- Members of the Coast Guard Reserve spend little time in active duty in comparison to other Coast Guard members. Reservists only spend an average of two days per month performing drills, in addition to a two-week period of active duty each year. During this time, reservists receive a housing allowance known as BAH II. The amount of BAS II per member depends on the length of time spent in active duty or transit. For example, a reservist who spends six days out of a 30-day month away from home on active duty will receive 20 percent of the full Coast Guard basic allowance for housing.
- Occasionally, depending on the nation’s and the U.S. Coast Guard’s needs, the Coast Guard may call on reservists to serve in active duty more than the usual part-time requirements. Once a member of the Coast Guard Reserve reaches a minimum of 30 days in active duty, he qualifies for the full BAH payments that other full-time active Coast Guard members receive.
- The amount of the BAH allowance varies between Coast Guard members according to military rank, location and the number of dependents each member has. Some Coast Guard reservists may qualify for an advance on BAH to help pay for rental deposits and other upfront rental expenses if they will serve in long-term active duty. Each year, the Coast Guard reevaluates the BAH payment tables according to the standard living expenses in each state’s zip code. Separate payment tables exist for active-duty members with and without dependents.
- U.S. Coast Guard reservists usually do not serve more than 100 miles away from home. Additionally, some perform duties in areas where the Coast Guard provides military housing. In such cases, members may not need BAH reimbursements, though they may still qualify for them.
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