What are all the benefits for the family of a military man?
Before you get married you should have marriage councelling. (It’s a good idea for anyone getting married) Don’t just do it if you don’t get along very well. It’s very stressful and if you don’t have a strong relationship to begin with it will be hard to keep it once he’s gone for training or even deployed. Your child will get benefits like free health care and child support. You can’t use the commissary or BX unless you are married, and the military won’t pay for your moving expenses if you do/can go with him if you aren’t married. Ultimately you should marry because you love each other and are committed to making it work, not just for benefits.
Your child together will get the benefits whether or not you are married. Medical (free or co-pay depending on which plan is picked) and Dental (monthly fee and co-pay), use of base facilities (child care, stores, etc…). If you are married then you will get all the benefits as well but the AD member will qualify for BAH (if not married he will get BAH-diff unless that amount is less than child support ordered by the courts) to pay for a rental or mortgage for you as a family or military housing. You will also be given more information while on deployments. But if you aren’t getting along then don’t get married just for the benefits. You need to think of the child and what the affects will be on her if you are arguing all the time or not getting along. Sometimes not getting married is better for all of you.
This site can explain the benefits http://www.goarmy.com/benefits/soldier_a… Health care of course is a big benefit especially with a child. Shopping at the commissary and PX can save money. Housing (when available) If you all have trouble getting along it might be really hard for you all during deployments. The new GI Bill is still not passed yet. RIght now the Army is the only service that passes a portion of the service members GI Bill to the spouse as a reenlistment option.
