Army Spousal Support Chart and AR 608-99

Army Spousal Support Chart and AR 608-99 provide clear guidelines to ensure soldiers meet their financial responsibilities toward their spouses and dependents during periods of separation.

The U.S. Army mandates that soldiers provide adequate financial support to their family members during periods of separation, in line with Army Regulation (AR) 608-99. This regulation ensures that soldiers uphold their familial responsibilities honorably, reflecting the Army’s core values.

Understanding AR 608-99

AR 608-99 stipulates that in the absence of a court order or written agreement specifying support amounts, soldiers are required to provide financial support based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) II-With Dependents rate. This rate is determined by the soldier’s rank and is not influenced by geographic duty location. The support amount is calculated as a pro rata share, defined as:

Pro Rata Share = (1 / Total Number of Supported Family Members) × Applicable BAH II-With Rate

For instance, if a Specialist (E-4) has one child from a previous marriage and a current spouse to support, the calculation would be:

• BAH II-With Rate for E-4: $732.30
• Number of Supported Family Members: 2
• Pro Rata Share: (1/2) × $732.30 = $366.15 per month

This means the soldier would be obligated to provide $366.15 monthly to each supported family member.

2025 BAH Differential Rates

As of January 1, 2025, the BAH rates have increased by an average of 5.4%.  The BAH Differential rates for 2025 are as follows:

• E-1 to E-4: $296.70 per month
• E-5: $343.20 per month
• E-6: $403.80 per month
• E-7: $417.30 per month
• E-8: $360.60 per month
• E-9: $384.60 per month

These rates are used to calculate the pro rata share for spousal and child support in the absence of a court order or agreement.

Exceptions and Considerations

Several exceptions and nuances under AR 608-99 may apply, potentially eliminating or reducing the required support amount. For example, if a soldier is already providing support through other means or if there are specific circumstances that justify a deviation from the standard calculation, adjustments can be made. It’s essential for soldiers to manage their personal affairs responsibly, maintaining reasonable contact with family members and complying with any court orders or written financial agreements.

The Army’s commitment to family support is evident through regulations like AR 608-99, ensuring that soldiers fulfill their financial responsibilities to their families during separations. Understanding the spousal support chart and the associated BAH rates is crucial for soldiers to comply with these obligations and uphold the Army’s core values.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is AR 608-99?

AR 608-99 is the Army regulation that ensures soldiers provide adequate financial support to family members during periods of separation. It also governs paternity claims and compliance with court orders for child and spousal support.

2. How is spousal support calculated under AR 608-99?

In the absence of a court order or written agreement, spousal support is based on the soldier’s rank and the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) II-With Dependents rate. The pro rata share formula divides the applicable BAH rate by the number of supported family members.

3. What is the BAH II-With Dependents rate?

The BAH II-With Dependents rate is a standardized housing allowance based on rank. Unlike regular BAH, it is not location-specific and is used solely for support calculations under AR 608-99.

4. Are there exceptions to providing spousal support?

Yes, exceptions include:

• A court order explicitly stating no support is required.
• Situations where the soldier already provides adequate support through direct means (e.g., housing or other payments).
• Situations where an exception is granted based on specific circumstances, such as abuse or fraud.

5. What happens if a soldier fails to comply with AR 608-99?

Non-compliance can lead to administrative actions, such as counseling, reprimands, or even separation from service. Persistent violations could also result in punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ