home station BAH.
3. Long TDY housing not coordinated. Extended TDY may have specific provisions. Verify per JTR.

BAH Continuity During Major Moves

Members in transition deserve continuous coverage. PAC ensures this through.

• Pre-PCS coordination with member on dates
• Same-day processing of PCS BAH transactions when possible
• Direct contact with member if delays occur
• Monthly LES verification by member

Member Self-Audit During PCS

Brief members on what to verify during PCS.

• Old station BAH stops at correct date on LES
• New station BAH starts at correct date
• Total monthly BAH for transition month adds up correctly
• New zip code BAH rate matches DTMO calculator
• Report any discrepancies to S-1 immediately

Coordination Touchpoints

PCS BAH processing touches.

• PSD or supporting MTF: For housing eligibility
• Travel office: For travel reimbursement
• Gaining S-1: For arrival-side processing
• Member's chain of command: For PCS coordination

Related Roles

PCS BAH affects every Marine on orders.

• Marines verify BAH transitions during PCS via LES.
• Leaders at S-1 process the transactions and coordinate timing.
• Commanders ensure unit PCS rosters route to PAC timely.