REFERRAL AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

Developing a sense of community here starts before you arrive at Shaw AFB. We recognize the efforts behind this transition and want to make sure you are satisfied with the details of your move. To obtain referral and relocation assistance, we encourage you to reach out for personalized services provided by the Military Housing Office (MHO) staff. Shaw AFB and the Sumter communities are located in the heartlands of South Carolina. Shaw is situated a short drive from Interstates 20, 26, 77 and 95. Sumter is only a couple hours drive from both the ocean and the mountains.

Sumter is an ideal place to raise a family. We have 29 public schools and an additional number of private schools. Institutions of higher education such as the University of South Carolina - Sumter Branch, Morris College and Central Carolina Technical College create environments where students can continue their academic careers after high school. Shaw Air Force Base is an important part of Sumter's identity. With an average of 7,500 military personnel stationed here at any given time, Sumter considers and treats our military families as a treasured part of the community. 

HOUSING ALLOWANCES

Military members are entitled to various allowances to ensure the transition to a new location is as smooth and stress free as possible. If you have any questions about the allowance listed, please contact the MHO. 

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
Military members assigned to Shaw AFB receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The purpose of the BAH program is to provide housing allowances to service members based on median housing costs in local civilian markets. The DoD determines the correct housing allowance to enable members to afford suitable housing within a reasonable distance of their duty location. The allowance is set based on geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependent status and is adjusted each year. 

For more information about your BAH, visit the Defense Travel Management Office website.