 |
HOUSING ALLOWANCES |
Military members are entitled to various allowances to ensure the transition to a new location is as smooth and stress free as possible. If you have any questions about the allowances listed, please contact the MHO.
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) and Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA)
For overseas areas only, individuals moving into community housing may be eligible for OHA and MIHA. Specific circumstances, conditions and requirements of OHA or MIHA are identified in the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR).
These extra allowances are in place to off-set the higher costs of living in overseas communities. OHA is a reimbursement and based on actual expenses for rental and utility/recurring maintenance allowances. It is adjusted every pay period for changes in exchange rates.
Members are also authorized a one-time Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA). This allowance is provided for the purchase of supplemental items not normally available in foreign housing, but considered standard when renting in the community at U.S. locations such as window coverings, light fixtures, electricity connection, etc.
MIHA /Security is an integral part of the Overseas Housing Allowance. It covers reasonable security related expenses for uniformed service members. All costs incurred under this program must be for modification to the physical dwelling, such as installation of bars on windows, security doors, alarm systems etc. Expenditures which are not related to the physical dwelling, such as security guards or dogs are not permitted. MIHA Security cannot be used for other purposes such as modification for home safety. The housing office is only authorized to approve up to twice the monthly rental amount. Entitlements exceeding twice the monthly rent will be submitted through the Chief, Housing Management, to the Commander 425 ABS before the modifications are accomplished.
MIHA/Rent is the amount paid per month by a member to a landlord for the possession and use of a dwelling place. If the rent changes for any reasons, the OHA will be recomputed.
For more information about your OHA and MIHA, visit the Defense Travel Management Office website.
Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)
When you arrive at Izmir, Turkey you will be staying in temporary accommodations until you move into permanent quarters. TLA is an entitlement to partially offset the more-than-normal expenses incurred during occupancy of temporary lodging.
Prior to your arrival, please work with your sponsor to secure temporary accommodations. Your sponsor can advise you which local hotel you will be staying.
If permanent housing is not secured within 10 days, military members are required to report to the MHO every 10 days for a recertification of TLA. For TLA entitlements to be extended for the next 10 day period, you must be actively seeking adequate housing as the MHO requires a list of the housing units visited and the reason why they were not acceptable. Pet restrictions and parking (there are plenty of park houses) do not qualify as reasons for non-acceptance of available housing.
For more information about TLA at Izmir, Turkey, please contact Milirary Housing Office DSN: 675-6756 or Commercial phone 011-90-232-4556750
Living Quarters Allowance (LQA)
Civilian employees recruited from the U.S. are required to live in the local community and may be entitled to receive a Living Quarters Allowance (LQA). LQA is in addition to other allowances and, in most instances, covers most of the costs of housing, heat, electricity, trash, water, and sewer service. The maximum allowable rates depend on the location of the duty assignment, the grade of the employee.
It is important for individuals to know that LQA is a reimbursement and based on actual expenses. It is adjusted every pay period for changes in monetary exchange rates. For more information on LQA please contact the Civilian Personnel Office at Incirlik AB, Turkey at DSN: 314-676-6578 or visit the State Department website.
Financing Your Up-Front Move-In Cost
All service military members are entitled to a 100 percent advance of required up-front rent payments and security deposits. Service members must pay back the advanced rent in 12 monthly payments. They may request to have repayment of the security deposits over $500 suspended until termination of the rental contract. Upon termination of the contract the member is required to repay the full amount of the security advance.
The MHO will assist you in completing the required paperwork to begin processing your rent advance. For specific questions about the program, please contact the base Financial Services Office at 011-90-232-4556800 (DSN 314-675-6800).