BAH Backpay Requirements?

[BigRed389]

Got a situation and wondering if anybody here has expertise in the field:

E-4 over 4 years who signed a lease before going off to IA.Keep in mind...he went IA, and ship (parent command) went off on deployment. His old "house" literally sailed away. He obviously had no place to "stash" belongings, so he rented a place. Sounds reasonable.

However, he didn't hit 4 years until May, but he signed the lease in March.
He returned from leave coinciding with ship return from deployment in November, and dropped a BAH chit.

Unfortunately, a combination of events revolving around lazy PS's led to the housing office not stamping approval until January, and the PS's claim that he is not eligible for ANY backpay. (Which really pisses me off as they sat on the signed package and kept it onboard knowing that, if that is the case).

Just curious if there is any way I can get him BAH backpay back to at least May, when he became BAH eligible. Seems like he's getting royally fucked considering what happened, and was trying to deal with the situation (IA+parent command/"home" sailing away) as best he could.
BAH instruction doesn't really cover this kind of situation...looking for advice or guidance. Thanks.

 

[Hozer]

Back in the day, we were told don't expect to get BAH until you have an approved chit, period. I recall that was the trigger, once the Command approved an eligible sailor for BAH and you could present the rental agreement, you were all set.
I think you and the CMC can at least get him BAH retro'd to the day the chit was approved and also showing proof of occupancy (rental agreement).
Good luck.
Hoze