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Commentary | Oct. 10, 2024

Coast Guard expands Critical Housing Area (CHA) policy to include more members as shortages persist

By MyCG Staff

The Coast Guard has expanded its Critical Housing Area (CHA) policy to include unaccompanied members for the first time. 

Previously, only members with dependents could request Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), and, if applicable, a Cost-of-Living Allowance in the Continental United States (CONUS COLA), when they were assigned to a location that had been designated as a CHA due to shortages of military and private sector housing.  

Under the new policy, all members assigned to a CHA will be able to request BAH and, CONUS COLA for a location other than their Permanent Duty Station. In addition, any member to an area that is subsequently designated a CHA after their arrival will be able to request these benefits, as well. 

The changes are intended to help address housing challenges and ensure more equitable housing options across the Coast Guard. In addition, they enhance housing flexibility for members who make the difficult choice to live separately from their families.   

Take a location like Port O’Connor, Texas, where vacancy rates of less than 1 percent leave members unable to find housing near the Station. Going forward, any member assigned there or to another CHA can request BAH and, if applicable, CONUS COLA. They can also choose to do it for a nearby area where they are able to find a place to live or for the location where their dependents reside. 

The changes are detailed in COMDTINST 11101.15B, which was announced by ALCOAST 383/24. You can find them at: CRITICAL HOUSING AREAS (CHA), COMDTINST 11101.15B (sharepoint-mil.us). 

-USCG

Resources: 

feature news Military policy 1M1 Housing critical housing areas CHA

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