NEW NAVY BASIC HOUSING ALLOWANCE & UNIFORM CHANGES ARE BEGINNING

The U.S. Navy is implementing new policies to help Sailors and their families. While there is excitement about the beginning of its five-year plan for upgrading the uniforms female Sailors will wear, including new slacks with back pockets and possibly straighter service skirts, it’s the housing allowance changes families will feel the most. New Navy basic housing allowance changes will provide more flexibility for Sailors while helping with one of the biggest concerns facing the military community as a whole.

New Navy Basic Housing Allowance Changes Coming in October 2024

There is a notable change coming to the  Navy basic housing allowance beginning in October 2024 that will help families gain more flexibility in their living situation.

As it stands, the Navy's basic allowance for housing can be restrictive for some Sailors who may otherwise choose different living arrangements if given the opportunity.

Now, the new policy is allowing Sailors who are changing their duty station, and decide to leave their family behind, the chance to request the allowance to apply to either their previous duty station or the one they’re moving to.

This Navy housing allowance policy change only applies to these situations when a Sailor is changing their duty station within the United States.

By providing Sailors with options, there is a greater ability for households to make a decision that works best for them.

This can mean keeping families in the same home for longer, despite Sailors answering the call of duty elsewhere.

Ships, Barracks, and Staying Prepared

Changing how Sailors can use basic allowance for housing in the Navy is a positive, but there are several considerations each family will need to remember.

For instance, the new policy requires families to opt in. By doing so, only a single housing allowance is provided.

Furthermore, Sailors will need to be proactive and figure out their living arrangements for their new duty station on their own.

Sailors may have the option to live aboard ships or can even live in barracks; however, they’ll need to be sure that there is room available for their needs.

A trend of privatized military housing over the last few decades also allows Sailors the option to live on base in rental homes, but again, everyone opting in will need to be sure that there are housing options available.

Paying for a place to live while providing your family with the new options available for Navy basic housing allowance can be costly if not planned accordingly.

Still, for families who are looking for a bit more stability and have the means or accommodations to do so, these new provisions are a welcomed benefit for Sailors fulfilling their duty.

Navy Basic Housing Allowance Needed by Most Families According to Data

Data from the Bipartisan Policy Center shows around 66% of service members trying to find housing in civilian markets are having problems due to increasing costs, among other negative features.

In addition to the rising costs of housing, long commutes, and unsafe locations combined with a national shortage of homes are only complicating things further for Navy families.

The push for the changes in the Navy's basic housing allowance won’t fix all of these issues but it’s providing options for Sailors and their families to make the best decisions for their households while alleviating some of the financial obstacles they’re facing.

Suggested reads:

Can You Look Up Military Service Records?

Navy Recruitment Goals For 2024 Are Showing Positive Signs

Happy 77th Birthday to the U.S. Air Force