BAQ and Support of Illegitimate Children

Information was requested concerning the basic allowance for quarters (BAQ) being drawn by single military members for the support of their illegitimate dependent children. Entitlement to BAQ based on illegitimate children was authorized when legislation was amended to include illegitimate children in the definition of a dependent. Applicable regulations require that dependency of an illegitimate child be supported by documentary evidence of dependency and must be annually certified by the member. A single service member assigned to single-type government quarters claiming an illegitimate child in the custody of another for BAQ purposes must show that the monthly support furnished the child is at least equal to the BAQ at the with dependents rate. If the member is not assigned government quarters, the regulations require that the support furnished be the greater of over one-half the child's support, or the difference between the BAQ at the with and without dependents rates.