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Fill in Your DA 5960 Template

The DA 5960 form is a crucial document used by the United States Army to request a waiver for the repayment of certain debts. This form helps service members manage their financial obligations while fulfilling their military duties. Understanding its purpose and proper completion can significantly ease the financial burden for many in the armed forces.

Table of Contents

The DA 5960 form plays a crucial role for military personnel seeking financial assistance for their education. This document is essential for service members who wish to apply for the Army Tuition Assistance Program. It outlines the necessary information regarding the individual's educational goals, courses, and financial needs. Completing the form accurately is vital, as it directly influences the approval process for funding. Additionally, the DA 5960 requires signatures from both the service member and their commanding officer, ensuring that all parties are aware of the educational commitments involved. Understanding the requirements and implications of this form can significantly ease the path to obtaining educational benefits, making it an important tool for those pursuing higher learning while serving their country.

Sample - DA 5960 Form

AUTHORIZATION TO START, STOP, OR CHANGE

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR QUARTERS (BAQ),

AUTHORITY:

37 USC 403; Public Law 96-343; EO 9397.

AND/OR VARIABLE HOUSING ALLOWANCE (VHA)

PRINCIPLE PURPOSE:

To start, adjust or terminate military member's entitlement

For use of this form, see AR 37-104-4; the proponent agency is ASA(FM)

to basic allowance for quarters

(BAQ) and/or variable

housing allowance (VHA).

NAME

(Last, First, MI)

ROUTINE USE:

To adjust member's military pay record, information may

be disclosed to Army components, such as USAFAC,

major commands, and other Army installations; to other

DOD components; other federal agencies such as IRS,

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

GRADE

Social Security Administration and VA, GAO, members of

Congress; State and local government; US and State

courts, and various law enforcement agencies. Social

Security Number (SSN) is used for positive identification.

TYPE OF ACTION

DISCLOSURE IS VOLUNTARY: Nondisclosure may result in nonpayment of BAQ and/or

START

CANCEL

CHANGE

REPORT

VHA. Disclosure of your SSN is voluntary. However, this

form will not be processed without your SSN because

the Army identifies you for pay purposes by your SSN.

CORRECT

STOP

RECERTIFICATION

DUTY LOCATION (Include Station, Name, City, State, and Zip Code)

6. DATE/ACTION

BAQ TYPE

(YYYYMMDD)

WITH DEPENDENTS

PARTIAL

WITHOUT DEPENDENTS

MARITAL/DEPENDENCY STATUS

QUARTERS ASSIGNMENT/AVAILABILITY

SINGLE

b. MARRIED

c. DIVORCED (see

ADEQUATE

INADEQUATE

(see blocks (1), (2) & (3))

blocks (1), (2) & (3))

(see block (1))

(see blocks (1), (2) & (4))

LEGALLY SEPARATED

DEPENDENT CHILD

TRANSIENT

NOT AVAILABLE

(see blocks (1), (2) & (3))

(see blocks (4), (5) & (6))

(see block (3))

(1)

Spouse/Former

(2)

Spouse/Former

(3)

Date of Marriage,

(1)

QUARTERS

(2) FAIR RENTAL

Spouse SSN

Spouse Duty Station

Divorce/Separation

NO.

VALUE $

(4)

Child in

Member

Spouse

Former Spouse

Other

(3)

FROM:

TO:

Custody of:

(4)

(5)

If you check "OTHER" above, prepare DD Form 137 to establish dependency.

MEMBER ELECTION

COMMANDER

(Member

grade E7 and

DETERMINATION

(6)

If child support received from another military member, complete (1), (2) & (3).

above)

(Attached)

10.

DEPENDENTS/SHARERS (Continue on back if required)

NAME OF DEPENDENT/SHARER

COMPLETE CURRENT ADDRESS

(Include ZIP Code)

RELATIONSHIP

DOB OF CHILDREN

11.

CERTIFICATION OF DEPENDENT SUPPORT

I certify that I can provide, or willing to provide, adequate support for the above named dependents. I am aware that failure to support the above named

dependents may result in stopping BAQ and recouping BAQ for any prior periods/nonsupport.

IAW service regulations. I certify that the dependency status of my primary dependents, on whose behalf I am receiving BAQ, has not changed so as to affect

my entitlement thereto for the period.

12.

EXPENSES, IF AUTHORIZED, I AM REQUESTING VHA BASED ON

My permanent duty station:

My dependent's location:

Both my permanent duty station and dependent's location.

Monthly Expenses:

Member

Dependent

Sharer/Lease Information

Address Information

(1)

Mortgage (PITI)

or Rent

(1)

Rental/Residential Address:

(1)

Landlord's Name and Address:

(2)

Insurance

(3)

Other

(2)

Effective Date:

(3)

Expiration Date:

(2)

Landlord's Phone No.

TOTALS

(4)

Number of Sharers

(show name(s) and address in block 10.)

I certify ALL information regarding this authorization is correct. I will immediately notify the FAO/HRO of any changes in the information above, due to divorce,

marriage, death, living in government quarters etc, which could affect by BAQ or VHA entitlement.

IMPORTANT: Making a false statement or claim against the US Government is punishable by courts-martial. The penalty for willfully making a false claim or a false

statement in connection with claims is a maximum fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for 5 years, or both.

13.

MEMBER'S SIGNATURE

14. DATE

15.

CERTIFYING OFFICER'S SIGNATURE

16. DATE

DA FORM 5960, SEP 1990

REPLACES DA FORM 3298, JUL 80 AND DA FORM 5545, JUL 86 WHICH ARE OBSOLETE

APD AEM v2.06ES

↓ DA 5960 PDF

File Specs

Fact Name	Description
Purpose	The DA 5960 form is used to request a military service member's basic allowance for housing (BAH) based on their duty station and dependents.
Eligibility	Active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard can use this form to apply for BAH.
Submission Process	The completed form must be submitted to the service member's finance office for processing.
Governing Laws	This form is governed by the Department of Defense regulations regarding military housing allowances.

DA 5960 - Usage Guidelines

Filling out the DA 5960 form is an important step for military personnel seeking to initiate certain processes. Following these instructions will help ensure that the form is completed accurately and efficiently. Once the form is filled out, it will need to be submitted to the appropriate authority for processing.

Obtain a copy of the DA 5960 form. This can usually be found online or through your unit's administrative office.
Begin by entering your personal information in the designated fields. This includes your name, rank, and Social Security number.
Fill in the information regarding your duty station and the date of your request.
Complete the sections related to your housing situation. Provide details about your current living arrangements and any applicable allowances.
Indicate any dependents you may have. This includes providing their names and relationships to you.
Review the form for accuracy. Ensure that all sections are filled out completely and that there are no errors.
Sign and date the form at the bottom where indicated.
Submit the completed form to your unit's administrative office or the designated authority for processing.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the DA 5960 form?

The DA 5960 form, also known as the "Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)," is used by military personnel to request changes to their Basic Allowance for Housing. This form is essential for ensuring that service members receive the correct housing allowance based on their current duty station and living situation.

Who needs to fill out the DA 5960 form?

Any active duty service member, reservist, or National Guard member who is eligible for BAH may need to complete the DA 5960 form. This includes those who are moving to a new duty station, changing their marital status, or experiencing any other changes that affect their housing situation.

How do I submit the DA 5960 form?

To submit the DA 5960 form, you should first complete all required sections accurately. After filling it out, submit the form to your unit's personnel office or the appropriate administrative office. They will process your request and make any necessary updates to your housing allowance. Always keep a copy of the submitted form for your records.

What happens after I submit the DA 5960 form?

Once you submit the DA 5960 form, your personnel office will review it to ensure all information is correct. They may reach out for additional documentation if needed. After processing, you will receive a notification regarding the status of your request, including any changes to your BAH. It’s important to follow up if you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe.

What if I make a mistake on the DA 5960 form?

If you realize you've made a mistake after submitting the DA 5960 form, don’t panic. Contact your personnel office as soon as possible to explain the error. They can guide you on how to correct it, which may involve submitting a revised form. Timely communication is key to ensuring your housing allowance is adjusted correctly.

Common mistakes

Incorrect Personal Information: Many individuals fail to provide accurate personal details, such as their name, Social Security number, or service number. Double-checking this information is crucial.
Missing Signatures: Some applicants forget to sign the form. Ensure that all required signatures are present before submission to avoid delays.
Failure to Provide Supporting Documentation: Not attaching necessary documents can lead to processing issues. Review the requirements carefully and include all relevant paperwork.
Inaccurate Financial Information: Providing incorrect or outdated financial details can result in complications. It is essential to verify all financial figures before completing the form.
Overlooking Deadlines: Missing submission deadlines can jeopardize the application. Keep track of all important dates to ensure timely filing.
Not Seeking Assistance: Some individuals hesitate to ask for help when needed. Utilizing available resources or consulting with a knowledgeable person can prevent mistakes.

Documents used along the form

The DA 5960 form, also known as the "Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)," is essential for service members seeking to manage their housing allowances. When completing this process, several other forms and documents may be necessary to ensure everything is handled smoothly. Below are five commonly used documents that often accompany the DA 5960 form.

DD Form 214: This document serves as a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It provides a summary of a service member's military service, including dates of service and type of discharge, which may impact housing benefits.
DA Form 31: Known as the Request and Authority for Leave, this form is used by service members to request leave. It is important for documenting periods of absence that might affect housing allowances.
DA Form 3508: This is the application for a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and is crucial for service members who need to apply for or adjust their BAH based on changes in duty station or family status.
Lease Agreement: A copy of the lease agreement for the residence can be required to verify the housing situation. This document outlines the terms of rental and supports claims for housing allowances.
Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate: These documents may be necessary to prove dependent status. They help establish eligibility for certain housing allowances based on family size.

Understanding these documents and their purposes can streamline the process of managing housing allowances and ensure that service members receive the benefits they are entitled to. Keeping these forms organized and readily available can save time and reduce stress when navigating housing-related matters.

Similar forms

The DA Form 5960, known as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) form, is essential for military personnel seeking to establish their housing allowance. Similar to the DA Form 5960, the DD Form 137-3 serves as a request for a dependency determination. This form is utilized to verify the dependency status of a service member’s family members, which can directly impact benefits and allowances, including housing. Both forms require accurate personal information and documentation to ensure the service member receives the correct financial support.

Another document that parallels the DA Form 5960 is the DA Form 31, which is a Request and Authority for Leave. This form is crucial for service members who wish to take leave from their duties. Just like the DA Form 5960, the DA Form 31 requires the service member to provide personal details and a clear explanation of their request. Both forms are essential for the management of personnel benefits and require timely submission to ensure that requests are processed efficiently.

The DD Form 214, or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is another important document that shares similarities with the DA Form 5960. While the DA Form 5960 focuses on housing allowances, the DD Form 214 provides a comprehensive summary of a service member’s military service. Both documents are critical for determining benefits and entitlements, and they require precise information about the service member’s status and history.

Additionally, the DA Form 1506, which is used for the verification of service for retired pay, is akin to the DA Form 5960 in that it confirms a service member's eligibility for certain benefits. This form is necessary for those transitioning to retirement, ensuring they receive the appropriate financial support based on their service record. Both forms emphasize the importance of accurate documentation to facilitate the benefits process.

The SF 1199A, also known as the Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form, is a document that complements the DA Form 5960 by enabling service members to set up direct deposit for their pay and allowances. This form requires banking information and personal details, just like the DA Form 5960. Ensuring that service members receive their housing allowance and other payments promptly is crucial, making both forms vital for financial management.

Moreover, the DA Form 4187, which is a Personnel Action form, bears resemblance to the DA Form 5960 in its role in documenting changes in a service member's status. Whether it’s a change in address, rank, or personal information, the DA Form 4187 is used to record these updates. Both forms require careful attention to detail to ensure that the service member's records are accurate and up-to-date, which is essential for receiving the correct benefits.

Lastly, the VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, is another document that aligns with the DA Form 5960. While the DA Form 5960 addresses housing allowances, the VA Form 21-526EZ focuses on disability compensation for veterans. Both forms require comprehensive personal information and supporting documentation to establish eligibility for benefits, highlighting the importance of thoroughness in the application process.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the DA 5960 form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things to do and avoid during the process.

Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
Do provide accurate and complete information in all sections.
Do double-check your entries for any errors or omissions.
Do sign and date the form where required.
Don't leave any sections blank unless specifically instructed.
Don't use correction fluid or tape on the form.

Following these guidelines can help ensure that the form is processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

Misconceptions

The DA 5960 form is a document used by military personnel to request a change in their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). However, there are several misconceptions surrounding this form. Here are eight common misunderstandings:

It’s only for active-duty members. Many believe that only active-duty service members can use the DA 5960. In reality, reservists and National Guard members may also need to submit this form under certain circumstances.
It’s not necessary if you live on base. Some think that if they live on a military installation, they don’t need to fill out the DA 5960. However, changes in personal circumstances, like marriage or divorce, still require this form.
Once submitted, it cannot be changed. A common belief is that once the form is submitted, it cannot be altered. In fact, you can submit a new DA 5960 to update any information as needed.
Only one form is needed for multiple changes. Many assume that one DA 5960 will cover all changes. However, separate forms may be required for different changes in housing status.
It’s a lengthy process. Some think that completing the DA 5960 takes a lot of time. In reality, the form is straightforward and can be filled out quickly if you have the necessary information.
It’s not important for financial planning. Some individuals underestimate the impact of the DA 5960 on their finances. Accurate housing allowances can significantly affect budgeting and financial stability.
Submitting it late has no consequences. Many believe that timing doesn’t matter when submitting the form. Late submissions can lead to delayed benefits or incorrect housing allowances.
It can be submitted online only. While electronic submission is an option, some think it’s the only way. You can also submit the DA 5960 in person or via mail, depending on your situation.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure that military personnel complete the DA 5960 accurately and on time, securing the benefits they deserve.

Key takeaways

The DA 5960 form is an essential document for service members seeking to apply for or manage their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and other related benefits. Here are five key takeaways to keep in mind when filling out and using this form:

Accuracy is crucial: Ensure that all information provided is correct and complete. Mistakes can lead to delays in processing your application.
Timeliness matters: Submit the form as soon as possible, especially if you are moving or experiencing changes in your housing situation. This helps avoid any gaps in your benefits.
Documentation is required: Be prepared to attach supporting documents, such as proof of residence or other relevant paperwork, to validate your claims.
Understand the eligibility criteria: Familiarize yourself with the requirements for BAH and related allowances to ensure you qualify before submitting the form.
Keep copies: Always retain a copy of the completed form and any accompanying documents for your records. This can be helpful for future reference or in case of disputes.

By following these guidelines, you can streamline the process and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to without unnecessary complications.