Qualifying for a Mortgage With Military Income | BAH, BAS, S&I
Active-duty military personnel receive various types pay above their regular pay during their military career such as allowances and special and incentive (S&I) pay. Your extra pay depends on what you do and where you serve.
It also depends on if you are single or married, or if you live on or off post.
Check your VA home buying eligibility. Start here (Dec 18th, 2024)Military income to boost your borrowing power
This additional pay could boost your borrowing power when you get ready to purchase a home and qualify for a mortgage. Some of the different types of incentive pay are:
- BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing): This allowance used to be called Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ) and is given to members in order to provide housing for themselves and their dependents, usually his or her spouse and children. It’s given when the member is not living in government housing. This is a non-taxable benefit paid on a monthly basis. The amount received is determined by their pay grade, where they are stationed, and if the member has dependents or not.
- BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence): This allowance is given to the service member to offset the cost for member’s meals. Its level is linked to the price of food, and is adjusted yearly based on the price of food as measured by the USDA food cost index.
Does BAH count as income for mortgage?
Yes, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is non-taxable income that can be used to qualify for a mortgage. If you will continue to receive BAH for the foreseeable future then it is eligible for inclusion toward your gross income.
Check your VA mortgage rates. Start here (Dec 18th, 2024)Other qualifying types of military income
There are several other types of military income which are commonly referred to as Special and Incentive (S&I) pay. This pay is for specific qualifications or events. Here are some examples:
- Hazardous Duty Incentive Pays (HDIP)
- Flying Duty
- Parachute Duty Pay
- Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP)
- Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (SUBPAY)
- Diving Duty Pay
- Hardship Duty Pay (HDP)
- Plus many more
In order to determine if you qualify to use BAS, BAH, or S&I pay towards your VA loan, the lender will have to first determine whether you will receive this pay for the foreseeable future.
Lenders will consider this pay usable as long as you are not within 12 months of separation from the military. Also, we have to be able to verify the income being used. This can be done by providing your Leave and Earning Statement (LES) which will show how much you are receiving, and how long you are going to receive it.
Check your VA home buying eligibility. Start here (Dec 18th, 2024)Income eligibility requirements 2025
If you are within 12 months of leaving the service, and you plan to use this income, you should:
- Have documentation that you have re-enlisted or extended your active duty to a date beyond the 12-month period
- Verify that you have an offer of a local civilian job following your release from active duty (you will have to prove your income is sufficient to make up for the income you were making in the military)
- You can make a statement that you intend to remain on active duty beyond the 12-month period
- You get a statement from your commanding officer that says you can re-enlist or extend, and that there is no reason it won’t be granted
For people who are in the Reserves and National Guard, it would be best to contact a lender, as these kinds of allowances will be calculated differently. However, as a general rule, you should be able to use average pay received over the previous two years, as long as it’s expected to continue.
Check your VA mortgage rates. Start here (Dec 18th, 2024)
