Does The Military Pay More Money When You Get Married?

by | Jul 9, 2023 | Milspouse 101

The military spouses are covered with benefits as well.

When you married your husband, you may have wondered if his benefits will also cover you. You’re in luck! Service members with dependents are given additional compensation, as well as access to a range of valuable benefits. Here’s what you need to know about military pay and benefits with dependents.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a non-taxable stipend that provides housing compensation for military members. The amount of BAH paid depends on the service member’s rank, location, and whether or not they have dependents. Military families can use this allowance to pay for rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and other housing-related expenses. Having dependents typically increases the amount of BAH a service member receives.

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)

The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is another non-taxable stipend that provides food compensation for military members. This allowance is designed to offset the cost of meals for service members and their families. Like BAH, the amount of BAS paid depends on the service member’s rank and whether or not they have dependents.

Tricare

Tricare is the military’s health care system and provides coverage to all active-duty service members and their eligible family members. Dependents of military members are eligible for Tricare coverage, which includes medical, dental, and vision care services. There are several different Tricare plans available, depending on the family’s circumstances and location.

Education Benefits

The military offers a range of education benefits to service members and their families. These benefits can include tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most popular education benefits available to military families. This program provides financial assistance for education and training programs for veterans and their dependents. It can be used to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and housing.

Childcare Assistance

Military families with children may be eligible for childcare assistance programs. The Military Child Care Fee Assistance program provides financial assistance to military families who need help paying for child care. The program helps families pay for child care in licensed facilities or in-home providers.

In conclusion, military members with dependents can access a range of valuable benefits to help support their families. From housing allowances to education benefits, the military provides a safety net for service members and their spouses and children.

Want more info on your benefits as a military spouse? Get it here!

Military Discount?

by | Jul 4, 2023 | general

discount and sales

One of the benefits of being married to someone in the military is getting your dependent ID card. This card, along with the last 4 digits of your service member’s social, can unlock the proverbial door to just about any situation.

If you’re the forgetful type, like me, you tend to lose the most important things in life. I’ve lost my dependent ID more times than I care to disclose, so I highly recommend keeping it on a lanyard around your neck or clipped to your keys. Don’t worry, here’s a way to be responsible and cute.

Showing your card can grant you access to base (post), allow you to see medical documents, or less importantly, earn a discount at many retail locations. Several chains offer the discount as a policy, but they don’t always ask. If you aren’t sure, simply ask if they offer a military discount at the counter while they ring up your items, and have your ID ready.

The discount, if offered, is usually about 10%. Some service industries offer more. Many businesses honor service members and their families with free meals on holidays like Veteran’s Day. Check to see if a discount is offered when booking flights, hotels, or even choosing phone plans. I won’t list the names of companies here, because it tends to change from year to year, but you can usually Google it.

When I was a young wife, I was too proud to use coupons, or inquire about discounts. I didn’t want to appear needy. Of course then, we needed it more than ever. Wisdom certainly comes with age, so here’s my advice:

Your husband serves in the military. There are companies who want to honor his hard work with a discount. Have your dependent ID card ready, and just ask.

Learn my tips for the new military spouse here

Still don’t quite understand the military version of your husband? You need this