Q: What is a living quarters allowance?
A: A living quarters allowance, or LQA, is an non-taxable incentive for U.S. citizen civilian employees, living in the United States, to accept Federal employment in a foreign area. The LQA covers
substantially all annual costs for suitable, adequate living quarters for the employee and family while living overseas. However, an LQA is not an entitlement or automatic salary supplement.
Q: What are LQA rates based on?
A: LQA rates are established by the U.S. Department of State and are based on duty location, grade level, and number of family members. LQA rates for different duty locations are included in the Department
of State Standardized Regulations,
section 920.
Q: How is an LQA paid?
A: Your LQA is paid biweekly by Direct Deposit and documented on your Earnings and Leave Statement.
Q: If I live in Government quarters, do I still receive an LQA?
A: No. LQA terminates on the date immediately preceding the employee occupancy of Government-owned or leased quarters which are provided at no personal cost.
Q: Will I be paid by the country I move to?
A: No, you are an employee of the Department of the Navy and will be paid by the Department of the Navy with U.S. currency. Your paycheck will be directly deposited in your bank account or financial
institution you designate and provide to the local Human Resources Office processing your paperwork.
Q: What happens to my health care coverage?
A: If you are a U.S. citizen and occupy a permanent position, you are eligible for
Federal Employee Health Benefits.
Eight health insurance plans are available: Alliance Health Benefit Plan, American Postal Workers Union, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Foreign Services, Government Employees Hospital Association, Mail
Handlers, National Association of Letter Carriers, and Postmasters. If you are a current Federal employee enrolled in a plan other than these, you will need to review your benefits and make a new election.
Q: My spouse doesn’t want to take out kids out of school yet. Can they join me later?
A: Yes. Eligible family members must be included in your Permanent Change Station (PCS) orders and identified as delayed travel.
Q: Can we bring our family pet?
A: Different countries and locations have different regulations regarding what pets can be brought on base. Check the regulations for the
specific location where you expect to relocate.
Q: My daughter is a swimmer. Do the local schools have sports teams?
A: Most schools have sports teams, although each location is unique. Check the local conditions information for the
specific location where you expect to relocate.
Q: Will the Department of the Navy send me to school to learn the country’s language?
A: No, however, language classes may be offered at your new post. Check the individual
location profiles
for information on available language instruction.
Q: What kinds of social activities are available?
A: Each overseas base sponsors a variety of social, cultural, and athletic activities for employees and their families. Details are available from the individual
commands.
Q: What happens if a war or other conflict breaks out?
A: In the unlikely event of a war or other conflict breaking out, the base commander would take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of Department of the Navy employees. You should follow the
instructions of the base commander.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: The local Human Resource Office should be your primary source of information about your overseas assignment.