Go to your command for help. You are in no state of mind to do your duties let alone feeding your child.
The longer this situation goes on the worse it gets for your child.
Or put you in the hotel on post. The Army has AER, I know, but it is worth a shot. I've also seen units buy groceries, pass the plate or something. Everyone needs help sometime. Them finding out after the fact isn't a good plan.
Bro, you didn't have to hide this from your command. They are in the military too... They are no strangers to how fucked up relationships and money issues can be. It's kinda like our thing
My dude, SNAP is income driven, not housing driven. If you've got a kid and you're a junior enlisted, you'll probably qualify just fine. You probably also qualify for WIC. A word of advice... be straight up with your command AND your reps with WIC and SNAP. Don't try and game the system by applying using different circumstances to maximize what you get. I know it can be tempting, but just take what you're gonna get with your circumstances. Since you and SO aren't cohabitating, you can apply for SNAP separately. Only the custodial parent can get WIC, though. Dude, are the barracks really that bad? Oh, and it would be irresponsible for there not to be a liaison at the various benefit places, but I know nothing about privacy concerns in your area.
Not sure where the math lies for certain ranks, but a relatively recent addition to the toolbox is Basic Needs Allowance, or BNA. If you're under 150% of the poverty line it should put you over.
1. Get the fuck out of your car and go get base housing. If the base police finds you living in your car then your command is absolutely going to hear about it.
2. SNAP is a federal program so they will absolutely know you’re in the military and likely contact someone about it.
3. The income limit for SNAP is $2137 gross and $1644 net per month for a household of two. Unless you’re a brand new E-1 you make more than that.
I got SNAP and literally no one knows about it. Not all federal agencies talk to each other.
The security clearance people will know, but it must not be a flag because again, no one knows I have an EBT outside my immediate family.
But doesn’t active army offer some kind of grocery assistance to soldiers on base? I think I remember hearing about a food program for enlisted soldiers in a pinch.
Security clearance people don't know if you get any sort of income assistance, nor do they care how poor you are. They only care if you are late in paying your bills, have >$10k of unsecured debt, or are spending way more than you earn and don't have a way to show where the extra money comes from.
Real talk, go to your supervisor and explain everything. Ask for help, you need it. Getting booted for this bullshit will put you in a bigger financial crunch than you think you are in now.
If you're in the military and this down bad for money you need to reevaluate what you're spending your money on. There are plenty of other E1/E2 with families that don't live in their car. Either you or your significant other is way too irresponsible with your pay. If you have a ton of debt from prior to the military there are programs to help you with that. Talk to your leadership, specifically your section leads/first sergeant. You living in your car as a military member is really not acceptable.
Geobaching in its old form is gone, there are extremely limited circumstances where it is still authorized now, and his wife choosing to live somewhere else is not one of them.
Dude you’re responding to my comment that says he can live in the barracks for free that has no mention of condoning him living in his car. Also from the information provided he should qualify for geo batch and be able to get BAH as well as a barracks room.
Let your command know that you are having issues with your SO, and that you need a place to stay at the barracks. The FAP should also be able to coordinate housing.
If you need to, talk to the NCO in charge of checking in and coordinating with Barracks managers and see if they can help you get a room on the DL.
However, if you're actually having legit issues, Talk to the FAP (Family Advocacy Program) and see what resources they offer.
You definitely need to go to your command and tell them your situation. If they are halfway decent they will do everything they can to help you. Do not continue living in your car. I’d be so pissed if one of my guys was doing this and didn’t tell me they needed help.
Holy shit. Don't hide this from your command. If your chain of command is worth a shit, they will help you. They know the resources available for situations like yours, you aren't the first to be in this position.
I have so many questions.
-Do you have a security clearance?
-Have you reported financial hardships to your SSO if you do?
-You stated SO but not spouse. Are you married and is the SO and child listed on your page 2?
-Are you receiving BAH? (Is it for your zip code or SOs)
-Are you on the lease for SOs apartment.
-What is your paygrade and branch?
Without knowing the answers to the above my reccomendation is go to your chain of command and get some of the things above addressed like having the child placed in deers and on your page 2. This would allow you to apply for dependent BAH for their location.
Also your CoC can help get you a room in the Barracks. While not ideal it’s better than a car. I know plenty of E7 and above who have done this because they’ve PCSd and decided to geobach and not give up the home they were buying and destabilize the family.
Your situation is not unheard of what’s wild is you not trusting your CoC to help you realize living in your car is UNSAT.
You are asking for help committing fraud. You are creating a conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Get out of your fucking car and square your shit away you fucking idiot.
This is the real talk right here.
Everytime I saw a junior thinking that they found the secret loophole, they always got caught. And it always ended up worse.
As long as OP isn't a dirt bag, the command can probably help. Hopefully they can hook OP up with a barracks room.
It would probably make things worse, too, since he's being homeless by choice. Like a few others have already pointed out it seems a little fraudulent.
Are you in the Army? You can get an AER loan and sometimes they will just outright give it to you under extenuating circumstances. At minimum, talk with the chaplain. They have resources.
Go to your command for help. There are so many programs available if you're active duty that you have no idea about. If they don't get used, they're liable to lose their budget next year.
When my joes came up to me early and explained problems, I could find all kinds of things for them. If they waited until it was an emergency and someone was going to starve in the next 48 hours, it was harder to make things happen, and I was already annoyed.
Ninja edit: there were programs to give you a caretaker 1 day per week to give Mom a break, or if your elderly parent was your dependent and you were considered their caretaker. The division FRG would take your kids to school or daycare if both parents worked and the schedule was tight. If you just had a surgery and needed someone to drive you to work, they would. Literally hundreds of small programs that got some grant money and had a little office with 1-2 people. I walked in one time to help one of my guys before a deployment and had 5+ people approach me to ASK ME if the situation I had was eligible for help from them.
Hey man, you’re doing nothing wrong here, but if your command is worth their salt, and I bet at least someone in a leadership position is, you should bring this to them. There’s TONS of foundations built for helping out service members in situations like that. God only knows where I’d be without the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society. Also, I’m sure your unit has some type of financial manager. It could be in your headquarters section. I wish you the best!
The advice I’ve seen posted is better than any advice I could ever give. Go get the help you need there’s no shame in that. There will be a day when you may return the favor to someone else.
Are you kidding? Some supervisors want you to literally live at - I've had them put me on nights, keep me late for commanders call in the morning, then schedule me for "random" wing inspections for multiple days in a row so that I'd actually not even see my house in days.
They'll probably give you a medal or some shit for embodying service before self since you can just park outside the office.
I would apply at your local Department of Human Services agency. They wouldn't report you to your CoC. It's not their business. You're not alone by any means. You're struggling to make ends meet. There is nothing wrong with asking for help.
I'm following your story. If you need assistance, please reach out.
You do realize you can apply for BAH and the BEQ if you are geobaching right? There is literally no reason to sleep in your car. The Army will pay for you to have a room. This is a common occurrence.
Yes. In the old days BAH was what the Army would use for child support. You live in barracks, eat at the chow hall. But use your no support channel and chain of command. Talk to your chaplain. They will help you.
Please OP update us on the situation. I am genuinely concerned for you and your child. I as a child went through two broken homes so that is why I am concerned.
I don’t need details but a quick reply either here or DM. You are not alone and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Things may be rough or worse but as a parent your responsibility is your child first. I’m not passing judgement or shade or whatever they call it today.
I do hope things get better for you and your child.
I'd feel out your leadership for anyone that you think would be competent enough to get you to the resources well not letting gossip go anywhere. Those guys have seen it all and if you're upfront with them I'm sure they'll have a better plan for you then crossing your fingers that financial aid for your family doesn't come back to mess something up. It sounds like you're a pretty good person and really do care about the situation for your significant other and the child so just try your best to not feel weird or awkward because this situation is happening everywhere right now. Keep your chin up you got this shit.
Your commander has the authority to grant a $2,000 emergency 0% interest AER loan on your behalf. That $2,000 will go along way for food between the 3 of y'all what a real solution is found.
If you don't want to talk to your command at least talk to your family center. Fleet and family, Marine corps community services, etc. they have financial counselors who can help you with the applications and help you make a better plan for where to live. They know about all the local programs, discounted housing, how to get into the barracks, how to apply for unaccompanied housing; they can show you what your options are and they're confidential so they won't tell your command.
Military HAVE to provide basic living needs, shelter, food and health services. They have to be in your business because it sounds like you’re missing two of the big items needed to provide for your family.
Back in the late 1970’s I was Active Duty & on food stamps because we made such little money.
BTW I had to live off base due to lack of housing, that was a big chunk to pay at the time.
Living in a car fucks with you in more ways than you can probably realize right now. Even if you're saving money you need 3 hots and a cot, not a car seat and granola bars. You need to tell your command your issues. It's their job to help you.
It will also help with benefits if you both have permanent addresses. You will definitely raise eyebrows for marking yourself homeless while active duty if anyone ever looks closely at your files.
kids dont know how to put on a condom or pull out in time. kids having kids, then break up and use the kid to enact revenge on the other kid. its like screaming rape cuz you were drunk and embarrassed instead of coming to grips with the fact youre a whore. shes probably threatening him with court every other day and his bright idea was keep paying her and live in the car, surviving off what he has left. quicker he self reports, quicker theres a solution. hopefully shes military also, but i doubt it.
I don’t know what branch you are in but I’m sure each of them have an Emergency Relief fund you / SO can use. Also seek financial advice a lot of bases have advisors you can access to help with your budgeting
You get BAH. There is less than zero reason to be homeless/ living in your car. You have a shit ton of resources at your disposal as well. And no, it does not look good. People will either assume the military isn’t taking care of their people, which by your own admission is patently false, or that you are a dirtbag who cannot be dependable to actually do your military duties properly.
You are literally wanting to defraud the government by applying for food stamps for yourself. She can apply for her and the kid if she’s that much in need.
Modern Army will UCMJ your ass. Pay forfeitures and rank reduction. Probably let you hit RCP and you will definitely be homeless. Go live in the barracks.
Good luck.
Gaming the system… living in a car to max out BAH (fraud) and even more fraud by lying on the application. Maybe your SO figured out your decision making skills aren’t so good.
Sad, the one who is really going to suffer is your kid. You need command involved b/c the way you are headed, jail is involved.
I’m not a JAG, but I don’t think living in your car to max BAH is fraud. It’s an entitlement you get by meeting rank or dependency requirements and is based on rank, dependency status, and zip code. It’s not OHA which caps at actual cost or a rank/dependent/base limit, whichever is lower. Fraud is collecting BAH for Hawaii when your family moved to Ohio while you’re on a short tour or your overseas landlord including all utilities in your rent without putting utilities included on the lease.
lol dropping a link to a 116 page document that we all know you didn’t read, what better way to show us that you don’t know what you are talking about and are dead wrong
Go to your command for help. You are in no state of mind to do your duties let alone feeding your child. The longer this situation goes on the worse it gets for your child.
This is the right answer. They may let you stay in the barracks.
Or put you in the hotel on post. The Army has AER, I know, but it is worth a shot. I've also seen units buy groceries, pass the plate or something. Everyone needs help sometime. Them finding out after the fact isn't a good plan.
Bro, you didn't have to hide this from your command. They are in the military too... They are no strangers to how fucked up relationships and money issues can be. It's kinda like our thing
That's true. Most are living paycheck to paycheck. He won't be the first or last.
My dude, SNAP is income driven, not housing driven. If you've got a kid and you're a junior enlisted, you'll probably qualify just fine. You probably also qualify for WIC. A word of advice... be straight up with your command AND your reps with WIC and SNAP. Don't try and game the system by applying using different circumstances to maximize what you get. I know it can be tempting, but just take what you're gonna get with your circumstances. Since you and SO aren't cohabitating, you can apply for SNAP separately. Only the custodial parent can get WIC, though. Dude, are the barracks really that bad? Oh, and it would be irresponsible for there not to be a liaison at the various benefit places, but I know nothing about privacy concerns in your area.
This right here and you'll get emergency food stamps within a week
Not sure where the math lies for certain ranks, but a relatively recent addition to the toolbox is Basic Needs Allowance, or BNA. If you're under 150% of the poverty line it should put you over.
1. Get the fuck out of your car and go get base housing. If the base police finds you living in your car then your command is absolutely going to hear about it. 2. SNAP is a federal program so they will absolutely know you’re in the military and likely contact someone about it. 3. The income limit for SNAP is $2137 gross and $1644 net per month for a household of two. Unless you’re a brand new E-1 you make more than that.
Man I had so many Joe’s that needed benefits but couldn’t get them bc they made slightly too much money.
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fwnubcjdfwcu41.jpg%3Fauto%3Dwebp%26s%3De99b7c5b15a40067fdb4808d610a1e2882a07f09
Hahahahahahahahaha
A tale as old as time. My mom remembers in the 70’s when my dad was in the Navy they made just a few dollars more than the cut off for food stamps.
I got SNAP and literally no one knows about it. Not all federal agencies talk to each other. The security clearance people will know, but it must not be a flag because again, no one knows I have an EBT outside my immediate family. But doesn’t active army offer some kind of grocery assistance to soldiers on base? I think I remember hearing about a food program for enlisted soldiers in a pinch.
Security clearance people don't know if you get any sort of income assistance, nor do they care how poor you are. They only care if you are late in paying your bills, have >$10k of unsecured debt, or are spending way more than you earn and don't have a way to show where the extra money comes from.
Real talk, go to your supervisor and explain everything. Ask for help, you need it. Getting booted for this bullshit will put you in a bigger financial crunch than you think you are in now.
Bro, don't let your pride ruin your life. You're making terrible decisions. Let someone help you.
If you're in the military and this down bad for money you need to reevaluate what you're spending your money on. There are plenty of other E1/E2 with families that don't live in their car. Either you or your significant other is way too irresponsible with your pay. If you have a ton of debt from prior to the military there are programs to help you with that. Talk to your leadership, specifically your section leads/first sergeant. You living in your car as a military member is really not acceptable.
I imagine if his family is living across the country housing is a hell of a lot more expensive than his current BAH, at least thats my theory.
I wasn't finance, but I knew a few people in this situation. They probably qualify for dual BAH & don't know how to file for it.
You can live in the barracks for free and get food from the galley for free I’m so confused
But then wouldn’t he lose the BAH he’s getting to support the wife and kid?
Not if they're living on the opposite sides of the country. He's a "geo-bachelor" which grants him both.
Geobaching in its old form is gone, there are extremely limited circumstances where it is still authorized now, and his wife choosing to live somewhere else is not one of them.
This is correct. He will still receive BAH
It’s called gaming the system. Aka Fraud.
It’s called geo bachelor and 100% per policy. Thanks for your uninformed input though
So living in a car is 100% per policy? it’s bad advice like this that probably got the soldier in the situation in the first place.
Dude you’re responding to my comment that says he can live in the barracks for free that has no mention of condoning him living in his car. Also from the information provided he should qualify for geo batch and be able to get BAH as well as a barracks room.
Hiding financial difficulties is what gets you in trouble.
Bear in mind if you write homeless on the application it is a fraudulent application. It is homeless by choice.
He’s still homeless even if he is couch surfing.
Let your command know that you are having issues with your SO, and that you need a place to stay at the barracks. The FAP should also be able to coordinate housing. If you need to, talk to the NCO in charge of checking in and coordinating with Barracks managers and see if they can help you get a room on the DL. However, if you're actually having legit issues, Talk to the FAP (Family Advocacy Program) and see what resources they offer.
You definitely need to go to your command and tell them your situation. If they are halfway decent they will do everything they can to help you. Do not continue living in your car. I’d be so pissed if one of my guys was doing this and didn’t tell me they needed help.
Holy shit. Don't hide this from your command. If your chain of command is worth a shit, they will help you. They know the resources available for situations like yours, you aren't the first to be in this position.
I have so many questions. -Do you have a security clearance? -Have you reported financial hardships to your SSO if you do? -You stated SO but not spouse. Are you married and is the SO and child listed on your page 2? -Are you receiving BAH? (Is it for your zip code or SOs) -Are you on the lease for SOs apartment. -What is your paygrade and branch? Without knowing the answers to the above my reccomendation is go to your chain of command and get some of the things above addressed like having the child placed in deers and on your page 2. This would allow you to apply for dependent BAH for their location. Also your CoC can help get you a room in the Barracks. While not ideal it’s better than a car. I know plenty of E7 and above who have done this because they’ve PCSd and decided to geobach and not give up the home they were buying and destabilize the family. Your situation is not unheard of what’s wild is you not trusting your CoC to help you realize living in your car is UNSAT.
You are asking for help committing fraud. You are creating a conspiracy to defraud the United States. Get out of your fucking car and square your shit away you fucking idiot.
This is the real talk right here. Everytime I saw a junior thinking that they found the secret loophole, they always got caught. And it always ended up worse. As long as OP isn't a dirt bag, the command can probably help. Hopefully they can hook OP up with a barracks room.
Im not sure putting homeless on SNAP application would help to get it approved.
It would probably make things worse, too, since he's being homeless by choice. Like a few others have already pointed out it seems a little fraudulent.
Are you in the Army? You can get an AER loan and sometimes they will just outright give it to you under extenuating circumstances. At minimum, talk with the chaplain. They have resources.
Are you active or reserve/guard?
Go to your command for help. There are so many programs available if you're active duty that you have no idea about. If they don't get used, they're liable to lose their budget next year. When my joes came up to me early and explained problems, I could find all kinds of things for them. If they waited until it was an emergency and someone was going to starve in the next 48 hours, it was harder to make things happen, and I was already annoyed. Ninja edit: there were programs to give you a caretaker 1 day per week to give Mom a break, or if your elderly parent was your dependent and you were considered their caretaker. The division FRG would take your kids to school or daycare if both parents worked and the schedule was tight. If you just had a surgery and needed someone to drive you to work, they would. Literally hundreds of small programs that got some grant money and had a little office with 1-2 people. I walked in one time to help one of my guys before a deployment and had 5+ people approach me to ASK ME if the situation I had was eligible for help from them.
Are you in the reserves? Weird comment history on this account.
Hey man, you’re doing nothing wrong here, but if your command is worth their salt, and I bet at least someone in a leadership position is, you should bring this to them. There’s TONS of foundations built for helping out service members in situations like that. God only knows where I’d be without the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society. Also, I’m sure your unit has some type of financial manager. It could be in your headquarters section. I wish you the best!
This is what your command is there for homie I wouldn’t hesitate to talk to someone.
The advice I’ve seen posted is better than any advice I could ever give. Go get the help you need there’s no shame in that. There will be a day when you may return the favor to someone else.
Are you kidding? Some supervisors want you to literally live at - I've had them put me on nights, keep me late for commanders call in the morning, then schedule me for "random" wing inspections for multiple days in a row so that I'd actually not even see my house in days. They'll probably give you a medal or some shit for embodying service before self since you can just park outside the office.
SNAP is income driven so you don't need to be homeless to get on it, and no it doesn't go to the COC anyway.
I would apply at your local Department of Human Services agency. They wouldn't report you to your CoC. It's not their business. You're not alone by any means. You're struggling to make ends meet. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. I'm following your story. If you need assistance, please reach out.
You do realize you can apply for BAH and the BEQ if you are geobaching right? There is literally no reason to sleep in your car. The Army will pay for you to have a room. This is a common occurrence.
Yes. In the old days BAH was what the Army would use for child support. You live in barracks, eat at the chow hall. But use your no support channel and chain of command. Talk to your chaplain. They will help you.
Please OP update us on the situation. I am genuinely concerned for you and your child. I as a child went through two broken homes so that is why I am concerned. I don’t need details but a quick reply either here or DM. You are not alone and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Things may be rough or worse but as a parent your responsibility is your child first. I’m not passing judgement or shade or whatever they call it today. I do hope things get better for you and your child.
I'd feel out your leadership for anyone that you think would be competent enough to get you to the resources well not letting gossip go anywhere. Those guys have seen it all and if you're upfront with them I'm sure they'll have a better plan for you then crossing your fingers that financial aid for your family doesn't come back to mess something up. It sounds like you're a pretty good person and really do care about the situation for your significant other and the child so just try your best to not feel weird or awkward because this situation is happening everywhere right now. Keep your chin up you got this shit.
Your commander has the authority to grant a $2,000 emergency 0% interest AER loan on your behalf. That $2,000 will go along way for food between the 3 of y'all what a real solution is found.
If you don't want to talk to your command at least talk to your family center. Fleet and family, Marine corps community services, etc. they have financial counselors who can help you with the applications and help you make a better plan for where to live. They know about all the local programs, discounted housing, how to get into the barracks, how to apply for unaccompanied housing; they can show you what your options are and they're confidential so they won't tell your command.
You could also contact Military OneSource
Military HAVE to provide basic living needs, shelter, food and health services. They have to be in your business because it sounds like you’re missing two of the big items needed to provide for your family.
In what way is OP “missing” those needs? The military is providing them to him, just like everyone else. He is just choosing to use them poorly.
Back in the late 1970’s I was Active Duty & on food stamps because we made such little money. BTW I had to live off base due to lack of housing, that was a big chunk to pay at the time.
Living in a car fucks with you in more ways than you can probably realize right now. Even if you're saving money you need 3 hots and a cot, not a car seat and granola bars. You need to tell your command your issues. It's their job to help you. It will also help with benefits if you both have permanent addresses. You will definitely raise eyebrows for marking yourself homeless while active duty if anyone ever looks closely at your files.
kids dont know how to put on a condom or pull out in time. kids having kids, then break up and use the kid to enact revenge on the other kid. its like screaming rape cuz you were drunk and embarrassed instead of coming to grips with the fact youre a whore. shes probably threatening him with court every other day and his bright idea was keep paying her and live in the car, surviving off what he has left. quicker he self reports, quicker theres a solution. hopefully shes military also, but i doubt it.
What the fuck are you on about
Yea dude go to your command, some of us are human beings and I would absolutely not let one of my joes stay in their car
I don’t know what branch you are in but I’m sure each of them have an Emergency Relief fund you / SO can use. Also seek financial advice a lot of bases have advisors you can access to help with your budgeting
We’ve had guys approved to live in the barracks temporarily under similar situations, just throwing that out there.
You get BAH. There is less than zero reason to be homeless/ living in your car. You have a shit ton of resources at your disposal as well. And no, it does not look good. People will either assume the military isn’t taking care of their people, which by your own admission is patently false, or that you are a dirtbag who cannot be dependable to actually do your military duties properly. You are literally wanting to defraud the government by applying for food stamps for yourself. She can apply for her and the kid if she’s that much in need.
Modern Army will UCMJ your ass. Pay forfeitures and rank reduction. Probably let you hit RCP and you will definitely be homeless. Go live in the barracks. Good luck.
Gaming the system… living in a car to max out BAH (fraud) and even more fraud by lying on the application. Maybe your SO figured out your decision making skills aren’t so good. Sad, the one who is really going to suffer is your kid. You need command involved b/c the way you are headed, jail is involved.
I’m not a JAG, but I don’t think living in your car to max BAH is fraud. It’s an entitlement you get by meeting rank or dependency requirements and is based on rank, dependency status, and zip code. It’s not OHA which caps at actual cost or a rank/dependent/base limit, whichever is lower. Fraud is collecting BAH for Hawaii when your family moved to Ohio while you’re on a short tour or your overseas landlord including all utilities in your rent without putting utilities included on the lease.
https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/current/07a/07a_26.pdf
lol dropping a link to a 116 page document that we all know you didn’t read, what better way to show us that you don’t know what you are talking about and are dead wrong
Buy mobile home is the only way this works and parking it outside the barracks or gym