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

DA Form 5960 is a critical document used by U.S. Army personnel to start, adjust, or terminate their entitlement to Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ) and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA). This form ensures that military members and their dependents receive accurate housing compensation based on their duty location, marital status, and dependency information. Completing this form correctly is essential to avoid delays in allowances and potential legal consequences.

Purpose of DA Form 5960

The primary purpose of this form is to authorize changes in housing allowances for Army members. It applies when members:

• Move to a new duty station
• Experience a change in marital or dependency status
• Start, stop, or modify housing allowances based on unit assignments or living arrangements

Regulated under AR 37-104-4, 37 USC 403, and Public Law 96-343, this form is mandatory for processing housing entitlements in compliance with Army regulations and federal law.

Key Sections and Explanations

1. Member Information

This section requires the military member’s full name, social security number, rank, and duty station. Accuracy is critical because errors can delay allowance processing.

Typical errors: misspelled names, incorrect duty station, or incomplete social security number.

2. Marital/Dependency Status

Members must indicate their marital status (married, single, divorced, legally separated) and provide details on dependents. This determines the type and amount of BAQ/VHA they are eligible for.

Common mistakes: failing to update changes in dependents, such as new children or divorce, which can lead to recoupment of allowances.

3. Quarters Assignment/Availability

Indicate whether assigned quarters are adequate, inadequate, or not available. Include fair rental value if applicable. This section influences whether members may receive VHA adjustments.

4. Landlord and Residence Information

Provide the full address of rental property or government quarters, along with the landlord’s contact details. This ensures proper verification and payment of housing allowances.

5. Certification of Dependent Support

Members certify their ability to provide support for dependents. Failure to do so may result in cessation of BAQ and recoupment of prior payments.

6. Member Election

Select the type of action (start, stop, change, recertification, or report). This directs the finance office on how to process the request.

7. Commander Determination

Commanding officers review and authorize the requested changes. Their approval is mandatory for final processing of BAQ/VHA adjustments.

Practical Tips for Completing the Form

• Double-check duty station and SSN for accuracy.
• Attach all supporting documents, such as marriage certificates, child custody papers, or lease agreements.
• Notify the FAO/HRO immediately of any changes in status to avoid penalties.
• Ensure signatures are complete and dates are accurate.

Examples of Real-Life Scenarios

• A member moves from Fort Bragg to Fort Hood and needs to update VHA for their family.
• A married service member divorces and must report dependency changes to adjust BAQ.
• A new child is born, affecting the allowance and necessitating an update on DA Form 5960.
• A service member transitions to government housing and stops rental-based VHA.

Required Documents

• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal separation papers
• Birth certificates for dependents
• Lease agreements or mortgage statements
• Supporting documentation for dependent support

FAQ

• Who should file DA Form 5960? All Army members requesting changes to BAQ or VHA.
• When must this form be submitted? Upon moving, marital status change, or change in dependent status.
• What happens if I submit false information? Potential fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years.
• Is disclosure of SSN mandatory? Yes, for processing; nondisclosure prevents payment.
• Where do I submit the form? To your FAO/HRO for review and approval.

Micro-FAQ

• Purpose? Adjust BAQ/VHA for military members.
• Who files? Army service members.
• Deadline? Immediately after status change.
• Attachments? Marriage certificate, birth certificate, lease, etc.
• Submitted to? FAO/HRO office.

Related Forms

• DD Form 137 – Dependency Verification
• DA Form 2028 – Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms
• DA Form 31 – Request and Authority for Leave

Form Details

• Name: DA Form 5960
• Form Number: 5960
• Region: United States Army
• Date of Edition: September 1990 (Replaces DA Forms 3298 and 5545)