Can I save money in Germany with OHA, like I did with BAH?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 22:32:28 -0400

I'm married in Hawaii right now collecting extra pay from the leftover bah we don't use for rent. Is that possible with OHA? If not would it just be better to live on base?

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Sep 23 at 2020 11:53 PM

MSgt Don VandeBogert — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 23:53:11 -0400

No. Been a couple years and am unaware of any changes (still have a couple friends there complaining about this) but OHA pays your rent, up to your cap...not like BHA that just gives you all of it up front. On the bright side you will also make COLA. That you pocket and do with as you please. Big $ if you have a family.

Also, if you rent off base many places offer utilities included in the rent. More often than not it's just a couple things versus all utilities but there are some that do everything. As long as you stay under your cap that's good. If you pay out of pocket make sure you watch your bill's. They like to do averages each month based off past usage. If you over you pay you get the difference back at the end of the year. If you under pay you get an extra bill. Most of my subordinates got a shock at the end of their first year when the bill came. Heating oil always sucked to pay for and they learned quick not to leave lights on all the time. Those weren't fun bills if you didnt budget for them.

V/R
Bogie

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2020 8:09 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 08:09:44 -0400

You can’t live ‘on your own’ unless there is no availability. Most of the family housing is outside the gate in the communities, but the military takes care of all the bills/utilities. If you did get approved, do you speak/read enough German to sign a rental agreement? I recommend taking what you are offered for housing.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2020 8:15 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 08:15:59 -0400

OHA calculator:
https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/ohaCalc.cfm
Unlike BAH, you have to find a rental first, then provide a signed lease and fill out paperwork to start OHA, see the FAQ list:
https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/faqoha.cfm

OHA Calculator

OHA rates are compiled by country and are updated based on new cost data and currency fluctuations. The following information applies to all OHA tables:

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 25 at 2020 4:25 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 16:25:00 -0400

You will not have the option in most cases, if on base housing is available that is where you will live. Your OHA will be tied to the cost of your rent and utilities. The COLA is where you will receive some extra if left over.