Understanding Army DA 5960
What is DA 5960?
The DA 5960, officially titled "Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ)", is a Department of the Army form used to authorize changes to a soldier’s housing allowances. It is part of the broader family of DA forms that facilitate personnel management, specifically relating to allowances and entitlements. The form is typically used when a soldier’s circumstances change—such as moving to a new duty station, marital status, or housing situation—that impact their entitlement to BAQ.
Purpose of DA 5960
The primary purpose of DA 5960 is to document and authorize adjustments to a soldier’s Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ). This allowance is a key component of military compensation, intended to offset housing costs for service members living off-base. The form ensures that changes in housing status are properly recorded and processed, thereby maintaining accurate pay records and ensuring soldiers receive the correct allowance amount.
Key Components of DA 5960
The DA 5960 contains several sections, each designed to capture specific information necessary for processing housing allowance adjustments:
Personal and Military Information
- Soldier’s full name
- Rank and pay grade
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Unit and duty station
- Date of request
Details of Requested Change
- Type of change (start, stop, or change)
- Effective date of the change
- Reason for the change (e.g., move, marital status change)
Authorization
- Supervisor or commanding officer’s signature
- Date of approval
- Administrative review signatures
How to Fill Out DA 5960
Filling out DA 5960 accurately is critical to ensure proper processing of housing allowance adjustments. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Necessary Information
Before starting, collect all pertinent details:
- Personal identification
- Current housing situation
- Details of the housing change
Step 2: Complete Personal Details
Fill in the soldier’s full name, rank, SSN, and current duty station. Ensure all entries are correct to prevent delays.
Step 3: Select the Type of Change
Indicate whether you are requesting:
- A start of BAQ
- A stop of BAQ
- A change in BAQ (e.g., amount, location)
Step 4: Specify Effective Date and Reason
Enter the date when the change should take effect and provide a clear reason for the change, such as "relocated to new duty station" or "marital status change."
Step 5: Obtain Approvals
The form must be signed by the appropriate commanding officer or supervisor. Their signature confirms that the request is valid and authorized.
Step 6: Submit the Form
Once completed and signed, submit the DA 5960 to the personnel or finance office for processing. Keep copies for personal records.
Importance of DA 5960 in Military Administration
Ensures Accurate Pay and Allowances
By properly documenting changes, the DA 5960 helps prevent discrepancies in pay, ensuring soldiers receive the correct housing allowance based on their current circumstances.
Supports Legal and Administrative Compliance
Proper documentation is necessary for compliance with military regulations and for audit purposes. The form serves as an official record of authorization.
Facilitates Quick Processing of Changes
Timely submission and accurate completion of the form allow for swift processing, minimizing the risk of delays in allowance adjustments.
Common Scenarios for Using DA 5960
The DA 5960 is used in various situations, including:
- Relocating to a new duty station
- Marital status changes, such as marriage or divorce
- Change in dependent status
- Change in housing arrangements (e.g., moving from on-base to off-base housing)
- Adjustments in housing allowance due to housing costs or policy changes
Additional Tips for Handling DA 5960
- Double-check all information before submitting to avoid delays.
- Ensure signatures are legible and properly obtained.
- Keep copies of the completed form for your records.
- Follow up with the personnel or finance office to confirm processing status.
- Stay informed about policy changes related to housing allowances to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
Understanding the significance of the Army DA 5960 is vital for service members and administrative staff alike. It ensures that housing allowances are accurately adjusted in response to changes in a soldier’s living situation, thereby safeguarding their financial entitlement. Proper use of the form not only streamlines administrative processes but also helps maintain transparency and compliance within military personnel management. Whether you are a soldier preparing to move or a supervisor authorizing a change, mastering the details of DA 5960 is an essential part of effective military administration. By staying informed and diligent in handling this form, soldiers can ensure they receive their rightful allowances without unnecessary delays or errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Army DA 5960 form?
The Army DA 5960 form is used to document and authorize soldier allowances, such as per diem, travel expenses, and other entitlement reimbursements within the military.
How can soldiers access or obtain the DA 5960 form?
Soldiers can access the DA 5960 form through the Army's official electronic forms portal or request it from their unit's administrative office.
What information is required to complete the DA 5960 form?
The form requires details such as the soldier’s personal information, travel dates, destination, purpose of travel, authorized allowances, and approval signatures.
Is the DA 5960 form used for all types of travel within the Army?
While primarily used for official travel reimbursements, certain types of travel may require additional documentation, but the DA 5960 is the standard form for documenting allowances related to travel.
How do soldiers submit the completed DA 5960 form for processing?
Completed forms are typically submitted electronically through the Army's official channels or physically via approved administrative procedures for approval and reimbursement.
Are there any recent updates or changes to the DA 5960 form?
Recent updates may include modifications to allowance categories or submission procedures; soldiers should refer to the latest Army administrative guidance or official updates for current information.
Who can soldiers contact for assistance with completing or submitting DA 5960 forms?
Soldiers can contact their unit's administrative or finance office, or reach out to the Army Personnel Service Center for guidance on completing and submitting the DA 5960 form.
