Income during ODS- Navy

[AvaRN22, MSN, RN]

I'm a newly commissioned Reservist trying to plan for ODS and have been searching for a straight answer on ODS costs and income.  From what I have found so far, it looks like I'll be getting paid approximately $2000/mo while I'm at ODS and I will have a gift card to cover about $2000 worth of necessary uniforms.   Is this correct? 

Also, how did you afford to not work for 5 weeks straight?  I have emergency savings that I would rather not use, but will if absolutely necessary to attend ODS.  I'm also considering moving and renting a room to reduce my monthly expenses while I'm at ODS. (I live in the very expensive SF Bay Area). 

Any insight would be appreciated.  

Thank you ? 

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I believe reservists from all branches on orders are entitled to BAH (housing allowance) for their zip code.  You can Google "BAH rates" and find your rank/#dependents so see what you get paid each month; BAH is tax-free.   However, I can't promise you'll get the BAH in a timely fashion; pay is extraordinarily slow when you first join.