The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is a monthly tax-free allowance provided to active duty military personnel to help cover the cost of food. The rates are adjusted annually based on the Department of Agriculture’s food price index. Here’s a quick rundown of the 2024 BAS rates:
- Enlisted Members: $460.25 per month
- Officers: $316.98 per month
BAS II for Enlisted in Special Circumstances:
There’s also a separate rate, BAS II, for enlisted personnel living in government quarters that lack “adequate food storage or preparation facilities.” This increased rate is designed to offset the higher costs associated with eating out more frequently. The 2024 BAS II rate is:
- BAS II: $920.50 per month
Key Points about BAS:
- BAS is not dependent on your pay grade or dependent status.
- The increase in BAS is tied to food price inflation, so it may differ from annual military pay raises.
- If you are receiving meals from the government, a daily deduction is applied to your BAS rate.
Resources for More Information:
- Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS): Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/Pay-Tables/bas/)
- Military.com: 2024 Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) Rates: https://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/allowances/basic-allowance-for-subsistence.html