OHA Survey Underway

Do you ever feel like you could use a little more cash to put towards your overseas housing costs? Well, the opportunity to make a difference in your Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) is now. As of September 1, 2017 the Department of Defense is conducting an OHA Utility Expenses Survey for your benefit.

Some might ask, what is the OHA Survey and how does it affect me?

But before that, the first question to ask yourself is, am I even eligible to take the survey?

-          If you currently have been stationed in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months,

-          received OHA during this time AND

-          currently reside in a privately leased home

Then “yes” you are eligible.

The survey is designed to collect utility and recurring maintenance expense data incurred by uniformed service members stationed overseas, who reside in private housing. Your data assists in determining the utility and recurring maintenance allowance paid to service members in the country surveyed.

Survey questions consist of determining the net floor area of your residence and what your average monthly payment for electricity is. Questions concerning your renters insurance and how much you pay for maintenance may also be asked.

What happens if people do not participate in the OHA survey?

You play a critical part as the data you provide will directly impact the Utility and Recurring Maintenance Allowance paid to you. Your time and effort spent answering the survey questions will enable the Department of Defense to set equitable OHA rates. We ask that you make every effort to take the survey and report your expenses accurately.

You may take the survey at the following link. The link will be activated on 1 Sept and the deadline to complete the survey is close of business (COB) 30 September.

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/ohaSurvey.cfm?ID=sep-util