WASHINGTON – (CLARKSVILLENOW) The Department of Defense released the 2019 Basic Allowance for Housing rates, which will increase an average of 2.55 percent when they take effect on January 1, 2019. 

An estimated $21 billion will be paid to approximately one million service members.

According to a Department of Defense release, the 2019 BAH program increases the member cost-sharing element (out-of-pocket expense) to five percent.

For 2019, a typical member will need to absorb five percent of the national average housing cost by pay grade. Out-of-pocket amounts vary by grade and dependency status and range from $66 to $149 monthly.