Military housing in Los Angeles isn’t just for active-duty service members. Living on a military base has many benefits for veterans too. Ultimately, when it comes down to living on a base, it is dependant on your own personal situation and several other factors. These factors can include things like cost of living, local support, commute, and general safety. The great thing about many bases across the country is that they are professionally managed. Housing for members of the U.S. military is one of the most significant benefits they can receive. For active members, it gives you peace of mind that your family has housing security and it is one less aspect to worry about.

For military retirees, the option is available to them as well and fortunately, that option is available. Although, finding a suitable home for you and your family may be more challenging than visiting the base housing office and signing up. This is because some bases don’t offer housing to retirees, and the ones that do have several channels to go through to be considered. Here is a quick overview to help veterans and their families learn more about military housing requirements in Los Angeles.

Who Is Eligible

For those who are on active duty, military members stationed within the continental United States (CONUS) are granted to live in government housing based on certain contingencies like pay grade and housing availability. In case you didn’t know, civilians and members of the general public are allowed to occupy military bases too, this is if local base housing companies cannot find enough eligible service members or families to live in these bases. This is otherwise known as “other eligible tenants”. Here are several groups that can apply for military base living:

• Active duty military and their families
• Federal civil service employees
• Retired military (veterans)
• Defense contractors
• The general public

Because there are several groups of people and service workers that are eligible to apply, in concentrated areas, there may be applicants who are prioritized. The areas that are most popular to reside in are ones that have access to a veteran’s medical center in California. For active military applicants, the ones who are prioritized are followed:

• Single enlisted members – to live on base in dormitories.
• Married enlisted service members – to live in government housing.
• Married officers – priority to live on base with their families.

Just by analyzing the priority housing for active-duty members, shows how in demand military housing in Los Angeles can be. Unfortunately, because of the influx and demand, this means veterans seek housing outside of military bases, and because it may be difficult for them to obtain jobs or save funds during their time in the military, financial costs may be a challenging factor. However, through donations and support, they can rely on a more secure system. For example, donating to the Veterans Association, they can provide medical care for Los Angeles veterans, therefore this aspect of daily life is no longer a worry for them.

Policies

Once you have retired from the military, can you still qualify for housing? Ultimately, the answer is yes. However, upon retiring, you no longer receive the Basic Allowance for Housing policy and benefit. Typically, military retirement pensions are calculated using base pay and incorporated benefits like the Basic Allowance for Housing is not included. However, because the Veteran’s Association understands the needs of retirees, facilities like a veteran’s medical center still covered health-related issues across California.

However, veterans can apply for on-base housing, but there are restrictions. For whichever base you apply to, there must be a surplus of housing beyond the need of active-duty personnel. Once again, in popular locations, it can be difficult to find a spot. Looking around for vacant housing around the country will provide a better idea of where veterans will have a spot.

Options For Retirees

Here are some options for veterans looking for military base living, and suggestions for alternative housing as well.

• Military base: This is the most popular option. Many property management firms may work alongside the Army to provide housing and retired members can apply.
• Military-only retirement community: For veterans that cannot find a spot on a base, this option is great because they are specifically designed for elder veterans.
• Senior living community: looking into senior communities that are open to the public is a great alternative choice. Depending on the location, many communities may be housing military retirees. Calling specific locations and asking about the current residences can give you a better idea of who lives there. This is ideal for veterans who want to stay close to other former military members for additional support.

What To Consider

Regardless if you are a veteran or even an active member, there are several questions to ask yourself if you are considering living on a military base. Here are some questions and thoughts to think over before submitting an application.

• Is there a waitlist for base housing in the location you want to live in?
• Will you be using on-base facilities like a veteran’s medical center in California.
• If you have children in school, what districts does the base fall under?
• How important is it for you to live near other military families?
• Some bases have restrictions in terms of yard upkeep, pet rules, and even interior decoration. Can you abide by these?

These are only a few features and aspects to consider and ask yourself before going through the process of finding military base housing. Getting in touch with the Los Angeles Veterans Association to ask for questions is always a great place to start your new housing journey. Whether you are an active duty member or a veteran, there are always questioned to be asked about on-base housing.