The DA 5960 form, commonly known as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) form, is a document used by the United States Department of Defense. It is designed for service members to apply for housing allowance or to update their current housing status. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring military personnel receive the financial support they're entitled to for their living accommodations.
Among the myriad of documentation the United States Army requires, the DA 5960 form, commonly referred to as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) form, holds significant importance for service members. This form is a vital component for those who are entitled to receive housing allowances, enabling them to secure appropriate living conditions for themselves and, if applicable, their dependants. The process of completing and submitting the DA 5960 is essential for the calculation and distribution of housing benefits, which vary based on geographical location, pay grade, and dependent status. Its purpose extends beyond simply requesting an allowance; it is an official document that must accurately reflect the service member's current living situation, any dependants, and any change in marital status, among other circumstances that could affect housing entitlements. Filling out the form correctly ensures that the personnel are provided with the benefits they are entitled to, in a manner that reflects their service and sacrifices for the country.
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
When it comes time to fill out the DA 5960 form, it's important to approach the task with care and attention to detail. This document is vital for personnel seeking to establish or change their basic allowance for housing (BAH) status. Ensuring all information is correct and up to date can make the process smoother and faster. Below, you'll find a guide designed to help you through each step, making sure nothing is overlooked.
After you have submitted the DA 5960 form, your application will be reviewed for approval. This process can take some time, depending on your service branch and the complexity of your housing situation. During this period, stay in contact with your personnel or finance office to monitor your application's status. Being proactive can help address any issues quickly and keep the process moving forward efficiently.
What is the DA 5960 form?
The DA 5960 form, commonly referred to as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA), is a document used by the United States Department of Army. It serves the primary function of managing housing allowances for soldiers who wish to start, stop, or modify their current living arrangements. This form is crucial for accurate financial compensation related to housing needs based on various circumstances like changes in marital status, dependents, or living situations.
Who needs to fill out the DA 5960 form?
Soldiers who undergo changes in their living circumstances that affect their basic allowance for housing (BAH) must complete the DA 5960 form. This includes events such as marriage, divorce, having children, or moving out of or into military quarters. The form must be filled out to reflect current living situations accurately, ensuring the soldier receives the correct housing allowance entitlements. Commanding officers and authorized personnel within the soldier's chain of command are also involved in the approval process.
How can one obtain a DA 5960 form?
To obtain a DA 5960 form, individuals should visit the official website of the United States Army or consult their unit's administrative office. Additionally, human resources support teams are available to provide the necessary forms and guidance on how to complete them properly. Digital platforms and military software systems also often have downloadable versions of the form for easier access and submission.
What information is required on the DA 5960 form?
Completing the DA 5960 form requires specific information related to the soldier's housing and living situation. Key details include the soldier's personal identification information, current and proposed housing status, information about dependents, and authorization signatures from the commanding officer. Accuracy is vital when filling out this form, as any discrepancies can affect the housing allowance and potentially result in financial discrepancies or penalties.
How does one submit a completed DA 5960 form?
Once filled, the DA 5960 form should be submitted through the soldier's chain of command for approval. This process typically involves review and signature by a commanding officer or a designated representative. After approval, the form is submitted to the appropriate finance office or human resources department for processing. In some cases, electronic submission through military personnel systems is available, streamlining the process and ensuring faster updates to the soldier's entitlements.
What are the consequences of not submitting a DA 5960 form when required?
Failure to submit a DA 5960 form under necessary circumstances can result in improper payment of the housing allowance. This might lead to overpayments or underpayments. In the case of overpayments, the soldier may be required to repay the excess funds, which can impose a significant financial burden. Additionally, continuous failure to comply with housing allowance policies can result in administrative actions or disciplinary measures. Thus, timely and accurate submission of the DA 5960 form is crucial for maintaining financial solvency and avoiding legal complications.
Filling out the DA 5960 form, also known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), can often be a challenging task for individuals due to its complexity. One common mistake is overlooking the necessity to provide accurate personal information. This includes errors in basic details such as spelling of names, social security numbers, or service numbers. Providing accurate personal information is crucial as it ensures the form is correctly processed and associated with the right individual.
Another area where errors frequently occur is in the section requesting details about dependents. Individuals sometimes fail to list all eligible dependents or mistakenly include those who are not eligible for consideration under the BAH policy guidelines. Ensuring that all dependent information is both accurate and complete is essential for the proper calculation of the housing allowance.
A significant mistake often made relates to the failure to properly document changes in dependency status. This could involve not updating the form when a dependent is no longer eligible, such as following a child reaching the age of majority or due to a change in marital status. Timely updates are critical to maintain compliance and ensure the housing allowance is correctly calculated.
Incorrectly selecting the type of action needed is another common error. The form requires the applicant to specify whether they are seeking to start, stop, or change their BAH. Inaccuracies or indecision in this section can result in delays or the wrong action being processed.
Errors in the section related to duty station or housing information can also occur. Individuals might input an incorrect address for their duty station or their actual housing location, which can affect the BAH rate to which they are entitled. Accuracy in this section ensures the allowance reflects the cost of living specific to the correct geographic area.
An oversight often seen is not providing or incorrectly completing the certification section. This part of the form needs the signature of the individual and sometimes a verifying officer. Missing or invalid signatures can deem the form incomplete, halting the processing of the BAH change request.
Failure to attach required documentation is another prevalent mistake. The DA 5960 form often requires accompanying documents, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for dependents, to substantiate the information provided. Neglecting to include these documents can result in the rejection of the application.
Lastly, people sometimes do not review the form for completeness and accuracy before submission. This lack of review can lead to oversights, including the omission of required information or the inclusion of contradictory details. Taking time to thoroughly review the form can prevent processing delays and the need for resubmission.
The DA 5960 form, commonly known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), is a vital document used by service members to manage housing allowances. Accompanying this form, several other forms and documents are frequently utilized to ensure that all aspects of a service member's housing and related allowances are correctly addressed. These documents encompass a range of purposes, from verifying dependency status to requesting specific types of housing or financial adjustments.
In conclusion, when handling the DA 5960 form, service members and personnel specialists should be aware of and ready to work with these additional documents. Each plays a specific role in ensuring allowances are properly requested, calculated, and adjusted, reflecting the current status and needs of the service member. By understanding and utilizing these documents appropriately, service members can effectively manage their housing allowances and related financial aspects of their military service.
When completing the DA 5960 form, which is vital for documenting Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) entitlements, certain practices should be followed to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. This guidance outlines best practices to adhere to and common pitfalls to avoid.
Things You Should Do
Ensure all personal information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes checking spellings, social security numbers, and contact information to prevent delays or issues with benefits.
Complete the form in a clear, legible manner. If the form is filled out by hand, use black ink and ensure that handwriting is easy to read to avoid misunderstandings or processing errors.
Review the form for completeness. Make sure every required field is filled out. Overlooking sections can lead to processing delays or the need to resubmit the form.
Seek guidance if unsure about any section. It's important to consult with a superior officer or human resources representative when confusion arises. Misinterpretation of instructions can lead to errors in the application.
Things You Shouldn't Do
Do not leave sections blank unless instructed. If a section does not apply, write "N/A" (Not Applicable) to indicate that it has been reviewed but is not relevant to your situation.
Avoid guesswork. If you are uncertain about what information is required for a particular section, it's better to seek clarification than to submit incorrect or incomplete information.
Resist the urge to submit the form without a final review. Taking a moment to double-check the form can catch mistakes or omitted information that could affect your entitlements.
Do not submit outdated forms. Always check that you are using the most current version of the DA 5960 form, as requirements and formats can change over time.
The DA 5960 form, also known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Adjust Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), is crucial for military members in managing their housing allowances. However, several misconceptions surround its usage and requirements. Let's debunk some of these common myths.
Only service members with dependents need to fill it out. A prevalent misconception is that the DA 5960 form is exclusively for service members who have dependents. In truth, this form is necessary for all service members who are eligible for Basic Allowance for Housing, regardless of their dependent status. This means single service members, as well as those married or with children, must complete the form to receive their entitlements.
It's a one-time requirement. Another myth is that you only need to submit a DA 5960 form once during your military career. The reality is quite different. Service members must submit a new form whenever there is a change in their marital status, number of dependents, or geographical location. Regular updates ensure that the BAH rates are accurate and reflect your current situation.
It automatically updates your Basic Allowance for Housing. A common misunderstanding is that once the DA 5960 form is submitted, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are automatically updated. However, submitting the form is just the first step. The form must be processed and approved by the appropriate personnel or department. This process can take some time, so service members should not assume their BAH rates will immediately reflect changes.
Submitting electronically speeds up the process significantly. While electronic submission can be faster than paper submission in some contexts, this does not mean it will always lead to a quicker approval process for your BAH adjustments. The processing time can vary greatly depending on the workload of the approving authority and whether the submitted documentation is complete and accurate.
Corrections to the form require starting over. Many service members believe that if they make a mistake on their DA 5960 form, they must complete a new form from scratch. In many cases, corrections can be made directly on the form or through a simple amendment process, without the need to start the entire process over. It's important to communicate with your administrative department for guidance on making corrections efficiently.
Understanding the DA 5960 form and its requirements is essential for service members to ensure they receive the correct housing allowances. Dispelling these misconceptions can help streamline the process and reduce unnecessary stress.
The Department of the Army (DA) Form 5960, also known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and Variable Housing Allowance (VHA), is a crucial document for military members managing their housing benefits. Understanding how to accurately complete and utilize the DA 5960 form is essential for ensuring that entitlements are correctly processed and disbursed. Here are key takeaways to consider:
Proper completion and submission of the DA 5960 form are vital steps in securing and managing your housing entitlements effectively. Taking the time to ensure accuracy and completeness can prevent issues that may impact your financial well-being.
USCIS Form I-864 - Accurate and thorough completion of the I-864 is critical, as any discrepancies or omissions can have serious implications for the immigration process.
Do You Need a Work Permit at 16 in California - Formal initiation of a minor's journey into the workforce, requiring educational institution and guardian endorsement.