The DA 5960 form, officially known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Adjust Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), is a critical document used by United States Army personnel. It serves multiple purposes, including initiating, halting, or modifying an individual's housing allowance based on changes in their living situation or family status. This form plays a pivotal role in ensuring that service members receive the appropriate housing compensation they are entitled to.
Navigating the complexities of military benefits can often seem daunting, especially when it comes to ensuring housing allowances are accurately processed and received. Among the various forms and paperwork, the DA Form 5960, Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA), stands out as a crucial document for military personnel. This form serves the essential purpose of initiating, altering, or halting housing allowances, a key component of a service member's financial well-being. It is specifically designed to streamline the administration of housing benefits, ensuring that military members are properly compensated for their living arrangements, whether they are living on-base, off-base, or overseas. The process of completing and submitting the DA 5960 form requires a detailed understanding of one’s personal circumstances, including marital status, number of dependents, and current living situation, to accurately reflect any entitlements. Its completion and approval are vital for the timely and correct payment of housing allowances, making it an indispensable document for service members seeking to manage their housing benefits effectively.
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 embarking on the process of filling out the DA 5960 form, individuals are engaging in a crucial step that facilitates the necessary adjustments regarding their monetary entitlements and allowances. This document serves as a formal request, meticulously reviewed and processed, to ensure the financial aspects of one’s service are accurately aligned with their current circumstances. Navigating through this form requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of one’s own status and needs. The following steps have been designed to aid in this process, reducing the potential for errors and oversights, thereby smoothing the path to a successful submission.
The careful completion and submission of the DA 5960 form is not merely a procedural task; it is a decisive action towards securing the entitlements and allowances that align with one’s life circumstances within the service. By adhering to the outlined steps, individuals can navigate this process with confidence, ensuring a thorough and accurate presentation of their situation for review. As situations evolve, remember that this form may need to be updated; thus, maintaining current knowledge on the form’s requirements and procedures is beneficial for continued financial administration.
What is a DA 5960 form?
A DA 5960 form, also known as an Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA), is a document used by the U.S. Army. It is designed to formally request changes to a service member's housing and variable housing allowances. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring that personnel receive the appropriate financial compensation based on their housing situation.
Who needs to fill out a DA 5960 form?
Any active duty service member who wishes to initiate, alter, or halt their housing or variable housing allowances must fill out a DA 5960 form. This includes soldiers undergoing changes in their living circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, relocation, or a change in dependent status, which would affect their housing benefits.
When should a service member submit a DA 5960 form?
Service members should submit a DA 5960 form promptly when experiencing any life event that impacts their housing status. Timely submission is critical, ideally before or immediately following events like getting married, having a child, moving to a new residential location, or any other circumstance altering their need for housing allowance.
What information is required on a DA 5960 form?
Completing a DA 5960 form requires various pieces of personal and family information. This includes identification details, rank, social security number, and information about dependents. It also requires detailed information about the housing situation, including any changes that are being requested to the housing or variable housing allowances.
How does a service member submit a DA 5960 form?
Submission processes may vary by unit or military installation. Generally, a service member must fill out the form accurately, sign it, and then submit it through their chain of command. The form may also require endorsement by the service member's commanding officer before submission to the appropriate finance office for processing.
What happens after a DA 5960 form is submitted?
After submission, the form is reviewed by the personnel or finance office to ensure it is correctly filled out and that the request is valid based on the service member's circumstances. If approved, the allowance adjustments are processed, and the service member will receive a notification regarding the status of their request and when they can expect the changes to their allowances to take effect.
Can a DA 5960 form be rejected?
Yes, a DA 5960 form can be rejected if it is incomplete, contains incorrect information, or if the requested allowance adjustments are not justified based on the provided evidence or circumstances. In such cases, service members are usually given the opportunity to provide additional information or correct any errors and resubmit the form.
Is it possible to appeal a decision made on a DA 5960 form?
Yes, service members can appeal decisions regarding their DA 5960 form. If an initial request is denied or adjusted in a manner the service member disagrees with, they can typically file an appeal through their chain of command, providing further evidence or clarification to support their case.
Where can service members find help with their DA 5960 form?
Service members seeking assistance with their DA 5960 form can find support through their unit's personnel or finance office. Additionally, legal assistance offices on base can provide guidance, ensuring that the form is filled out correctly and that the service member's rights and benefits are fully protected.
One common mistake individuals often make when filling out the DA 5960 form is inaccurately reporting their dependency status. This error can occur if someone mistakenly includes a non-dependent as a dependent or fails to include an actual dependent. Such inaccuracies can lead to incorrect Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates, impacting financial planning and budgeting. Ensuring that all dependents are accurately listed, with careful consideration given to who meets the criteria as a dependent, is crucial for the accurate computation of entitlements.
Another frequent error is the failure to update personal information promptly. Life events such as marriages, divorces, or the birth of a child can significantly affect entitlements. Yet, individuals often overlook or delay updating these changes on the DA 5960 form. This oversight can result in receiving either too much or too little allowance, each scenario having its own set of complications. Regular reviews and updates of one's personal information can prevent such discrepancies.
Incorrectly calculating entitlements is also a notable error. The DA 5960 form requires specific calculations to determine the correct allowance amounts. Without a clear understanding of how to accurately calculate these entitlements, individuals can either underreport or overreport their allowances. This mistake can not only impact financial stability but also lead to potential issues with the Department of Defense (DoD). Utilizing resources and seeking clarification when needed can help avoid these calculation errors.
Lastly, a significant number of errors stem from not thoroughly reading the instructions or overlooking the necessity to include required documentation. The DA 5960 form comes with detailed instructions that many individuals skim over or completely ignore. Skipping this critical step can lead to incomplete forms or the omission of crucial supporting documents. Careful attention to the instructions and ensuring all required documentation is attached can significantly reduce errors and processing delays.
When managing allowances and financial benefits in the military, the DA 5960 form, also known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Adjust Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA), is a critical document. However, to ensure accurate and comprehensive processing, several other forms and documents are often required in conjunction. These documents support the DA 5960 by providing additional information, verifying eligibility, or providing the necessary authorization for action. Below is a list of documents frequently used alongside the DA 5960 form.
In order to facilitate the precise and efficient processing of housing and allowances benefits, each of these documents plays a pivotal role. They confirm personal circumstances and ensure that military members receive the entitlements appropriate to their situation. Handling these documents with care and attention to detail safeguards the rights and benefits of service members and their families, ensuring that their needs are met according to regulatory guidelines.
The DA 5960 form, often associated with the authorization for basic allowance for housing (BAH), shares similarities with several other government and military forms designed to manage personnel affairs and financial allowances. One such document is the DD Form 2558, which is the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change an Allotment. Similar to the DA 5960, this form is used by military personnel to manage the distribution of their pay for specific expenses, providing a mechanism for automatic financial management and allocation.
Another document closely related to the DA 5960 is the DD Form 2058, which is used for State of Legal Residence Certificate. This form influences a service member's tax obligations and voting registration, much like the DA 5960 affects housing allowances based on geographical locations. Both forms require accurate personal and locational information to ensure proper entitlements and legal compliances.
The SF-1190 (Foreign Allowances Application, Grant, and Report) is also akin to the DA 5960, targeting personnel stationed overseas. It outlines allowances and benefits for employees in foreign areas, adjusting for cost-of-living differences, similar to how BAH rates are adjusted for various geographical locations in the DA 5960.
Another document, the DD Form 137-3, Dependency Statement - Parent, shares its purpose with the DA 5960 in verifying dependency for financial allowance purposes. While the DA 5960 focuses on housing allowances, the DD Form 137-3 establishes eligibility for certain entitlements by verifying a parent's dependency status, both pivotal in ensuring service members receive appropriate benefits.
The DA Form 31, Request and Authority for Leave, while primarily for leave requests, intertwines with the DA 5960 in that it may affect BAH entitlements. Extended leaves or changes in duty stations can impact housing allowances, highlighting the interconnected nature of personnel documentation and the need for accurate, up-to-date information across forms.
Lastly, the BAH Rate Inquiry Form, while not an official military form like the DA 5960, serves a complementary purpose by allowing service members to inquire about or contest their current BAH rates. This document’s utility underscores the importance of accurate allowances and the need for mechanisms to address discrepancies, similar to adjustments facilitated by the DA 5960.
Understanding the DA 5960 form, essential for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) documentation, requires precise attention to detail. To ensure accuracy and streamline the approval process, here are the dos and don'ts when completing the form:
Following these guidelines will help facilitate a smoother process in filing the DA 5960 form, ensuring timely and accurate processing of your BAH entitlements.
The DA 5960 form, often associated with the United States Army, is a document used for authorizing basic allowance for housing (BAH). Surrounding this form, several misconceptions have emerged over time. It's important to clarify these misunderstandings to ensure accurate completion and submission of the form.
The DA 5960 form, officially known as the Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), is a critical document for military personnel. Its effectiveness in facilitating housing allowances makes understanding its intricacies paramount. Here are ten key takeaways about filling out and using this form:
In the context of managing military benefits, the DA 5960 form serves as a vital tool for service members. A thorough understanding and meticulous handling of this form empower personnel to accurately navigate changes in housing allowances, ensuring financial stability for themselves and their families.
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