Defense Department announces housing allowance raise and other measures to assist struggling troops

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced new Department of Defense measures aimed at enhancing the financial security of U.S. service members, including a raise in the housing allowance troops receive.

"The Department of Defense has temporarily raised the basic allowance for housing in areas that have had a 10% increase in rental costs this year, and in places with housing shortages, we're extending temporary lodging expense reimbursement so that families have more time to find a home that fits their needs."

The decision to temporarily raise the housing allowance troops receive comes as military families have struggled through "tight housing markets across the country" amid the pandemic, Austin said.