Basic Needs Allowance (BNA)
A monthly allowance for service members with dependents whose gross household income falls below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Helps cover food, housing, utilities, and child care.
Who qualifies: Active duty, National Guard.
**What It Is**
The Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) is a monthly payment for lower-income service members with dependents, created to reduce military food insecurity. It supplements pay when gross household income falls below a set percentage of the federal poverty guidelines.
**Income Threshold**
• Eligibility now extends to households below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (raised from 130% in FY2022, to 150% in FY2023, to 200% under the FY2025 NDAA)
• Thresholds vary by household size and by location — separate guidelines apply for the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii
**How It Works**
• Each branch proactively screens members and notifies, in writing, those who appear eligible
• Members must apply; the allowance is recalculated as income and household size change
• Paid monthly through DFAS
**Good to Know**
The statutory authority for BNA is currently set to expire December 31, 2027. If you believe you qualify but were not notified, you can ask your finance office or family support center to review your eligibility.