GI Bill BAH Calculator
Estimate your monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This calculator uses the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school's zip code and your enrollment details to provide an estimate.
Understanding Your GI Bill BAH
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a monthly stipend provided to eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill students to help cover housing costs while attending school. It's an essential part of your education benefits, but understanding how it's calculated can sometimes be complex.
Who is Eligible for BAH?
Generally, you are eligible for BAH if you are a Post-9/11 GI Bill recipient attending school more than half-time. However, there are specific exclusions:
- Active duty service members.
- Spouses of active duty service members using transferred benefits.
- Those using the Fry Scholarship (which provides a different housing stipend).
- Students attending school half-time or less.
How is BAH Calculated?
Your BAH rate is primarily determined by two factors:
- School Location: For in-person students, your BAH is based on the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the zip code of your school. This rate is set by the Department of Defense and varies significantly by location.
- Rate of Pursuit: This refers to your enrollment status – essentially, how many credit hours you're taking compared to what your school considers full-time.
The "Rate of Pursuit" Explained
The VA calculates your rate of pursuit by dividing the number of credit hours you're enrolled in by the number of credit hours your school defines as full-time for that specific term. This percentage is then rounded to the nearest tenth. If the result is exactly halfway between two tenths (e.g., 0.75), the VA rounds down.
- Full-Time (100% Rate of Pursuit): You receive 100% of the applicable BAH rate.
- More Than Half-Time (e.g., 60-90% Rate of Pursuit): You receive a pro-rated amount of the BAH. For example, if your rate of pursuit is 70%, you'll receive 70% of the BAH rate.
- Half-Time or Less (50% or lower Rate of Pursuit): You are generally not eligible for BAH.
Online-Only Enrollment
If you are enrolled in an entirely online program, your BAH is not based on your school's zip code. Instead, you receive a national average BAH rate. For 2024, this rate is $1,054.50 per month for full-time students. This rate is also pro-rated based on your rate of pursuit if you are taking more than half-time credits.
Finding Your E-5 w/ Dependents BAH Rate
To use this calculator accurately, you'll need to find the current E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school's zip code. You can do this by visiting the official Department of Defense BAH Calculator. Enter your school's zip code and select "E-5 with Dependents" as the rank.
Important Considerations
- BAH rates are subject to change annually, typically effective January 1st.
- This calculator provides an estimate. Your actual BAH payment may vary based on VA processing, specific program details, and any changes to your enrollment.
- Always confirm your eligibility and expected benefits with the VA or your school's certifying official.
Example Scenarios:
Let's assume the E-5 w/ Dependents BAH rate for your school's zip code is $2,000 per month, and full-time is 12 credit hours.
- Scenario 1: Full-Time In-Person Student
- E-5 w/ Dependents BAH Rate: $2,000
- Enrolled Credit Hours: 12
- Full-Time Credit Hours: 12
- Online Only: No
- Estimated Monthly BAH: $2,000.00 (12/12 = 100% rate of pursuit)
- Scenario 2: Three-Quarter Time In-Person Student
- E-5 w/ Dependents BAH Rate: $2,000
- Enrolled Credit Hours: 9
- Full-Time Credit Hours: 12
- Online Only: No
- Rate of Pursuit: (9/12) = 0.75, rounded down to 0.7 (70%)
- Estimated Monthly BAH: $1,400.00 ($2,000 * 0.7)
- Scenario 3: Half-Time In-Person Student
- E-5 w/ Dependents BAH Rate: $2,000
- Enrolled Credit Hours: 6
- Full-Time Credit Hours: 12
- Online Only: No
- Rate of Pursuit: (6/12) = 0.5 (50%)
- Estimated Monthly BAH: $0.00 (Half-time or less is not eligible)
- Scenario 4: Full-Time Online-Only Student
- E-5 w/ Dependents BAH Rate: (Not applicable, but still needed for input)
- Enrolled Credit Hours: 12
- Full-Time Credit Hours: 12
- Online Only: Yes
- Estimated Monthly BAH: $1,054.50 (2024 national average for online)