OHA vs LQA: what's the difference for a PCS to Germany?
Quick answer
OHA is a military overseas housing allowance. LQA is a civilian overseas housing allowance for eligible employees. A signed lease alone does not establish entitlement: confirm your eligibility, start date, allowable costs and submission requirements with your servicing office.
| Program | Responsible starting point |
|---|---|
| OHA | Military finance and housing office |
| LQA | Civilian personnel office; NAF HR for a NAF appointment |
OHA: military housing
OHA reimburses eligible military housing costs within applicable limits. DoD rules require approval and supporting housing documents. Ask finance what your own authorization covers.
LQA: civilian housing
LQA is a separate civilian allowance. DCPAS describes allowable housing expenses and a ceiling; its linked reference is 2018 background, not a current rate quote. Ask civilian HR for current eligibility and calculation.
Before signing a lease
Send the proposed rent and utility breakdown to your servicing housing or personnel office. Ask which costs qualify, the approved ceiling, required documents and effective date. Do not assume a signed lease activates payment or guarantees backdating.
NAF and contractor appointments
NAF staff should ask NAF HR; contractors should ask their employer. Do not assume either a universal exclusion or automatic access to military or GS benefits.
Frequently asked
- Will the full rent be reimbursed?
- Confirm the allowable costs and ceiling before signing. The lease price is not an approval.
- Can payments be backdated?
- Ask your servicing office for the effective date and submission requirements; there is no universal promise here.
Last recorded review: 2026-07-11. Requirements can change; confirm with the linked source or responsible office. Boris is independent of the DoD.
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