The updated policy allows service members with dependents to maintain two households, continuing to receive BAH at the “dependent” rate for their prior duty location where their family remains, as well as receive per diem in the amount of BAH at the “without dependent” rate for the school or training location. 

To receive this benefit, the member requires orders to return to their prior duty station after they complete school or training and cannot live in no-cost government quarters. 

“We understand that these short moves, while necessary, can be disruptive to the lives and finances of Airmen and Guardians with families – particularly in situations where they are slated to return to their original duty station,” said Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Alex Wagner. “This new allowance gives our service members and their families additional resources to weather these times away without the added stress of financial uncertainties.” 

The new policy was directed by the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act and was reflected in the Joint Travel Regulation, Nov. 1, 2023.   

Members will receive retroactive payments if they meet the established eligibility criteria during a course they attended on or after Dec. 23, 2022.  

This effort does not replace the Temporary Duty Waiver for Formal Training policy, which allows Airmen and Guardians to attend courses with a duration between 141 and 180 days in a TDY status instead of a PCS status.