Girlfriends, Fiances,and Wives of Sailors

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Hello my name is Keisha and i am the creator of this group. Thanks for joining and i hope that all the advice this group gives is helpful

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  • Kelsie

    Allison and AntiM thanks for the info! We're getting stationed in Whidbey Island, WA and from what I've seen apartments there would take pretty much all of our bah plus utilities so I'm definitely thinking base housing is the way for us to go right now.

    The base housing there is actually off base from what I've seen and my husband said he heard of you live in base housing off base you still get bah? Is that true? He's just finishing up training in Pensacola so I don't know who hears things from but everyone on here has always had amazing info so thought I'd ask!

    Jul 25, 2016

  • Michael

    I love base housing. It's so much worth it more then not. I live in fort story pay no utilities except tv phone internet. Close friends lots of other benefits to live on base. My auto insurance is also cheaper by 200. But it's something you have to think about

    Jul 25, 2016

  • Anti M

    @Kelsie ... they can hear the weirdest things in A school, usually from people who don't know much more than they do.

    Civilian landlords in a military area know how much BAH is, that it public information, so they charge as much as they know you can pay.  

    Looks like a company called Hunt has taken over Forest City properties.  

    http://www.northwestmilitaryhousing.com/

    Jul 25, 2016

  • Paige

    Hi all of you.! Do any of you guys know how it works if my husband goes to a duty station temporarily while his orders get changed, who gets the BAH.? Me & my son or my husband.? Does the Navy take care of us both financially or is that something my husband & I have too work out.?

    Jul 31, 2016

  • abuon18

    Paige, he should get BAH in the amount according to where ever his dependents are living if it is an authorized geo-bachelor situation. In any case, he receives BAH as a direct deposit when he gets paid twice a month, all of his allowances are lumped together and included in his pay. He gets paid half of the month on the 1st and the other half on the 15th. It will go into whatever bank account he set up his direct deposit for his regular pay to go into.

    Jul 31, 2016

  • abuon18

    Half of the BAH on the 1stime of the month and the other half of the 15th, sorry!

    Jul 31, 2016

  • garden gal

    Kelsi, my son and DIL live in base housing at Whidbey. They absolutely love it. The housing areas are "off base" but are fairly large communities. There are several so if you are offered a choice I can ask them which is preferable. Civilian housing is fairly expensive so the BAH doesn't go very far if you chose that. Some people live up to an hour away and commute to get affordable civilian housing. Also several squadrons are relocating to Whidbey in the next year so the housing market will only get tighter. They advise military housing if there is an opening. 

    I went to visit in early July and it is a very beautiful place to be stationed. Temperate climate and they are in the rain shadow of the Olympia mountains so not as much rain as you would expect for the Pacific northwest.

    Aug 1, 2016

  • Kelsie

    Alright so plans have changed (I'm shocked I thought plans never change in the military!) but we found out today my husband is not going to Whidbey, he's being deployed. I've decided to stay in my home town with my family until he gets back. I can do that right? My husband seems to think I have to move even though he won't be there. Any advice is more than welcome.

    Aug 1, 2016

  • garden gal

    I am pretty sure you can stay in your hometown as long as he is deployed.  Will he be on a ship or an unaccompanied OCONUS (no need to be specific about where)?  Your BAH will be based on where you live - not where he is based - or so I understand. :).  Here is a link to calculated the BAH amounts based on zip code

    http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.cfm

    sorry - I don't know how to make this a clickable link

    Aug 1, 2016

  • garden gal

    Actually, if he is on a ship you might get the lower of his assigned base location or your location - I'm not sure. If he is unaccompanied OCONUS then you get the amount for yor hometown.

    Aug 1, 2016

  • abuon18

    Kelsie, when he's deployed you don't have to live at his duty station. I have lived in a different location from my husband's duty station before when he was deployed and it is very common for a spouse to move back home. I actually stayed at our previous duty station because he had to report to his new duty station, go underway for 3 weeks that week, come home for 5 days then he deployed for what was supposed to be 8 but turned into 10. So you don't even have to stay home, you can live where ever you want- if you're in school or working somewhere and don't want to leave. His ship has to approve it (which they will) and you will get BAH for where you are living. You DO however need to turn in a copy of your lease agreement, so if you're living at home, with your parents for example and not really paying rent, you will have to draw up a lease agreement (really easy to find templates online, I have used them before for roommates and I also work for Realtors and property managers) indicating some amount of rent you are paying them (even if it's just $200). But they do require it, and if he is deploying through the new year you'll have to submit it again right before the new year to update the paperwork for 2017. You can PM if you want more specifcs.

    Aug 1, 2016

  • Lindsey

    Hi everyone! My husband just left today to head to our first duty station, Newport RI. Does anyone know how long the wait usually is for on base housing? Has anyone been there before, and did you like it/ pros & cons? Thanks so much!!!

    Aug 7, 2016

  • sailormaid

    I don't know anything about the Naval aspects of Newport but it's a beautiful New Englad beach town. (My husband and I went to college in Providence so we've spent a lot of time there.) We're actually moving there in October for his A-school and looking for an apartment off base. I have some contact info for realtors in the area; if you're interested, PM me!

    Aug 7, 2016

  • 18gf

    how long does it take for bah to get approved ?

    Aug 12, 2016

  • Anti M

    If things go well, two pay cycles, about a month.  If someone screws up the paperwork, then a couple months.  Sailor should be checking after a month, stay on top of it.  Be annoying.

    Aug 12, 2016

  • Wildcat_girl

    @anita do they back pay bah?

    Aug 12, 2016

  • abuon18

    Wildcatgrl.... yes they back pay BAH but you have to make sure it's included when it's supposed to be. Mistakes happen and if something like that slips by, they are not quick to pay up without prodding.

    Aug 12, 2016

  • Wildcat_girl

    Question: USAA or Navy federal?
    Pros? Cons?

    Aug 15, 2016

  • Anti M

    They are both very good.  NFCU has more overseas locations.  We have been using NFCU a very long time, and have kept it for our Navy retired pay and VA.  Easy online banking, good credit rates.  
    Lots of people also like USAA, and they carry decent insurance too.

    Aug 15, 2016

  • Paige

    Hi, do any of you know about base housing in Norfolk, VA? I have submitted my application several days ago & I haven't recieved a call or email back about whether their is base housing availible or not. How long does it take to get a response? Thanks!

    Aug 19, 2016

  • Michael

    Call them. You may have not heard because they don't have everything. But call them on the phone

    Aug 19, 2016

  • Paige

    Hi you all, do any of you know about any programs in Navy that assist with helping the rent costs, downpayments or security deposits or any program similar..ect ect We have orders to move to Norfolk. All & any information is appreciated. Thanks!

    Aug 25, 2016

  • Michael

    If you live in base housing you don't have to worry about any of that. If you rent off base housing you are on your own they will pay the sailor his BHA and that's it. You don't get any extra assistance. My wise words of this is your first like it was ours do base housing. Contact Lincoln military housing or contact fort story housing and they will set you up with housing and you won't have to worry about paying rent or deposits it will be taken right out of his or hers check.

    Aug 25, 2016

  • Michael

    757-962-3511 Fortstoryhomes.com

    Aug 25, 2016

  • Michael

    http://www.fortstoryfamilyhomes.com/contact-us/
    Correct address for fort story

    Here is Lincoln
    http://lincolnmilitary.com/installations/naval-station-norfolk/

    Aug 25, 2016

  • Brooke

    This may be a stupid question but I thought I'd still ask. My husband's ship is being sent to dry dock in Newport News, Va at the beginning of the year. Since this isn't a base there is no base housing. I've been looking at places to rent but Newport News and Hampton aren't the safest/nicest cities. There are a couple non-Navy bases in the area, like Langley AFB (there is one Navy base but it would be a kinda long drive). So my question is does anyone know if the military bases open their housing to multiple branches (ex. Afb allowing Navy service members) I know there are joint bases but what about just "regular" bases? Or are families with service members working on ships in dry dock just out of luck, stuck with either a long commute or living off base?

    Aug 31, 2016

  • Michael

    You can live on any military base as long as there is room we live on a army base/ marine base in Virginia beach and love it

    Aug 31, 2016

  • Michael

    Brooke one last thing my husband has been in dry dock for 2 months it take home 20-25 to and from work everyday. That's from Virginia beach has zero traffic because he musters everyday at 0530 everyday so there are no cars on the road at 0500 every morning. My husband told me this look for homes that are safe. Safe for you and our daughter don't worry about my commute. A friend of ours takes just as long to get to work and live 2 miles from Norfolk because of the traffic where he is located is so freaking bad. I love our home it's right on the beach and only military can be here so it's quite. Take info from everyone and make your best descion on your needs

    Aug 31, 2016

  • Brooke

    Thank you everyone for your replies, I will definitely take everything into consideration while we look for a home!

    Sep 1, 2016

  • Paige

    Hi, does anyone know about discharge & benefits? Like if a service member gets discharged does the Navy support the dependents or help in any way & can you switch from Active Duty to Reserves before your contract end date? Thank you

    Sep 3, 2016

  • Michael

    As far as I know once you discharge your done but it also depends on what kind of discharge. If its dishonorable discharge he also loses the pension. Health insurance will end unless you pick up Cobra but you have to pay for it. If you go into the reserves benefits are a little different higher deductibles higher co-pays I know this as my father was a reservist and is not retired with 25 years. You have to have the years in to get the health care. I do not believe you can switch from full time to reserve you must serve your contract. He should go talk to the Chaplin to get more info. They have all that stuff available to all sailors. When we don't know I make my husband go talk to the Chaplin.

    Sep 3, 2016

  • Anti M

    No, he cannot switch to reserves, although he might be able to re-enlist for a reserves contract.  The health benefits go away for dependents of reserves, except for a paid plan through Tricare (monthly premiums required).  The VA picks up benefits for active duty who have served over a certain amount of time, and have a medical or honorable discharge. As far as I know, dependents get nothing unless the serve member retires with 20 years of service.
    There is COBRA to cover the medical insurance gap, but it is expensive.

    Sep 9, 2016

  • Paige

    Hi, how does the Navy move your household furniture? We have orders to Norfolk,VA & our furniture is in a storage unit in a different state! Can Navy move us still? How much would it cost or how does everything work? Thanks!

    Sep 13, 2016

  • Michael

    Paige. Your answers can be solved if you call them. Your husbands orders should have numbers if not call the navy they will tell you. Now you will have to choose which place you want your personal belongings picked up as they will only pick up from one place on there dime. You would have to pick up the rest. Now also when they send a truck to your house to pick up your belongings you are not the only one on that truck they most likely have 2 other sailors stuff on that truck that's how it works. They go to more then one sailors house. But your husband should make the phone calls and find out it's not that hard mine did and then when he could not have got me the phone numbers and I did. It's very easy to do. They told me if I went over our alloted amount it is $100 for every pound over and a E 3 is allotted 6000 pounds from one point of origin.

    Sep 13, 2016

  • Michael

    Also Paige look for a place in Norfolk. I tell everyone to stay in base housing the first time especially now since congress will be voting in the next few months on reducing BHA by 20% and they have the votes to do it to reduce cost. If it passes and you love off base you will have to make that money up some how out of your monthly pay since you won't have enough to cover your rent if you love off base if you love on base you have nothing to worry about. Example you rent off base find a place for $1000 your power bill runs you $150 a month so that $1150 of your BHA and say your BHA is $1200 a month so you think your saving $50 a month for you to do what you want with. The government passes the reduction 20% minus your $1200 a month is now $950 a month of BHA so now you have to take money from his pay to make up the difference and if he makes $1200 a month like my husband does after taxes and deductions that's going to kill you. Now if you live on base you never have to make up the difference the base housing eats it

    Sep 13, 2016

  • Paige

    @Michael Thank you for the information! I will take that all into consideration.! Thank you.!

    Sep 13, 2016

  • Anti M

    Hello folks!  A reminder, please post!

    Navyformoms.com is being updated and upgraded by the agency that oversees it, and part of this effort is making room for new members.  To do so, members who have not been active since 12/1/15 will be removed but will be able to re-join.  This is all part of an effort to make Navyformoms.com the best it can be for everyone, seasoned moms and new members alike.  If you haven't posted since that date, please do so right away!  

    Dec 2, 2016

  • Cerena

    My now husband has gotten to his first permanent duty station. (i think that's what it's called) It's a ways from home to me and him but i'm glad to say i'll be with him again. So exciting :)

    Dec 3, 2016

  • Barney

    :)

    Dec 4, 2016

  • sailormaid

    Any neighborhood recommendations in Norfolk?

    Dec 5, 2016

  • 18gf

    hi. i plan to move to cali in january and my husband is going to apply for bah in january when he gets back from leave. it takes two pay cycles to get bah right? also do they kick him out of his barracks once he applys for bah? we just don't want to be stuck without a apartment and we can't afford to get an apartment till we get the bah.

    Dec 5, 2016

  • abuon18

    18gf are you already married? If so has he updated his page 2? That's the form that tells the Navy if he has dependents and if he should be receiving BAH and your health insurance. You should already be receiving BAH if you're married.

    Dec 5, 2016

  • 18gf

    we aren't getting married till the 26th of this month and then he's gonna do that the beginning of january i just didn't want them to kick him out of his barracks before he receives his bah because we can't get approved at the apartment we want to stay at till it shows that on his pay stubs

    Dec 5, 2016

  • abuon18

    Oh, okay. I was confused because your first comment said husband.

    So when he updates his Page 2 it can take 2 pay cycles, but it can take 1, or 4, or 6 or even more sometimes. There is just no telling - there isn't a timeline for that unfortunately. My husband was lucky - we saw his BAH on the next paycheck after he turned in his page 2 because he kept checking in at the office so they got it done.

    They won't kick him out of the barracks until they have proof that he has a place to live and is receiving BAH - they are required to provide housing for him. Unfortunately they do not have housing for you. If you plan to move there before you can lease your apartment then you will need to make some sort of temporary living arrangements for yourself, or you can wait and move yourself out there after his BAH has kicked in.

    Good luck and congratulations!

    Dec 5, 2016

  • 18gf

    do you know if we do on base housing if it's available does he still gets bah? and okay thank you so much i was just worried and he has been real busy with work and hasn't been able to get a lot of info and i figured here would be the best option for me to know!! thank you again!

    Dec 5, 2016

  • Michael

    I do know that there is a base housing shortage in san that's what everyone says. Wait times could be long was glad we did not get stuck going there. Just contact them online.

    Dec 5, 2016

  • abuon18

    No, if you decide to base housing he would not still get BAH. It would automatic my get deducted from his pay to go towards the rent and bills to housing. As Michael said there is likely a wait but unfortunately he can't apply for base housing until you're married. So if you would like to do base housing as soon as you're married he should get you guys on the wait list.

    Dec 5, 2016

  • Craig

    Posting to keep this group active...
    “Deleting inactive members - The ad agency that handles N4M is in the process of updating the site. If you have not been active since 12/1/15 you will be deleted to make room for new members. You will be able to re-join. If you don't want to be deleted you will need to post something in any one of your groups to activate your account. They have already started deleting members.”

    Dec 6, 2016

  • garden gal

    Posting so I won't get deleted

    Dec 7, 2016

  • garden gal

    He might get paid on the 15th. If not then it will be on the 31st. It takes a while to get everything set up.  My son left on Aug 20, he was paid on Sept 15 for the first time.  The first few paychecks will take a while to even out with the uniform allowance/charge & the amount they deduct for PT uniforms & incidentals.  You will get BAH from the day he swore in.  You will also get $250/mo separation allowance.  It may take a few paychecks for all of that to make it into the checks.  The separation allowance doesn't start until he has been gone 30 days, but then it is back paid from the day he left.  At least that's how it was for my son & DIL.

    Dec 14, 2016