DA Form 5960. Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA)

DA Form 5960 is used by the US Army to request and authorize certain allowances and entitlements. The main purpose of this form is to facilitate the process of receiving benefits and allowances for military personnel and their dependents.

This form consists of four parts, including Personal Data, Dependency Data, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Data, and Certification. The important fields of this form include the member's name, rank, and Social Security Number, as well as information about dependents and their relationship to the member. The BAH data section requires information about the member's current duty station and whether they are married or have dependents.

The parties involved in this form include military personnel and their dependents, as well as finance officers who process the requests. It is important to consider the accuracy of the information provided when compiling this form, as any errors or discrepancies can result in delays or denials of benefits.

When compiling this form, the member will need to provide personal and dependency information, as well as information about their current duty station and living situation. Additionally, they may need to attach supporting documentation, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for dependents.

Application examples of this form include requesting BAH for military housing or requesting Family Separation Allowance when a member is separated from their dependents due to military duty. This form is also used to request other entitlements, such as Cost of Living Allowance or Overseas Housing Allowance.

The benefits of this form include ensuring that military personnel and their dependents receive the appropriate allowances and entitlements to support their living expenses. However, the challenges and risks of this form include the potential for errors or inaccuracies in the information provided, which can result in delays or denials of benefits.

Related forms may include DA Form 4187, which is used to request personnel actions, and DA Form 4856, which is used to document counseling sessions with subordinates. An alternative form may include DD Form 1351-2, which is used to request travel reimbursements and other travel-related expenses.

Compiling this form accurately and submitting it in a timely manner can have a positive impact on the future of military personnel and their dependents, as it ensures that they receive the appropriate allowances and entitlements to support their living expenses. This form is typically submitted through the member's chain of command and is stored in their personnel file.

In summary, DA Form 5960 is a critical form used by the US Army to request and authorize certain allowances and entitlements for military personnel and their dependents. This form requires accurate and detailed information and is important for ensuring that military personnel and their dependents receive the appropriate support for their living expenses.