The DA 5960 form, often known as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) form, is a critical document used by members of the United States military. It allows service members to apply for housing allowances, ensuring they receive financial assistance for their living arrangements, particularly when stationed away from their primary residence or base. For a detailed guide on how to accurately complete the DA 5960 form and to ensure eligibility for housing benefits, click the button below.
The DA 5960 form, commonly referred to as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), plays a crucial role in the lives of service members across the United States. This essential document facilitates the proper allocation of housing allowances, ensuring military personnel and their families receive the financial assistance necessary for housing, based on their current situation. Whether service members are relocating, experiencing changes in their family dynamics, or undergoing any adjustments that affect their living arrangement, the DA 5960 form stands as a vital tool in managing these transitions smoothly. By accurately completing and submitting this form, service members can secure support from their respective branches in a timely and efficient manner, helping to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with housing and relocation.
AUTHORIZATION TO START, STOP, OR CHANGE
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR QUARTERS (BAQ),
AUTHORITY:
37 USC 403; Public Law 96-343; EO 9397.
AND/OR VARIABLE HOUSING ALLOWANCE (VHA)
PRINCIPLE PURPOSE:
To start, adjust or terminate military member's entitlement
For use of this form, see AR 37-104-4; the proponent agency is ASA(FM)
to basic allowance for quarters
(BAQ) and/or variable
housing allowance (VHA).
1.
NAME
(Last, First, MI)
ROUTINE USE:
To adjust member's military pay record, information may
be disclosed to Army components, such as USAFAC,
major commands, and other Army installations; to other
DOD components; other federal agencies such as IRS,
2.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
3.
GRADE
Social Security Administration and VA, GAO, members of
Congress; State and local government; US and State
courts, and various law enforcement agencies. Social
Security Number (SSN) is used for positive identification.
4.
TYPE OF ACTION
DISCLOSURE IS VOLUNTARY: Nondisclosure may result in nonpayment of BAQ and/or
START
CANCEL
CHANGE
REPORT
VHA. Disclosure of your SSN is voluntary. However, this
form will not be processed without your SSN because
the Army identifies you for pay purposes by your SSN.
CORRECT
STOP
RECERTIFICATION
5.
DUTY LOCATION (Include Station, Name, City, State, and Zip Code)
6. DATE/ACTION
7.
BAQ TYPE
(YYYYMMDD)
WITH DEPENDENTS
PARTIAL
WITHOUT DEPENDENTS
8.
MARITAL/DEPENDENCY STATUS
9.
QUARTERS ASSIGNMENT/AVAILABILITY
a.
SINGLE
b. MARRIED
c. DIVORCED (see
ADEQUATE
b.
INADEQUATE
(see blocks (1), (2) & (3))
blocks (1), (2) & (3))
(see block (1))
(see blocks (1), (2) & (4))
d.
LEGALLY SEPARATED
e.
DEPENDENT CHILD
c.
TRANSIENT
NOT AVAILABLE
(see blocks (4), (5) & (6))
(see block (3))
(1)
Spouse/Former
(2)
(3)
Date of Marriage,
QUARTERS
(2) FAIR RENTAL
Spouse SSN
Spouse Duty Station
Divorce/Separation
NO.
VALUE $
(4)
Child in
Member
Spouse
Former Spouse
Other
FROM:
TO:
Custody of:
(5)
If you check "OTHER" above, prepare DD Form 137 to establish dependency.
MEMBER ELECTION
COMMANDER
(Member
in
grade E7 and
DETERMINATION
(6)
If child support received from another military member, complete (1), (2) & (3).
above)
(Attached)
10.
DEPENDENTS/SHARERS (Continue on back if required)
NAME OF DEPENDENT/SHARER
COMPLETE CURRENT ADDRESS
(Include ZIP Code)
RELATIONSHIP
DOB OF CHILDREN
11.
CERTIFICATION OF DEPENDENT SUPPORT
I certify that I can provide, or willing to provide, adequate support for the above named dependents. I am aware that failure to support the above named
dependents may result in stopping BAQ and recouping BAQ for any prior periods/nonsupport.
IAW service regulations. I certify that the dependency status of my primary dependents, on whose behalf I am receiving BAQ, has not changed so as to affect
my entitlement thereto for the period.
12.
EXPENSES, IF AUTHORIZED, I AM REQUESTING VHA BASED ON
My permanent duty station:
My dependent's location:
Both my permanent duty station and dependent's location.
Monthly Expenses:
Dependent
Sharer/Lease Information
Address Information
Mortgage (PITI)
or Rent
Rental/Residential Address:
Landlord's Name and Address:
Insurance
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Landlord's Phone No.
TOTALS
Number of Sharers
(show name(s) and address in block 10.)
I certify ALL information regarding this authorization is correct. I will immediately notify the FAO/HRO of any changes in the information above, due to divorce,
marriage, death, living in government quarters etc, which could affect by BAQ or VHA entitlement.
IMPORTANT: Making a false statement or claim against the US Government is punishable by courts-martial. The penalty for willfully making a false claim or a false
statement in connection with claims is a maximum fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for 5 years, or both.
13.
MEMBER'S SIGNATURE
14. DATE
15.
CERTIFYING OFFICER'S SIGNATURE
16. DATE
DA FORM 5960, SEP 1990
REPLACES DA FORM 3298, JUL 80 AND DA FORM 5545, JUL 86 WHICH ARE OBSOLETE
APD AEM v2.06ES
BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR QUARTERS
(BAQ),
For use of this form, see AR 37-104-4; the proponent agency is ASA (FM)
to basic allowance for quarters (BAQ) and/or
variable housing allowance
(VHA).
Social Security Administration and VA, GAO, members
of Congress; State and local government; US and State
FAIR RENTAL
I certify that I provide, or am will to provide adequate support for the above named dependents. I am aware that failure to support the above named
IAW service regulations, I certify that the dependency status of my primary dependents, on whose behalf I am receiving BAQ, has not changed so as to affect
my entitlement thereto for the period
Filling out the DA 5960 form is an essential task for members of the military seeking to authorize, initiate, or stop Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on dependency status. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring that service members receive the correct housing allowance to which they are entitled. Each step must be followed carefully to avoid delays or issues with housing allowances. Here is a detailed guide to help you complete the DA 5960 form accurately.
After submitting the form, your request will be reviewed for approval. This process can take some time depending on your specific circumstances and the correctness of the information provided. Should there be any discrepancies or missing information in your submission, you may be contacted for clarification or to supply additional documentation. It is crucial to complete this form with meticulous attention to detail to ensure a smooth and timely processing of your BAH entitlements.
What is a DA 5960 form?
The DA 5960 form, also known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), Variable Housing Allowance (VHA), or Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), is a document used by the Department of the Army. It allows service members to apply for or modify their housing allowances based on changes in their duty status, dependency status, or living situation.
Who needs to fill out a DA 5960 form?
Any Army service member who wishes to start, stop, or change their housing allowance due to a change in their personal or professional situation needs to fill out a DA 5960. This includes changes such as marriage, childbirth, a change in duty station, or a significant change in the living situation of the dependents.
What information do I need to provide in the DA 5960 form?
To complete the form, you'll need to provide personal information, including your full name, social security number, and rank. You'll also need to detail the type of housing allowance action you are requesting (start, stop, change), the effective date of the change, and specifics about your dependent(s) if applicable. Documentation supporting the reason for the allowance change, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, may also be required.
How do I submit the DA 5960 form?
Once completed and signed, the DA 5960 form should be submitted to your unit’s personnel or finance office. They will process the form and forward it to the appropriate authority for approval. The process for submission might vary slightly depending on your specific unit or post, so it’s a good idea to check with your personnel office for detailed instructions.
Is there a deadline for submitting the DA 5960 form?
While there is no universal deadline for all situations, you should submit the DA 5960 as soon as possible after the event that necessitates the change in your housing allowance. Delaying submission can affect the timely adjustment of your allowances, potentially leading to overpayments or underpayments that could complicate your financial situation.
Can I fill out the DA 5960 form online?
Yes, the DA 5960 form can often be filled out online through the Digital Training Management System (DTMS) or other Army personnel management systems. However, whether or not you can submit the form online depends on your unit’s specific procedures. Always verify with your personnel office.
What happens after I submit the form?
After submitting the DA 5960 form, it will be reviewed by your unit's personnel or finance office and then forwarded to the appropriate authority for approval. Once approved, any changes in your housing allowance will be reflected in your pay based on the effective date provided in the form. You should monitor your pay statements to ensure the change has been processed correctly.
What if my DA 5960 form is rejected?
If your DA 5960 form is rejected, it could be due to missing information, lack of necessary documentation, or incorrect details. You will be notified of the rejection and the reason behind it, giving you the opportunity to correct the errors. You should resubmit the form with the required corrections as soon as possible.
Can I change or cancel my housing allowance request after submitting the DA 5960 form?
Yes, if your circumstances change and you need to modify or cancel your housing allowance request, you should fill out a new DA 5960 form indicating the change and submit it for processing. Make sure to explain the reason for the change or cancellation in the form.
Where can I find help for filling out the DA 5960 form?
Assistance for filling out the DA 5960 form can be found at your unit’s personnel or finance office. Additionally, many Army installation websites offer guides and FAQs that can help you understand how to properly complete and submit the form. In some cases, legal assistance offices on military installations can also provide guidance.
When people fill out the DA 5960 form, which is used by the Department of the Army for authorization to start, stop, or change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ) and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA), they often make errors that can delay the processing of their request. One common mistake is not providing all the necessary personal information. It's crucial to fill out every required field, especially those that identify you and your assignment location, to ensure that your request is processed without unnecessary delays.
Another frequent oversight is the failure to accurately report dependent information. The form requires detailed information about dependents to determine the correct amount of allowance. If you provide incomplete or incorrect information about your dependents, it might result in receiving an incorrect allowance rate. This mistake not only affects your finances but also requires additional effort to correct the information later on.
Incorrect calculation of entitlements is also a problem for many. The DA 5960 form requires you to calculate your entitlements based on your current situation or changes in your status. Misinterpretation of the instructions or lack of familiarity with the regulations can lead to errors in these calculations, resulting in either overpayments or underpayments of allowances.
Not obtaining the necessary signatures is a mistake that can easily be avoided. The form requires signatures from the service member, a witnessing officer, or an authorized representative. Failing to obtain the appropriate signatures means your form cannot be processed, as these signatures serve as verification of the information provided and approval of the request.
Lastly, people often forget to review the form for errors before submission. A quick review can catch simple mistakes such as typos, missed fields, or incorrect information that could otherwise delay the processing of your form. Ensuring that every piece of information is accurate and the form is fully completed can significantly streamline the approval process.
When dealing with the DA 5960 form, which is used to authorize Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), there are several other documents that often come into play to ensure all personnel affairs are in order. These documents complement the DA 5960 by providing necessary verification or additional information required for processing. Understanding each document's function can streamline the process and avoid delays.
Accompanied by the DA 5960, these documents form a comprehensive package that addresses various aspects of a service member's allowances and entitlements. By ensuring these documents are accurate and up-to-date, service members can facilitate a smoother processing of their housing allowance and other related benefits. Familiarity with each document's purpose and requirements can significantly impact the efficiency of managing personal and family affairs within the military community.
The DA 5960 form, commonly used by members of the U.S. Army to authorize basic allowance for housing (BAH), shares similarities with a range of other documents used across various branches of the U.S. military and federal government for different purposes. One such document is the DD Form 1351-2, the Travel Voucher or Subvoucher, which is used by Department of Defense members to claim reimbursement for official travel expenses. Both forms require detailed personal and assignment information to process financial entitlements, emphasizing accuracy and thoroughness in their completion.
Another document akin to the DA 5960 is the SF-86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions. While the SF-86 is focused on collecting comprehensive personal background information for security clearance purposes, it resembles the DA 5960 in its requirement for precise and detailed personal information. Both forms play critical roles in securing members' entitlements and positions, whether it be financial benefits or clearance for national security roles.
The BAH II form is also similar to the DA 5960, specifically designed for calculating housing allowances for members without dependants. Like the DA 5960, the BAH II form necessitates detailed service member information to accurately determine housing entitlements. Both documents ensure service members are provided with appropriate housing allowances based on their circumstances and duty locations.
The VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits, is used by veterans to apply for educational benefits under the GI Bill. This form, akin to the DA 5960, requires personal and service-related information to establish eligibility for benefits. Both documents facilitate access to entitlements designed to support members and veterans in personal development post-service.
Similarly, the IRS Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, although a civilian document, shares the concept of financial entitlement and personal circumstance consideration with the DA 5960. The W-4 form helps determine the amount of federal income tax to withhold from employees' paychecks, while the DA 5960 assists in determining housing allowance eligibility, both based on individual or family needs.
The Military Orders form, used to formalize the instructions for a service member’s new assignment or reassignment, mirrors the DA 5960 in its operational significance. While Military Orders direct a member’s movement and duty, the DA 5960 provides for the housing needs that arise with such movements, both critical to the smooth transition and welfare of military personnel.
The Dependency Statement form parallels the DA 5960 in its role of identifying dependants for entitlement purposes. This document is crucial for establishing eligibility for various benefits, including housing, educational, and medical, by accurately documenting dependant information. Both forms ensure that members' families are adequately supported through the entitled benefits.
The Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), while not a form to be filled out like the DA 5960, is a document service members receive detailing their pay, entitlements, and deductions. The LES and DA 5960 interact closely, as changes made via the DA 5960, such as updates in dependency status, directly affect entitlements reflected in the LES.
Lastly, the Request for Official Travel (ROT) form shares its functional premise with the DA 5960. This document is used to organize and authorize official travel for military and government personnel. Like the DA 5960, which secures housing entitlements, the ROT ensures that travel-related entitlements and arrangements are efficiently managed, emphasizing the need for detailed and accurate information provision.
In conclusion, while the DA 5960 form is unique in its specific purpose of authorizing housing allowances for Army personnel, its structural and procedural characteristics mirror those of numerous other documents across the military and federal landscape. Each, in its right, facilitates the accurate delivery of vital services and entitlements, underscoring the interconnected nature of administrative processes within the U.S. military and government echelons.
Filling out the DA 5960 form, also known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Adjust Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and Variable Housing Allowance (VHA), requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the instructions provided. Here are key dos and don'ts to guide you through the process efficiently.
Read the instructions carefully before you begin. The form includes specific guidelines for each section, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Ensure all personal information is accurate. This includes your full name, rank, social security number, and any other personal details required on the form.
Consult with a superior or legal officer if you have questions. Getting clarification on uncertainties can prevent errors and delays.
Use black ink if filling out the form by hand. Black ink is preferred for clarity and legibility when the document is scanned or photocopied.
Review your form thoroughly before submission. Double-check all entries for typos, inaccuracies, or omissions.
Skip any sections. Each part of the DA 5960 form is important for processing. If a section does not apply, indicate this clearly as instructed.
Use pencil or colors other than black ink. Documents filled out in pencil or non-black ink may be considered invalid or may result in processing delays.
Rush through the form. Taking your time can help avoid mistakes that could potentially delay processing or result in the rejection of the application.
Guesstimate dates or amounts. Ensure that all numerical and date entries are as accurate and current as possible.
Forget to sign and date the form where required. An unsigned or undated form is incomplete and will not be processed until corrected.
The DA Form 5960 is a document used in the United States Army to authorize basic allowance for housing (BAH), ensuring personnel receive appropriate housing compensation based on their situation. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding this form, which can lead to confusion. Here, ten of these misconceptions are clarified:
Understanding the DA Form 5960's actual requirements and uses can significantly smooth the process for soldiers seeking housing benefits. Dispelling these misconceptions ensures that military personnel are well-informed and can manage their entitlements more effectively.
When it comes to the DA 5960 form, also known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA), there are several key takeaways that are important for service members to keep in mind. These aspects of the form are crucial for accurately reporting living situation changes that can affect financial allowances.
Filling out the DA 5960 form accurately is crucial for service members to receive the allowances they are entitled to without unnecessary delay. By paying attention to these key takeaways, service members can navigate this process more smoothly and effectively.
Employee Discipline Form - Supports the goal of constructive discipline, aimed at improving performance rather than merely punishing misconduct.
Sample Ach Authorization Form - Must be submitted by 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time the business day following the unauthorized transaction's posting date.
Aetna Po Box - For claims involving other insurance, ensure you provide comprehensive details for seamless processing.