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Germany offers a variety of landscapes from the coast in the north to the Bavarian Alps in the south.  The country boasts a multitude of historical towns and cities, romantic castles, and excellent museums.  The tourism infrastructure is well developed and most of the people speak English. 

To learn more about German cities, castles, and festivals, take a look at our Germany map and travelogues.

OVERSEAS HOUSING ALLOWANCE (OHA)

US MILITARY TIPS
US Air Force | US Army | US Navy | US Marine Corps
Berlin | Heidelberg | Frankfurt | Munich | Stuttgart

PCSing or going on TDY to Germany?
Use this page as your guide!

Military Finance is always confusing, and this is especially true when moving overseas.  Read our Military Finance Tips and Essential Information to ensure to find out more about your Military Money Matters.  Armed with this knowledge, you can protect your interests and ensure that you get everything that you are entitled to.

Housing allowances when living CONUS (Basic Allowance for Housing) and OCONUS (Overseas Housing Allowance) vary in how they are used by the servicemember.

You can find out how much OHA you are authorized at your specific duty station by visiting the OHA Rate Webpage.



OVERSEAS HOUSING ALLOWANCE
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) is paid to servicemembers who live in off post housing at their OCONUS duty station.  OHA is meant to offset housing costs to include rent and utilities. 

If off post housing is available to you at your overseas duty station, you should coordinate for a lease to be signed at your selected property through your local housing office. 

Unlike CONUS Basic Allowance for Housing, you may not keep any amount of money if your rent is under your maximum authorized OHA rate.  If your rent is above your maximum authorized OHA rate, you must pay the difference. 

You will receive additional housing funds if you have command sponsored dependents living with you.  Otherwise you will receive OHA at the lower unaccompanied rate.

If you are serving an unaccompanied overseas tour and your family is staying in the US, you are eligible for OHA at the "without dependents rate", along with BAH at the "with dependents rate" based on your dependent's residence ZIP Code.

Rent ceilings are based on reported rents and are set to cover the rent paid by 80 percent of servicemembers, with command sponsored dependents, within each pay grade.

OHA is reviewed at least once every six months by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee.  This committee monitors the exchange rate and can adjust OHA every payday if necessary to maintain your proper purchasing power.  However, it does take a while for the change to reflect on the funds in your paycheck.  On the reverse side of it, if the dollar is stronger and the committee adjusts your OHA accordingly by decreasing your allowance, it will again take a while to reflect in your paycheck.

Once you have found housing, you should take a copy of your lease to your finance detachment and fill out DD Form 2367 to start your OHA payments. 

UTILITIES
OHA payments on your leave and earnings statement (LES) will list both rent and utilities in one amount.

In some areas overseas, you may be billed for electricity, gas, etc. only once or twice a year.  In other areas, you may have to pay estimated costs up front and you get whatever money you don't use back at the end of the year (like a tax rebate).  Be forewarned, set money aside regularly to pay the inevitable bills.

The amount of utilities you are paid is an average based on the expenditures reported by servicemembers at your duty station.  The utility allowance is set to fully cover the reported expenses for 80 percent of servicemembers. 

MOVE-IN HOUSING ALLOWANCE

Move-in Housing Allowance (MIHA) is paid to servicemembers to cover moving-in costs and is divided up into three separate components. 

The first is Miscellaneous MIHA, which is an up front, lump sum payment covering the average moving in costs for your duty station area.  The second is MIHA Rent, which is a dollar for dollar reimbursement of any fees incurred in acquiring a rental agreement of a property.  The last is MIHA Security, which applies to high crime or high threat areas (as designated by the Department of State). 

The amount of MIHA paid is an average based on the expenditures reported by servicemembers at your duty station.
 

DAMAGED SHIPMENT?

SEE OUR GUIDE TO CLAIMS FOR LOSS/DAMAGE TO HOUSEHOLD GOODS/BAGGAGE

European Sights

Heidelberg CastleHeidelberg
Heidelberg is the very image of romantic Germany.  The city's 17th Century red sandstone castle ruin and the old bridge are two of the most majestic sights in all of Germany.

Neuschwanstein CastleNeuschwanstein
Venture into the Bavarian Alps and visit the fairy tale landmark upon which the Walt Disney based his Disney Land Castle: Mad King Ludwig's Schloss Neuschwanstein.

ColosseumROME
Visit Italy's bustling capital for a true walk through the history books.  Rome is a delight for all travelers.  Whether you're looking for history, architecture, art, or just a great meal, you'll find it in Rome.

Hitler's Eagle's NestEagle's Nest
Adolf Hitler's Eagle's Nest lies atop a mountain in the southeastern corner of Germany.  Visit this magnificent monument and marvel at the breathtaking views of the German Alps.

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