Effective November 16, 2024, service members stationed in the Republic of Korea (ROK) will experience increases in their Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA), with these changes benefiting service members across multiple military locations in Korea. This adjustment follows an analysis of service member data provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center and aims to align housing allowances with local rental market conditions.
The Department of Defense’s decision, communicated through a memorandum by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense on October 29, 2024, represents a concerted effort to ensure that service members' housing allowances reflect the cost of living and market conditions in the ROK. This increase applies to a wide range of ranks across multiple installations in the country, including U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys.
Key Changes to OHA
The increase in OHA is aimed at helping service members cover the costs of renting off-base housing, which can vary widely depending on the local area. These allowances are based on reports of actual rental payments, local surveys, and adjustments for currency exchange rates.
Service members in the following ranks will see increased allowances:
O6, O5, O4, O3E, O2, O1, W5, W4, W3, W1
E9, E5, E4, E3, E2, E1
However, ranks O3, W2, O2E, O1E, E8, E7, and E6 will not experience increases under this new adjustment.
This change will affect multiple military locations in Korea, with a focus on ensuring the allowances better reflect local rental markets and provide service members with the financial support they need to secure housing.
OHA Rates for Service Members in Korea
The revised OHA rates, effective Nov. 16, 2024, are designed to better meet the housing needs of service members across various ranks. Here’s a quick reference to the new rates:
Expand below to see
OHA PAY GRADE CHART
For service members across the ROK, these increases reflect both changes in the cost of living and an effort to provide fair housing support in comparison with local market conditions.
Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) Adjustment
In addition to the OHA increases, the Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) for USAG Humphreys has also been updated. The COLA index rating has been adjusted from 104 to 110, effective November 16, 2024. This adjustment is based on the findings of the ongoing OCOLA Living Pattern Survey, which is available for service members to contribute to until November 15.
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