BAH rates for Scott have increased for 2009 Published Jan. 8, 2009 By 375th Mission Support Group SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Effective Jan. 1, those collecting Basic Allowance for Housing, will see an increase on their leave and earnings statement. BAH rates for Scott increased across the board. The increases range from 1 percent up to 12 percent depending on the rank and dependency status. To view the BAH rate increases, log on to the following website: http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.html. The intent of the BAH is to provide uniformed service members fair, accurate and equitable housing compensation based on local area off-base housing market costs. BAH is based on geographic duty location, pay grade and dependency status. The BAH data collection for Scott is based solely on the current housing market data with the commuting criteria generally defined as 20 miles or one hour during rush hour traffic. The annual BAH study and data collection is accomplished in the spring and summer months when the housing markets are most active. The BAH data collection process surveys apartments, town homes/duplexes, as well as single family rental units of various bedroom sizes and includes the rental prices, average utilities and insurance costs. Homes for sale are not included in the survey process. The goal is to combine local market expertise with scientific techniques in a manner that permits the DoD to compute fair and accurate housing allowances.