Basic Needs Allowance Calculator 2026: Military BNA
The Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) is a monthly payment for active-duty members with dependents who finished initial entry training and whose prior-year household income did not exceed 200 percent of the HHS poverty guideline. The amount is 200 percent of the current guideline, minus that income, divided by 12. Your Service decides.
The rules are the same for every Service, set by 37 U.S.C. 402b and DoD Instruction 1341.15; the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard each run their own application. Use the calculator for an estimate, then apply through your Service.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Checked against 37 U.S.C. 402b, DoD FMR Vol. 7A chapter 25 and the HHS poverty guidelines, October 27, 2026 · Methodology & sources
DoD FMR, DoDI 1341.15 and DFAS text were read from Internet Archive captures (June–September 2026) because the official sites block automated reading: DoD FMR Vol. 7A chapter 25 September 26, 2026; DoDI 1341.15 June 18, 2026; DFAS BNA page September 26, 2026. The statute and the HHS notices were read from the official sources directly. Check the official pages for changes after those dates.
FedRateCalc is an independent site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, DFAS or any military Service.
BNA calculator (payments in 2026)
What the income boxes mean
Enter the household total for calendar year 2025, including military pay and allowances such as BAH unless your Service has told you part of it is excluded. DoDI 1341.15 excludes these items from gross household income:
- Earned income of a dependent who is not required to file a tax return.
- Non-taxable grants and scholarships for postsecondary students.
- Income tax refunds and insurance settlements.
- Federal and State reimbursements for expenses such as utilities, medical care, or dependent care if they do not exceed actual expenses.
- All military travel and transportation related allowances and entitlements.
- The amount of the BNA.
- The amount of any Federal Government food assistance program.
- Any portion of the basic allowance for housing or overseas housing allowance in high cost of living areas or for a demonstrated need as determined by the ASD(M&RA). (enter this one in the BAH box, and only if your Service has told you it applies)
Example: household of 4, $50,000 (change the boxes to use your numbers)
Estimated monthly BNA (48 contiguous states and DC guideline, household of 4)
$1,333
- Household income of $50,000.00 does not exceed $64,300 (200 percent of the 2025 guideline).
- Income limit for this household: $64,300 (200% of the 2025 guideline). Amount basis: $66,000 (200% of the 2026 guideline).
- ($66,000 - $50,000.00) / 12 = $1,333.33, rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
This is an estimate, not a determination. Your Service certifies eligibility and the amount, and the estimate is not binding until it does. The amount is prorated by day in a partial month and changes if your household, income or duty location changes.
This calculator does not model the current-year annualized income rule or the automatic loss of eligibility after a pay increase. Under 37 U.S.C. 402b(d)(3), a member whose monthly gross household income increases through a promotion or other permanent increase to pay or allowances to an amount that, “on an annualized basis, would exceed the amount described in subsection (b)(2) is ineligible for the allowance.” DoD FMR 4.2.2.3.2 applies the same rule to the member's monthly income after a “promotion or other permanent increase to pay or allowances, to include entry into active service, to an amount that, on an annualized basis, would exceed the limit described in subparagraph 4.2.2.1.2.” Enter the prior-year income only, then ask your Service how your current pay is counted.
BNA income limits by household size
Each figure is 200 percent of the HHS poverty guideline, printed in the Federal Register, as an annual income. Duty outside the United States uses the 48 states and DC column.
| Household size | 48 contiguous states and DC | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (member only: no dependents) | $31,300 | $39,100 | $35,980 |
| 2 | $42,300 | $52,860 | $48,640 |
| 3 | $53,300 | $66,620 | $61,300 |
| 4 | $64,300 | $80,380 | $73,960 |
| 5 | $75,300 | $94,140 | $86,620 |
| 6 | $86,300 | $107,900 | $99,280 |
| 7 | $97,300 | $121,660 | $111,940 |
| 8 | $108,300 | $135,420 | $124,600 |
| Each person above 8 | + $11,000 | + $13,760 | + $12,660 |
| Household size | 48 contiguous states and DC | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (member only: no dependents) | $31,920 | $39,900 | $36,720 |
| 2 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $49,780 |
| 3 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $62,840 |
| 4 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $75,900 |
| 5 | $77,360 | $96,700 | $88,960 |
| 6 | $88,720 | $110,900 | $102,020 |
| 7 | $100,080 | $125,100 | $115,080 |
| 8 | $111,440 | $139,300 | $128,140 |
| Each person above 8 | + $11,360 | + $14,200 | + $13,060 |
How the monthly BNA is figured
The statute sets the amount as 200 percent of the HHS poverty guideline for the year the allowance is paid, minus the member's gross household income for the preceding calendar year, divided by 12:
“200 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services for the calendar year during which the allowance is paid based on the location of the member and the number of individuals in the household of the member during the month for which the allowance is paid; minus”
“the gross household income of the member during the preceding calendar year; divided by”
The DoD Financial Management Regulation puts it in one sentence and adds the rounding rule:
“Two times the most recently published annual FPG for the calendar year during which the allowance is paid based on the member’s duty station and the current number of individuals in the member’s household, including the member, minus the member’s GHI during the preceding calendar year, divided by 12.”
“The amount of the BNA must be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.”
The FMR's own worked example prints its result with cents ($1,882.83), but paragraph 4.2.6.1.2 says the amount is rounded to whole dollars, so this calculator shows whole dollars and lists the unrounded figure beside the result.
Two years are involved, assuming you apply or recertify in 2026. The eligibility test compares last year's income with 200 percent of that same year's guideline (2025), while the amount uses the guideline of the year you are paid (2026). That is why the tables above have two sets of figures. The statute's “for such year” wording and the FMR (4.2.2.1.2) support the 2025 guideline for the test; DFAS also refers to the guideline of the year before the application:
“the preceding year’s Federal Poverty Guidelines for the service member’s household size and geographic location”
That DFAS sentence still says 150%, which is out of date (see the question on 130 and 150 percent below); we cite it only for the “preceding year” wording. If your case falls near the line, confirm with your Service which guideline year it uses.
“Proration must be computed at the rate of 1/30th of the monthly BNA amount for each day of certification during the month.”
Duty outside the United States uses the 48-state and DC guideline.
“using the Federal poverty guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services for the continental United States”
Who qualifies, and what counts as income
A member on active service is eligible if all of these hold (37 U.S.C. 402b(b)):
- The member has completed initial entry training.
- Household income in the most recent calendar year did not exceed 200 percent of the HHS guideline for the member's location and household size.
- The member is not ineligible under subsection (d) (no dependents; service academy cadets and midshipmen) and does not elect to decline.
“the gross household income of the member during the most recent calendar year did not exceed an amount equal to 200 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services for the location of the member and the number of individuals in the household of the member for such year”
The limit is not a fixed number: it depends on household size and location, which is why the tables list each one. DFAS also says the current year's annualized income must fall below the limit, and the statute ends eligibility when a promotion or other permanent pay increase pushes income above it.
“The service member’s gross household income from the preceding calendar year and current year’s annualized gross income must fall below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for their assigned duty station location and household size.”
“on an annualized basis, would exceed the amount described in subsection (b)(2) is ineligible for the allowance.”
The household is the member and the dependents enrolled in DEERS, wherever they live. Only one allowance is paid per household.
“The term “household” means a member of the armed forces and any dependents of the member enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, regardless of the location of those dependents.”
Gross household income and the exclusions
“Includes all income derived from each member of the household from any source, except:”
- Earned income of a dependent who is not required to file a tax return.
- Non-taxable grants and scholarships for postsecondary students.
- Income tax refunds and insurance settlements.
- Federal and State reimbursements for expenses such as utilities, medical care, or dependent care if they do not exceed actual expenses.
- All military travel and transportation related allowances and entitlements.
- The amount of the BNA.
- The amount of any Federal Government food assistance program.
- Any portion of the basic allowance for housing or overseas housing allowance in high cost of living areas or for a demonstrated need as determined by the ASD(M&RA).
The last item is not automatic. The statute lets the Secretary concerned exclude a part of BAH only for a member in a high-cost area or with a demonstrated need, and DoDI 1341.15 says a memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs sets where that applies. We could not read that memorandum, so ask your Service whether a BAH exclusion applies to you. Otherwise BAH is part of household income.
“in the case of a member whom the Secretary concerned determines resides in an area with a high cost of living or that otherwise has a demonstrated need, any portion of the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of this title that the Secretary concerned elects to exclude.”
See the BAH calculator for your housing allowance.
How to apply and recertify
- Your Service screens members for eligibility and sends a written notice to those who may be eligible. You may also apply without a notice.
- Apply through your own Service's procedure (contacts are in the FAQ below). The application is voluntary.
- The deadline set by your Service falls between 60 and 180 days after a written notice.
- The Service should decide within 30 calendar days. BNA is effective on the application's certification date, and you may still decline it in writing.
- Resubmit at least yearly, and report certain changes within 60 calendar days.
“they fail to submit a BNA application within 180 calendar days”
“A member receiving BNA must annually resubmit an updated, signed application, along with substantiating documentation”
“the member must report any increase or decreases in recurring monthly GHI of $150 or more per month, or any increase or decrease in the number of individuals in their household, to the certifying official within 60 calendar days.”
“The eligibility and estimation is not binding or final until it is certified by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned or the Commandant of the Coast Guard.”
BNA may not be paid for any month beginning after December 31, 2027, unless Congress extends it.
“The allowance under subsection (a) may not be paid for any month beginning after December 31, 2027.”
Basic needs allowance questions
What is the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA)?
BNA is a monthly allowance under 37 U.S.C. 402b for active-duty members whose household income is low for their household size and location. DFAS describes it as a supplemental payment that may help qualifying large military households with low income better afford basic needs. Applying is voluntary, and the Service must certify the application before anything is paid.
Who qualifies for BNA?
Under 37 U.S.C. 402b(b) a member on active service qualifies if the member has completed initial entry training, had gross household income in the most recent calendar year that did not exceed 200 percent of the HHS poverty guideline for the member's location and household size, is not ineligible under subsection (d) and does not elect to decline. Subsection (d) rules out a member with no dependents and service academy cadets and midshipmen. Only one member per household can be paid.
What is the BNA income threshold for 2026?
It depends on household size and location. For payments in 2026, the income test uses 200 percent of the 2025 HHS guideline, because the test looks at the most recent calendar year. For a household of four in the 48 contiguous states and DC that is $64,300; in Alaska $80,380; in Hawaii $73,960. The table on this page lists every size from the Federal Register notices.
How is the monthly BNA calculated?
Both the statute and the DoD Financial Management Regulation use the same steps: 200 percent of the HHS guideline for the year the allowance is paid, minus the member's gross household income for the preceding calendar year, divided by 12. The FMR rounds to the nearest whole dollar. For a household of four in the 48 states and DC in 2026, 200 percent of the guideline is $66,000, so $50,000 of prior-year income gives ($66,000 - $50,000) / 12, about $1,333 a month. Partial months are prorated at 1/30th per day.
What counts as gross household income for BNA, and what is excluded?
DoDI 1341.15 says gross household income includes all income derived from each member of the household from any source, except eight listed items: earned income of a dependent who is not required to file a tax return; non-taxable grants and scholarships for postsecondary students; income tax refunds and insurance settlements; federal and State reimbursements for expenses such as utilities, medical care, or dependent care if they do not exceed actual expenses; all military travel and transportation related allowances and entitlements; the amount of the BNA; the amount of any Federal Government food assistance program; any portion of the basic allowance for housing or overseas housing allowance in high cost of living areas or for a demonstrated need as determined by the ASD(M&RA). The household is the member plus dependents enrolled in DEERS, wherever those dependents live. Lump sums such as bonuses are prorated over the period they cover.
Is BAH counted as income for BNA?
By default yes. Statute 402b(k)(1)(B) lets the Secretary concerned exclude a part of BAH for a member who lives in a high-cost area or has a demonstrated need, and DoDI 1341.15 says the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs decides this and publishes an annual memorandum if an exclusion applies. This page could not read that memorandum, so the calculator has a separate box for a BAH amount your Service tells you is excluded. Leave it at 0 unless you were told otherwise.
Is BNA different for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard?
The statute and the DoD rules are the same for every Service, and the FMR section applies to the Military Departments including the Coast Guard. What differs is the application: each Secretary concerned, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard, sets its own procedures. DFAS lists the contacts: Navy (MyNavy HR), Marine Corps (the compensation page on manpower.usmc.mil), Air Force and Space Force (myFSS or the Total Force Service Center), Coast Guard (Compensation@USCG.mil) and Army (financialfrontline.org service providers).
Do National Guard and Reserve members qualify?
DFAS says BNA is for qualifying active-duty members "to include Guard and reserve component members on active-duty orders". Members who are not on active duty orders are not covered by that description; ask your unit finance office about your status.
Which poverty guideline applies in Alaska, Hawaii and overseas?
HHS publishes separate guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, Alaska and Hawaii, and BNA uses the one for the member's duty location. For a duty location outside the United States, the statute and the FMR say to use the 48-state and DC guideline. A PCS between these areas triggers a recertification, but not a PCS between the 48 states or DC and a location outside the United States.
How do I apply for BNA?
Each Service gives its own instructions. Members are screened for eligibility and, if found potentially eligible, notified in writing, but you may apply without a notice. If you were notified and do not apply by the deadline (between 60 and 180 days after the notice, set by your Service), you are deemed ineligible. The Service should decide within 30 calendar days, BNA starts on the date the application is certified, and the finance office must pay within 30 days of certification. You may decline in writing.
How often do I have to recertify BNA?
At least annually: the statute requires an updated application not less frequently than annually, and the FMR also calls for review when income rises by $150 or more per month, when the number of people in the household changes, or when a PCS moves you between the 48 states and DC, Alaska and Hawaii. You must report those changes to the certifying official within 60 calendar days or BNA can be terminated.
Is BNA taxable, and does it affect SNAP, WIC or FSSA?
DFAS says BNA is considered taxable income, and tax is withheld from it. DFAS and the FMR also warn that BNA may affect other programs: the FMR lists subsidized school lunch, WIC, FSSA, low-income utility assistance and day care programs, and DFAS names SNAP and WIC. Talk with a personal financial manager or counselor before applying.
Why do some pages say 130 percent or 150 percent?
Earlier law used lower percentages. DoD FMR Table 25-3 shows 130 percent from January 1 to June 30, 2023, 150 percent from July 1, 2023 to May 11, 2025, and 200 percent from May 12, 2025. Pub. L. 118-159 (December 23, 2024) put 200 percent into the statute for both the eligibility test and the amount. The DFAS BNA page still contains one answer that says 150 percent for the eligibility test next to another that says 200 percent; the statute and the FMR say 200 percent, so this page uses 200 percent.
Does BNA expire?
Under 37 U.S.C. 402b(j)(2) the allowance may not be paid for any month beginning after December 31, 2027, and the FMR repeats this unless Congress extends it. Nothing on this page assumes an extension.
What if my spouse is also in the military?
If a household contains two or more eligible members, only one allowance may be paid, and those members jointly elect which one receives it (37 U.S.C. 402b(d)(2)). The sources used here do not say more about how a dual-military household counts its size or income, so ask your finance office how to apply.
Service contacts for BNA (from DFAS)
Related military pay tools
- Military pay calculator – monthly pay, allowances and take-home
- BAH calculator – housing allowance, which can count toward household income
- BAS rates 2026 – the subsistence allowance, a different allowance from BNA
- Military pay chart 2026 – basic pay by grade and years of service
- How to read a military LES – where pay and allowances show on your statement
DoD FMR, DoDI 1341.15 and DFAS text were read from Internet Archive captures (June–September 2026) because the official sites block automated reading: DoD FMR Vol. 7A chapter 25 September 26, 2026; DoDI 1341.15 June 18, 2026; DFAS BNA page September 26, 2026. The statute and the HHS notices were read from the official sources directly. Check the official pages for changes after those dates.