If you’re stationed somewhere, living off base and receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), there’s one thing you need to prioritize: documentation. Whether you’re on an unaccompanied tour overseas or serving stateside, the key to protecting your entitlements—and yourself—is keeping detailed, organized records of where your family resides. Trust me, this is not just a bureaucratic formality; it’s your strongest defense against accusations of fraud.
BAH fraud investigations aren’t as rare as you might think. I’ve seen countless cases where service members’ BAH entitlements came under scrutiny simply because they couldn’t provide the right documentation. Sometimes, the command or law enforcement doubts where your family actually lives. Other times, it’s a matter of misunderstanding the rules or getting sloppy with paperwork. Regardless of the reason, one thing is clear: when your BAH is questioned, the first thing investigators will ask for is proof.
Why Documentation Matters
BAH entitlements are based on where your dependents actually reside. This isn’t about where you want them to live or where they occasionally visit; it’s about their primary, intended residence. And when that’s called into question, the burden of proof falls squarely on your shoulders. Can you prove that your family lived where you said they did? If you can’t, you’re opening yourself up to a world of trouble.
Think about it like this: every lease agreement, utility bill, or school enrollment record is a piece of a puzzle. Together, they create a clear picture of your family’s living situation. Without these pieces, investigators are left to fill in the blanks—and they’re not going to fill them in your favor.
Now, let me be clear about something: fake documents are not the answer. I’ve seen service members try to “shore up” their defense by fabricating leases or doctoring utility bills. It never works. Investigators are trained to spot inconsistencies, and once they do, you’re facing additional charges like obstruction of justice or falsification of records. If you don’t have the documents you need, that’s a problem. But fake documents? That’s a disaster.
The Essential Documents You Need
So, what kind of documentation should you be keeping? Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
– Leases and Mortgage Agreements: These are the most straightforward pieces of evidence. A signed lease or a mortgage statement showing regular payments ties your family to a specific address during a specific time. Make sure these documents are complete and up-to-date.
– Utility Bills: These are often overlooked but incredibly important. A utility bill shows not only that your family lived at the address but that they actually used the property. A house with no water, electricity, or gas usage isn’t much of a residence.
– School Enrollment Records: If you have children, their school records can be a powerful piece of evidence. They show not only where your family lived but also where they intended to stay.
– Flight Itineraries and Travel Receipts: If your family traveled frequently—say, between your duty station and their home—these records can help establish their primary residence.
– Phone Records: These can sometimes corroborate your family’s location, especially if they show patterns of calls originating from a specific area.
The key is to keep these documents organized and accessible. Store them in a secure location, whether that’s a physical file or a digital folder on your computer. And make backups. The last thing you want is to lose critical evidence because of a misplaced file or a hard drive crash.
Special Considerations for Overseas Tours
Things can get particularly tricky if you’re stationed overseas on an unaccompanied tour. Let’s say you’re serving in Korea, and your family is supposed to be living in San Diego. But maybe they visit you in Korea frequently—spending 60 days there, then flying back to San Diego for two weeks, then returning to Korea. This kind of arrangement happens all the time, and it’s perfectly legitimate—as long as your family’s primary residence remains San Diego.
Here’s where the rules get specific: your family can’t be in Korea for more than 90 days at a time without jeopardizing your BAH entitlements. And even if they’re only there for short visits, you still need to document everything. Keep flight itineraries, boarding passes, and records of their time in Korea and San Diego. These records can prove that their primary residence is where you claimed it to be.
Don’t Get Sloppy
One of the most common mistakes service members make is getting sloppy with their documentation—or not keeping any documentation at all. I get it. Life gets busy. Maybe you moved several times during your tour, or maybe you didn’t think to save those utility bills. But let me tell you something: sloppiness is not an excuse that holds up in an investigation.
If you can’t provide the necessary documents, investigators are going to assume the worst. They’re not going to give you the benefit of the doubt. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of your records from the beginning. Make it a habit to save everything related to your family’s residence. And if you haven’t been doing that, start now.
What to Do if You’re Under Investigation
If you find yourself under investigation for BAH fraud, the first thing you need to do is stop and take a deep breath. Don’t panic, and don’t start explaining yourself to investigators or your command. Every word you say can and will be used against you. Instead, call an attorney who understands military law and fraud cases. This isn’t the time for amateur hour. You need professional guidance.
Your attorney will help you gather and present your documentation in a way that supports your defense. They’ll also make sure that you don’t inadvertently incriminate yourself. This is especially important if your records are incomplete or if there are gaps in your documentation. A good attorney can help explain these gaps without making you look guilty.
The Bottom Line
BAH fraud investigations are serious, but they’re not unbeatable. The key is preparation. Keep your documentation organized and accurate. Be honest about where your family lives, and don’t try to game the system. If you do find yourself under investigation, act quickly and get the right legal help.
At the end of the day, protecting your BAH entitlements comes down to one thing: proof. If you can prove where your family lived, you’ve got nothing to worry about. But if you can’t—or if you try to cover your tracks with fake evidence—you’re setting yourself up for failure. So do yourself a favor: keep your records, stay honest, and stay prepared.