Understanding BAH & Pay
Many of you ask when your trainee will start getting paid. Members of the military are paid the 1st and the 15th of every month. If the 1st or 15th land on a weekend, they get paid the Friday before. HOWEVER, there will often be some lag at the start of Basic Training. So it may take a few weeks before you see your trainee’s first paycheck deposited. It will take 2-5 pay cycles for their check to be regulated. Plan ahead and have finances in order BEFORE getting to Ft Moore.
If you think there is an issue with a paycheck, you will have to write to your trainee ASAP. They will then have to meet with finance and fix it on their end. Also keep in mind their first OR second check will be minus the $350 advance they receive when they arrive at BCT (for them to use while there).
For those of you married to a trainee … your spouse will be getting paid while in BCT. They will be getting paid according to their particular rank.
Your trainee has more than likely set up a direct deposit to receive his pay.
FAQs:
What is “BAH”?
-BAH stands for “Basic Allowance for Housing” and is the Military’s way of taking care of your housing, as a dependent(s), while you are away from your spouse. The amount of BAH you receive is directly dependent on where you live; your zip code. Your BAH may not show up in the pay right away, but once it starts it will include the amount owed from the beginning of training.
”The second time he got paid was a lot more than the first time. Why?”
-The Army took money out to repay a debt. This was probably ~$350 and was used to put money onto a Debit card that the trainees use during BCT to purchase supplies and necessities (like hair cuts)
”There is no money showing up in our account at all and it’s been over a month and a half. Who do I contact regarding this?”
-Your trainee must contact the Finance Department to get any pay issues resolved.
”I think our BAH should be more than what he’s receiving.”
-Again, your trainee must contact the Finance Department to get pay issues resolved.
”I’d like to see the breakdown of what my trainee is getting paid. How do I access it?”
-It’s called a “MyPay” account. Your trainee has this information. If he/she is allowed to/cares to share it with you, you will have to ask HIM/HER for it.
*Remember: If pay does not look correct, your spouse must contact the Finance Department to get pay issues resolved!
Financial 101
LES - What is it and what does it stand for?
LES = Leave and Earnings Statement and it is the pay stub. It will have the basic employment deductions as well as any garnishments. It will also show you the amount of leave (time off) your trainee/soldier has earned and used. There is also an area where DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Services) will send you notifications. Below you will find a link and a picture of what part of an LES looks like.
http://www.military.com/spouse/military-benefits/money-management/how-to-read-a-military-les-leave-and-earnings-statement.html
Allotments – What is that? Some loaners, such as a car dealership, will offer deals if you sign up to have your payment taken out of your check. These allotments cannot be more than 15 to 20% of your check as these are pulled after taxes but before any anything else like owing child support or owe the government.
Garnishment – This is where there is a court order for things like Child Support, taxes, owing the government money, judgements or student loans that are in default.
Eagle Card or Cash Card – This is the card that the Army will give your trainee with a pre-loaded amount to help them get through basic training. It is a pay advance, so the $350.00 they receive on this card WILL be deducted from their pay. It is typically the second or third check that this money is paid back at once.
If you think there is an issue with a paycheck, you will have to write to your trainee ASAP. They will then have to meet with finance and fix it on their end. Also keep in mind their first OR second check will be minus the $350 advance they receive when they arrive at BCT (for them to use while there).
For those of you married to a trainee … your spouse will be getting paid while in BCT. They will be getting paid according to their particular rank.
Your trainee has more than likely set up a direct deposit to receive his pay.
FAQs:
What is “BAH”?
-BAH stands for “Basic Allowance for Housing” and is the Military’s way of taking care of your housing, as a dependent(s), while you are away from your spouse. The amount of BAH you receive is directly dependent on where you live; your zip code. Your BAH may not show up in the pay right away, but once it starts it will include the amount owed from the beginning of training.
”The second time he got paid was a lot more than the first time. Why?”
-The Army took money out to repay a debt. This was probably ~$350 and was used to put money onto a Debit card that the trainees use during BCT to purchase supplies and necessities (like hair cuts)
”There is no money showing up in our account at all and it’s been over a month and a half. Who do I contact regarding this?”
-Your trainee must contact the Finance Department to get any pay issues resolved.
”I think our BAH should be more than what he’s receiving.”
-Again, your trainee must contact the Finance Department to get pay issues resolved.
”I’d like to see the breakdown of what my trainee is getting paid. How do I access it?”
-It’s called a “MyPay” account. Your trainee has this information. If he/she is allowed to/cares to share it with you, you will have to ask HIM/HER for it.
*Remember: If pay does not look correct, your spouse must contact the Finance Department to get pay issues resolved!
Financial 101
LES - What is it and what does it stand for?
LES = Leave and Earnings Statement and it is the pay stub. It will have the basic employment deductions as well as any garnishments. It will also show you the amount of leave (time off) your trainee/soldier has earned and used. There is also an area where DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Services) will send you notifications. Below you will find a link and a picture of what part of an LES looks like.
http://www.military.com/spouse/military-benefits/money-management/how-to-read-a-military-les-leave-and-earnings-statement.html
Allotments – What is that? Some loaners, such as a car dealership, will offer deals if you sign up to have your payment taken out of your check. These allotments cannot be more than 15 to 20% of your check as these are pulled after taxes but before any anything else like owing child support or owe the government.
Garnishment – This is where there is a court order for things like Child Support, taxes, owing the government money, judgements or student loans that are in default.
Eagle Card or Cash Card – This is the card that the Army will give your trainee with a pre-loaded amount to help them get through basic training. It is a pay advance, so the $350.00 they receive on this card WILL be deducted from their pay. It is typically the second or third check that this money is paid back at once.