What is Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) and how does it relate to BAH?

• A. OHA fully replaces BAH for all overseas moves.
• B. BAH is the standard housing allowance; OHA is unrelated.
• C. OHA reimburses actual overseas housing costs; BAH is the standard housing allowance; OHA may augment BAH or apply when overseas.
• D. OHA is only available for officers.

Answer: (C)

Overseas Housing Allowance is the mechanism used to reimburse you for the actual housing costs you incur while living abroad. It works alongside the standard housing allowance, known as BAH, which is set as a baseline rate for your rank and location. If your real overseas housing costs (rent, utilities, etc.) exceed what BAH covers, OHA can pay the difference up to the allowed maximum, helping you avoid paying out of pocket. If your overseas costs are within or below the BAH amount, you wouldn’t need additional OHA. OHA is not limited to officers; it applies to eligible service members stationed overseas and is intended to cover the true cost of housing abroad rather than replace BAH.