The length of time it takes for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to kick in can vary based on several factors, including the service member’s duty station and individual circumstances. When reporting to their new duty station or following a change in their dependency status, service members who do not receive government-provided housing and are entitled to BAH may often anticipate receiving their BAH within the first few pay weeks. When BAH will begin to take effect will depend on a number of variables, including the service member’s unique circumstances and the military pay system. However, it takes somewhere between 3 weeks to 5 weeks. If a service member experiences a delay in receiving their BAH, they should contact their finance or personnel office to determine the cause of the delay and work to resolve any issues or discrepancies as quickly as possible. You can also look up Individual Rate Protection so that you don’t get lower BAH rates. Go to the official websites to know more using zip codes. Not only are they secure websites but they will be able to give you the most updated information.