Continued Housing Benefits (for Survivors)

Army Reserve: Active Duty

Benefit Fact Sheet

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Summary

The Department of Defense makes special housing benefit provisions for spouses and children of service members who die while serving on active duty. Eligible family members residing on base may continue to reside in base quarters for up to 365 days after the service member's death. Eligible family members not living in government housing receive a housing allowance for up to 365 days after the service member's death.

Eligibility

Authorized dependents of an Army Reserve Service member who dies on active duty are entitled to receive continued housing benefits for up to 365 days after the Service member's death.

Benefit Highlights

Family Housing: Eligible family members occupying government housing may continue to occupy such housing without charge for a period of 365 days from the date of death, provided the service member's death was in the line-of-duty. If government housing is vacated before the 365 days is up, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is paid for the remainder of the unused days.3 people walking in a veteran cemtery

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): Eligible family members not occupying government housing may receive BAH or an overseas housing allowance for up to 365 days. The Casualty Assistance Officer will explain this entitlement and will assist in completing the required claim form. An allowance may be paid to the spouse of the deceased service member even though the spouse is also a member of the uniformed services. The allowance is in addition to any other pay and allowances to which the spouse is entitled as a service member. The payment of the allowance will terminate 365 days after the date of the service member's death.

Additional Information

For more information, please visit the Basic Allowance for Housing webpage maintained by the Department of Defense:
https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/

Basic Allowance Housing Rates:
https://militarypay.defense.gov/PAY/ALLOWANCES/bah.aspx

Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division Home Page:
https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Casualty%20and%20Mortuary%20Affairs%20Operations%20Division%20(CMAOD)

Volume 7A, Chapter 26: Housing Allowances:
https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/current/07a/07a_26.pdf

Document Review Date: 10 May 2024