BAH — Basic Allowance for Housing. Tax-free monthly payment for off-base housing costs. Varies by location, rank, and dependency status.
BAS — Basic Allowance for Subsistence. Tax-free monthly food allowance. $476.95 for enlisted, $328.65 for officers in 2026.
BRS — Blended Retirement System. Post-2018 retirement system combining a reduced pension (2.0% multiplier) with TSP matching.
COLA — Cost of Living Adjustment. Annual inflation adjustment applied to VA disability compensation and military retirement pay.
CRDP — Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay. Allows retirees with 50%+ VA rating to receive both full retirement and full VA disability.
CRSC — Combat-Related Special Compensation. Tax-free payment that restores VA disability offset for combat-related conditions.
DIC — Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Monthly tax-free payment to surviving dependents of veterans who died from service-connected conditions. $1,699.36/month in 2026.
DFAS — Defense Finance and Accounting Service. Manages all military pay, allowances, and retirement payments.
DTMO — Defense Travel Management Office. Publishes BAH rates and manages travel allowances.
MHA — Military Housing Area. One of 299 geographic zones used to calculate BAH rates.
OHA — Overseas Housing Allowance. The international equivalent of BAH for service members stationed outside the US.
P&T — Permanent and Total. VA designation for veterans rated at 100% disability with no expectation of improvement. Unlocks additional benefits including property tax exemptions in many states.
SBP — Survivor Benefit Plan. Elected coverage providing up to 55% of retirement pay to surviving spouse/dependents. 6.5% premium.
SCRA — Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Federal law providing financial protections including 6% interest rate cap on pre-service debts.
TDIU — Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. Allows veterans rated below 100% to receive 100% compensation rate if unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.
TSP — Thrift Savings Plan. Federal government's 401(k) equivalent. 0.055% expense ratio — among the lowest in existence.
VGLI — Veterans' Group Life Insurance. Post-service life insurance option available within 1 year and 120 days of separation.