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!
