Can I get BAH as an E-2 in Fort Richardson, Alaska??

Question

i'd rather not live in the barracks and was wondering if there is anyway being a single E-2 to get the BAH??

Also is it true you get 3,000 to just live in Alaska??

Im trying to find out more ways to milk money out of the Army because I dont get paid good at all, and would actually like to be able to purchase a vehicle.

Answer 1

As a single E-2, you cannot get BAH unless you have children and you have custody of them or if there is no barracks space left for you.  If there wasn't any more space they would kick out the NCOs first and go down from there, they wouldn't just let an E-2 get out first.  I know that isn't what you want to hear but that is the reality of it.  If you want to get more money then behave and show initiative and you will get promoted.  Or you can just get married.  As a single soldier you can get a vehicle but you need to make sure you don't get ripped off since 90 percent of car dealerships within 10 miles of a military post are designed to rip you off in some way and the second you miss a payment they will be calling your CO for their money.  When you go to find a vehicle you need to let someone responsible look at your contract before you buy so you don't end up paying $20,000 for a $8,000 car after you finish paying your car note.

Down below is the BAH for Alaska but you can't get it unless you was married.  A word of advise: don't marry the first woman you see so you can get the money because if she isn't for you then you might find yourself loosing all that extra money and then some if i doesn't work out.

Answer 2

you can purchase a vehicle being an e2, people do it all the time. More than likely if you dont have a dependent they arent going to allow you to live off post adn draw bah unless there is no room in the barracks. For the extra money that wont go into affect until after you live there for 12 months then you will get the money once a year i think. your best bet is to keep your butt in the barracks and get yourself a cheap car...  

Answer 3

I think it will be up to your command in regards to living off base instead of the dorms. And yes, while pay for lower rank enlisted people is low at least you get 100 percent free room and board. Try living on your own on just a paycheck from Burger King. :-)

And no, you do not just get 3 grand for living up here. There is something called the Alaskan PFD (Permanent Fund Dividend) check given out every October. It's money from the sale of oil from the state. But to qualify for it you have to be in the state by January 1st of the year before along with signing a form saying you like Alaska and want to stay up here. The amount of the check varies from year to year based on how many people apply and how much money was raised over the past year. Last year it was about $1,600 per person. If you have any other questions about your PCS up here let me know.

Answer 4

I'm not sure about the whole bah thing, but I'm sure you don't qualify for it cuz you are not married or have any Dependents.

As for the 3000 nonsense, no you will not qualify for it.  It being the PFD,  Which is MY states revenue off of our oil sales.  You have to be a resident for over a year, and claim Alaska as residency WITH proof to receive the NEXT years PFD.  

You are Army, so go get on the miles program.  Your interest rates will be sky high, but its an honest way of getting a car.  

There are literally 1000's of E2's driving cars, learn to budget your money.

Answer 5

No you will not immediately get it.  It is required that those E4 and below live in barracks unless they are married then they qualify for housing or BAH.  In order for those less than E4 to not live in barracks it must be approved by the command or there is a shortage of housing.  Don't look at the negatives for living in barracks but the positives.  you live rent free, paying only for cable, internet and a phone.  Sometimes you will get cable for free in areas.  

In order to get money you have to save it.  As an E2 you shouldn't have very many expenses except for clothing, entertainment, food, cell phone.  So start putting money away, dont' buy a new car buy a used car.  Take the Car Buying class offered by Family Services to get the best information.  

You will not get 3000 to just live in Alaska.  In order to qualify for the 2000 per year you must become an Alaska Resident.    

Answer 6

No, you are not eligible for BAH. Suck it up, soldier!

As an E-2, I made $510 a month and didn't know what to do with all of it. Your pay is actually EXCELLENT! Living in the barracks, you don't have to pay rent or utilities, and your meals are free. So, where does the money go? You can definitely afford a vehicle on your pay.