OHA survey available now through March

U.S. service members are encouraged to participate in the annual Overseas Housing Allowance Survey for Germany conducted throughout the month of March.

This annual survey gives overseas U.S. service members the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their entitlements for their off-base housing allowance.

Access to the survey can be found here: https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/ohaSurvey.cfm?ID=mar-util

OHA is a cost-reimbursement based allowance. Numerous variables, such as the service member’s pay grade, permanent duty station and price of utilities, impact the total amount of OHA given to service members. Without participation in the survey, the defense travel management office does not know if currently allotted funds are sufficient for overseas families.

“Completing the survey is critical to ensure OHA rates for the utility and recurring maintenance allowance portion are properly set for service members assigned throughout Germany,” said Timothy W. Marable, U.S. Army Europe senior financial management analyst. “The results of the survey directly impact the amount of this portion of housing allowance each service member receives.”

This year’s survey will capture actual utility expense and recurring maintenance expense amounts provided by participants, referencing utility bills and receipts for maintenance expenses or estimates of these expenses.

Examples of reportable utility and recurring maintenance expenses include the following: Electricity, sewer, trash, running water for a residence, bottled water for drinking, bottled gas, and other household fuels such as kerosene, heating oil, coal, firewood, and natural gas for heating and cooking.

Additional expenses include any mandatory rental insurance or maintenance and repair costs (excluding yard or lawn maintenance).

Data obtained from this survey will be used to determine the utility allowance and move-in housing allowance rates portion of OHA.

Service members should use actual bills or records of their utilities to complete the survey.

Spouses are encouraged to complete the survey if the service member is unavailable.

For more information about the survey, contact Marable at DSN: 314-537-1071 or commercial at: +49 611 143 537 1071.