The Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) program, which launched in January, will expand member-household eligibility from those earning below 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines beginning July 1, 2023.
BNA is a supplemental monthly allowance paid to qualified active-duty service members with dependents, designed to ensure that no military family’s gross household income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline for their location and household size.
Members who were screened for eligibility earlier this year will not have to rescreen upon implementation of the increased threshold. Members who previously screened ineligible based upon their household income are encouraged to rescreen and apply, as appropriate. To rescreen, use the Screening Eligibility Worksheet (CG-7431A) located on the Pay & Personnel Center forms and worksheets website.
To qualify for BNA, you must report all household income, including all military pay and allowances. This total household income — known as your gross household income (GHI) — will be compared to the applicable federal poverty guidelines for your permanent duty station location and family size. If you screen eligible and subsequently receive command certification on your application for BNA, you can receive BNA in your semi-monthly paycheck based upon an annualized amount that is equal to the difference between your previous year’s GHI and 150% of the current year’s applicable federal poverty guideline.
If you are in the accession pipeline (i.e., recruit training or Class “A” School and have not reported to your first permanent duty station (PDS)) and screen eligible, your eligibility will be documented in your official military personnel file (OMPF)with instructions for applying once you report to your first PDS.
For more information, contact the Military Pay and Compensation Division by emailing compensation@uscg.mil.
In the News:
ALCOAST 247/23 Update to Basic Needs Allowance (BNA)
BNA is now payable to eligible Coast Guard members > United States Coast Guard > My Coast Guard News (uscg.mil)
DoDI 1341.15, "Basic Needs Allowance," November 15, 2022 (whs.mil)
Forms and Worksheets (uscg.mil)