During the month of May, service members in Navy Region Singapore are encouraged to participate in the Overseas Housing Allowance Utility and Move-In Housing Expenses survey conducted on behalf of the Department of Defense, by the Allowances Branch of the Defense Travel Management Office.

The OHA survey is done annually, while the Move-In Housing Expenses survey is done once every three years. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Milton Lewis, disbursing officer for Navy Region Center Singapore, highlighted the importance of completing the survey.

"These allowances are a valuable entitlement to service members stationed in Singapore," said Lewis. "It can be incredibly expensive to live out in town; filling out the survey can help to improve quality of life for sailors currently stationed here and those who will be stationed here in the future."

This year, the survey is being conducted from May 1-31 for Navy Region Singapore. It is designed to collect utility, recurring maintenance and move-in expense data incurred by uniformed service members stationed overseas who reside in private housing. If you receive OHA and meet the following qualifications, you are eligible to participate in the survey:

- Have been stationed in Singapore for at least 3 months
- Reside in privately leased quarters (not a homeowner or sharer)
- Receive an Overseas Housing Allowance

"OHA are expenses that are part of the lease which can be negotiated before moving in," said Lewis. "The Utility and Move-In Housing Expenses covers expenses which are not included such as electric and water bills. It's important we get feedback from those living out in town so that we can make sure they're getting help with those expenses which they're entitled to."

Singapore is reported to be one of the most expensive places in the world to live. With annual surveys like these, service members are able to receive an easier transition from stateside living to overseas housing.

"I highly encourage everyone who is eligible to participate in the survey," Lewis said. "Anything that can help service members live easier, especially so far from home, is always worth the effort."

The deadline to complete is close of business May 31, and you can take the survey here: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/ohaSurvey.cfm?ID=may-utilmiha/.

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