Utility/recurring maintenance allowance
paid monthly to defray expenses paid directly to utility companies.
Payments fully cover the reported utility expenses for 80 percent
of the members, based on expenses reported to PDTATAC by members
receiving the allowance. 18% of total OHA payments.
Move-in housing allowance
comprised of three components: MIHA/Miscellaneous, MIHA/Rent,
and MIHA/Security. MIHA/Miscellaneous--a fixed-rate, lump-sum
payment that reflects average expenditures to make dwellings habitable
(e.g., supplemental heating equipment, wardrobes). 2% of total
OHA payments. MIHA/Rent--an actual dollar-for- dollar payment
made in the field for customary or legally required rent-related
expenses, such as rental agents' fees. Fixed, one-time non-refundable
charges. MIHA/Security--an actual expense component paid
for security-related enhancements to physical dwelling when quarters
must be modified to minimize exposure to terrorist or criminal
threat.
Allowances periodically updated based on new
cost data and review of currency fluctuations.
Updates based on new cost data:
Rental ceilings:
actual rents provided through local finance offices; consolidated
data provided by duty station from Defense Manpower Data Center
West. Rental ceilings normally reviewed and adjusted every six
months. Can review and adjust as frequently as every three months.
Utility/recurring maintenance
allowance: updated annually through survey provided to
individual members that receive the allowance.
MIHA/Miscellaneous:
updated once every three years through survey provided to individual
members overseas that receive OHA.
MIHA/Rent & MIHA/Security:
actual, dollar-for-dollar payments made in the field.
Updates based on currency fluctuations:
Allowances paid in U.S. dollars but rent,
utilities, and move-in items typically paid in local currency.
Goal to maintain purchasing power in local currency over time.
Collect exchange rates daily and compare
allowance exchange rate to actual trading rate available to
members. Accumulate differences until 5% threshold reached.
Reset allowance rate of exchange such that
under/over payment is zeroed out over 8 week period. GAO validated;
equitable to member and government
