The Final Move

It can be overwhelming to make the final move after your service member dies. But even if you are hesitant about taking this big step right away, it can provide a sense of security to know your housing options and available moving benefits — as well as some practical steps to take — which may help you with your move when that day comes.

There are a few options you may want to consider when deciding where to move:

1. Where is the best location for you to find support (near family and friends or near a military installation)?
2. Would you like to relocate for a job? Finding a job can provide a sense of purpose.
3. Is the location affordable, allowing you to live comfortably?

If you are living in government housing stateside as an eligible family member, you may qualify to continue to do so for up to a year after your service member’s death. If you want to remain in quarters past the 365th day, you must submit a written request to the installation commander via the appropriate housing office. If approved, rental charges at the current rate may be applied, as the Basic Allowance for Housing entitlement ends 365 days after the date of the member’s death.

If you are in leased government housing, the 365-day rule and payment of BAH for any unused days still applies.

If you are in government housing overseas, the rules may be different according to the status of forces agreement, or SOFA, for that country.

If you are not living in government housing, you may be provided a lump-sum payment for 365 days of Basic Allowance for Housing at the current rate of BAH for your loved one’s pay grade: Access the BAH calculator. This payment may be delayed pending a line-of-duty investigation. If your service member is not found to have died in the line of duty, the lump-sum payment will not be provided.

You are also authorized one relocation move at government expense that must be completed within three years of your service member’s death. The policy for your final relocation is contained in The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Section 051104.

Survivors are often overwhelmed in the days following the death of their service member. It can be difficult to remember all the details involved in a move. Consider the following suggestions to help plan your move: