Hey Active Duty Did You Know? Your BAH Counts Toward Qualifying for a VA Loan

 


Hey Veterans and Active Duty—did you know your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) can be used as income when applying for a VA loan?

This is one of the many ways VA loans are uniquely designed to support military families on their journey to homeownership.

Why BAH Matters in Homebuying

  • Boosts Your Buying Power: Lenders can count BAH as part of your effective income, which may increase the amount of home you can qualify for.

  • No Down Payment Required: Combined with the VA’s no-down-payment benefit, BAH can help bridge the gap between your income and your dream home.

  • Stable, Documented Income: Because BAH is a consistent military allowance, it often strengthens your application when compared to variable or uncertain income streams.

  • Your Next Duty Station:  When purchasing a home at your next duty assignment, The BAH allotment at that assignment is the amount that is eligible for qualifying income.  

  • Find Your BAH Here: https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/

Example Scenario

Let’s say your base pay is $3,500 per month and your BAH is $1,800. Instead of qualifying on $3,500 alone, lenders can use $5,300 as qualifying income. That difference can make or break approval for the home you want.

Key Takeaway

If you’re Active Duty or recently separated and receiving BAH, don’t leave this benefit out of your loan application. It’s one of the VA loan program’s most borrower-friendly features, helping more military families become homeowners every year.

About Between Two Doors

Between Two Doors is a podcast where I talk with Realtors about their journey, aiming to connect home buyers and sellers with agents on a more personal level. I ask "right brain" questions that go beyond transactions, focusing on the experiences, values, and passions that make these professionals great at what they do.

Listen to more episodes at: https://www.betweentwodoors.com

Sponsored by:
Premier Lending, Inc.
https://www.natecarver.com

NMLS Numbers:
NMLS: 2004738
Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). Equal Housing Opportunity.
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📞 Contact: 972-832-5761

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Location: United States

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