What is the difference between BAS and BAH?

• A. BAS is a meals allowance; BAH is housing based on location, grade, and dependency.
• B. BAS is a clothing allowance; BAH is a medical insurance deduction.
• C. BAS is a travel allowance; BAH is a leave balance.
• D. BAS is a transportation allowance; BAH is a service bonus.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that BAS and BAH serve different needs: meals versus housing, with different ways their amounts are set. Basic Allowance for Subsistence is the meals allowance, meant to help cover the cost of eating. Basic Allowance for Housing is the housing allowance, and its amount is calculated based on where you’re stationed (location), your rank (grade), and whether you have dependents (dependency). So one supports food costs, the other supports housing costs, using different criteria to determine how much you receive. Other options mix up what each allowance covers, such as labeling BAS as clothing or transportation, which isn’t correct.