Financial Considerations Surrounding Having Kids in the Military

When I joined the military back in 1997, the rumor was that the military pays you more for every child you have. This rumor is still out there, and it is completely false. You do get extra pay for having dependents, but you don't get more pay every time you have another dependent. For military members who wish to have children while in the military, there are some things you need to know about military benefits before taking that leap.

BAH

If you are thinking about having children, you may already be married. In this case, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) does not increase. Members who live off-base or off-post get BAH without dependents if they are single, or BAH with dependents if they are married and/or have children. Your BAH does not increase when you add more dependents; it is based off your duty location.

BAS

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is for the military member themselves, and not for the dependents. Therefore, this benefit is not increased when you add more dependents to your family.

Medical Benefits

Medical benefits are provided to military members and dependents at no charge to the member. However, elective procedures and some necessities such as orthodontia are not paid for. This is something that you should weigh before having children, and set aside a medical fund to pay for these. Contribute to this savings account each month to make sure you have enough funds on hand when you need them.

Dental Benefits

While dental benefits are provided to military members free of charge, there is a nominal cost for dental benefits for dependents. Make yourself aware of these costs before having children, so you are not surprised.

Housing

If you live on-base or on-post, you will be eligible for larger housing when you add children to your family. There is usually a long waiting list for housing, so get yourself on the waiting list as soon as possible. Some installations let you jump on the list when you find out that you are expecting, while some make you wait until the baby is born, so talk to the housing office on your installation to find out what their policies are.

Whether you are military or civilian, you should make sure that your finances are in order before you add dependents to your family. However, military members have special considerations that civilians don't have. If you have any questions about this or any other financial topic, talk to the Family Readiness Center or similar office on your installation, or seek the services of a licensed financial professional.

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