BAH-Diff and Partial BAH: The Housing Allowances Almost Nobody Explains
Most members know BAH and BAH RC/Transit. But two smaller housing allowances — BAH-Diff and Partial BAH — quietly appear on LESs in specific situations, and the amounts are easy to miss. Here's exactly who gets them, with the 2025 figures.
Partial BAH (single members in the barracks)
If you're without dependents and living in government quarters (barracks/dorms), you don't get full BAH — but you do get a small Partial BAH. The rates are tiny and grade-based:
| Grade | Monthly Partial BAH (2025) |
|---|---|
| E-5 | $8.70 |
| E-6 | $9.90 |
| E-7 | $12.00 |
| O-3 | $22.20 |
| O-4 | $26.70 |
Partial BAH rates have been fixed for decades, which is why they look so small — a few dollars to a few tens of dollars a month.
BAH-Diff (members paying child support while in quarters)
BAH-Diff is for members without primary custody who pay child support and live in government quarters. It bridges the gap between the with- and without-dependents rates. 2025 examples:
| Grade | Monthly BAH-Diff (2025) |
|---|---|
| E-5 | $366.30 |
| E-6 | $403.80 |
| E-7 | $417.30 |
| O-3 | $245.40 |
A key rule: your child-support payment must be at least equal to the BAH-Diff amount to qualify. Move out of quarters and you generally shift to regular BAH instead.
How these fit the bigger picture
For the main rates — full locality BAH and the reserve BAH RC/Transit table — see our 2026 BAH guide and BAH-by-location pages.
Living off base? Look up your full BAH by ZIP and see your real take-home.
Calculate my pay →Frequently asked questions
What is Partial BAH?
A small housing allowance for members without dependents who live in government quarters and therefore don't receive full BAH. Rates are grade-based and have been fixed for decades.
What is BAH-Diff?
BAH-Differential is paid to members without primary custody who pay child support and live in government quarters; the child-support payment must be at least the BAH-Diff amount to qualify.
Do barracks residents get any BAH?
Yes - a small Partial BAH, even though they don't receive full BAH while living in government quarters.