FBI agents assigned to cities with a high cost of living are seeking federal assistance to help cover their housing expenses.
According to an NPR report, the FBI Agents Association has requested $165 million to be included in the Justice Department’s 2025 budget to fund for a pilot program that would provide financial assistance for cost-of-living expenses, including housing. A 2023 survey found two-thirds of agents living in expensive markets had complained it was difficult to cover their bills with their current salaries.
Natalie Bara, president of the FBI Agents Association, reported hearing from agents who were forced to share an apartment near New York City due to the expensive housing market, and while others commuted four hours each day from less expensive housing locations.
The markets cited by the FBI Agents Association as having excessive rents or mortgages were New York City, Newark, Honolulu, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
“They’re having to juggle being able to afford rent and/or utilities versus being able to actually buy groceries, so it’s getting to a level where it’s becoming very, very difficult to not only recruit agents into these high cost-of-living areas, but also retain them in those areas,” said Bara.
The U.S. Department of Justice acknowledged the problem but did not endorse the concept of a housing allowance for agents.
“The Justice Department is supportive of innovative efforts undertaken by the FBI and is also working across its components to identify achievable and sustainable strategies that support our people in the field,” said Assistant Attorney General for Administration Jolene Lauria. “The Department is ready and willing to work with Congress on more permanent solutions.”
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It’s NOTHING NEW. I started My Career with the FBI in WDC in 1978. My annual salary was $7,200, straight out of College.
I quickly learned to be fiscally conservative. Watching a small, borrowed B&W TV with rabbit ears. Grocery shopping each pay period, looking for sale, discounted and clearance items. Folks just need to watch their money more carefully and not depend on the government for extras. Going to a movie was a treat. Attending a Kennedy Center musical or Shakespeare Theater Play in D.C. was something you saved for and enjoyed. In those days you joined a carpool or paid for Mass Transit out of your own pocket, with no subsidies…
It’s not only FBI agents struggling to buy a house.
There should be some sort of grant for buyers.
Government gives out money like candy but working US citizens can’t afford to live.
Yes, government gives out money like candy. But it’s not their money, it’s ours. They usurp our choices as to how our money is spent to forward a political agenda.
Still, FBI agents should be compensated for expensive area postings. They could have a system modeled after the military with a base pay and BAH supplement determined by their locale. I’m surprised they don’t already.
A Former Professional Support, retired, and who entered government, from, the private sector, the FBI (government) must realize how financial difficulties will effect the overall wellness of the FBI Agent, as well as, professional support employees. Many personnel enter government service several years after college or working in the private industry with debt. Whether it’s a student loan; car payments; if married with children, child care responsibilities, if both parents work. The relocation expenses and expense for housing will consume most of the FBI Agents paycheck. Due to this, a housing subsidy should be added to Locality areas as an incentive to move to these areas including the locality pay. It’s easy to be frugal when it’s just you, probably. Not being able to take your family or if single on a vacation out of the state, can affect an employees wellness. Not being able to have a free lunch with a longtime friend because an employer is worrying about receiving a free meal or gift from a local law enforcement is an important obstacle added to an agents/professional supports psyche. So, I’m not big on government employees not being able to enjoy a steak/salmon dinner for the family once in a while or with friends . Or, the employee looks dingy dirty because their water bill was high. Government employees should feel welcomed & well taken care of for the public they serve.