The United States and the island of Guam have a very significant yet intertwined history. The United States has maintained a military presence in Guam since 1898, and is currently running 2 major bases on the island. With Anderson Air Force Base in the northern part, and
Naval Base Guam in the southern side, there are an estimated 12,000 U.S. troops deployed and living in Guam.
Guam is in close proximity to South-East Asia which provides unique travel opportunities that would be much more affordable than living in the mainland. With easy access to countries like Japan, the Philippines, China & Thailand you get to choose your adventure.
Active duty members who are stationed overseas and are approved to live off-base at government expense are eligible to receive an Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA). If you are military and have been recently relocated to Guam, here is everything you need to know about OHA and finding your home on the island.
What is Overseas Housing Allowance?
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) is a program designed to partially offset housing expenses at overseas duty locations where Service members live in privately leased housing. This is a reimbursement system that takes into consideration the amount Service members paid on rent, utilities and related move-in costs.
Determine how much of your rent is covered by OHA
Depending on the location, military members are assigned a rental cap. This is based on the average rental costs in the area, member’s rank and whether or not the member is living with dependents. On top of the monthly rental reimbursement that’s limited to the cap, OHA payment also includes an allowance for utilities. This amount is based on random inquiries of military members in the area. Everyone is granted the same allowance for utilities regardless of pay grade or rank.
The Department of Defense has an OHA calculator available on their website to help determine one’s Overseas Housing Allowance for their specific location.
Know any additional allowances you may get
Depending on your situation you may have a Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) or a Utility Allowance. It is best to check with your unit to see what type of allowances you may get. Often these are use it or lose it type situations, a Real Estate Agent can help you make sure you get the most from your particular situation.
Find out how OHA is allocated for married couples who are both in the military
For military couples who jointly occupy leased housing overseas, they are treated as separate entities for purposes of OHA. Each of them are eligible to claim OHA up to the amount of their OHA rental cap, but the total payments between the couple cannot exceed the actual amount of rental expenses being paid on their property. This holds true whether or not they have dependents. However, if they do have dependents, one of the service members (the more senior ranking) is eligible to receive OHA at the rate of those with dependents. The maximum eligible amount of OHA for the other member is at the “without dependents” rate. A licensed Real Estate Agent can help you maximize your OHA.
How frequently is OHA reviewed?
Overseas Housing Allowance is usually reviewed once every 6 months.
How do I take advantage of OHA?
As soon as you arrive at your duty station, check immediately with the local housing office or the local commander to determine what the procedures are for your area.
Make sure to work with a Licensed Real Estate Agent to help you find the rental that best suits you. Find one that is very familiar with the ins and outs and all the requirements of working with military housing offices.
Ellen’s Realty has been helping military service members find suitable homes for many years, working very closely with the military housing office on Guam. They have a wide pool of real estate professionals who can assist you for all your needs, with the intention of making the PCS-transition as convenient and enjoyable as possible.