Local Overseas Allowance
If you serve in certain areas overseas or on a ship outside UK waters, you may receive this allowance to help with the cost of day-to-day living
Eligibility check:
What’s it for?
Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) is designed to help cover your day-to-day expenses in certain overseas locations where the cost of living is higher than in the UK.
The Seagoing Local Overseas Allowance is for Service personnel who serve on a ship that is deployed outside UK waters, and covers periods of local shore leave.
What do I get?
LOA and Seagoing Local Overseas Allowance are both provided as a daily rate which varies depending on your location and your Personal Status Category. LOA is also affected by the number of eligible children who live with you in the overseas area. You'll receive this via your pay.
To find out the rate for a particular overseas location, speak to your Unit HR/Unit Personnel Office or you can find the rates from October 24 here (MODNet access only).
When can’t I use this?
You won’t be able to claim this benefit if you claim the Deployment Welfare Package or if you’re remote working outside of the overseas location to which you’re assigned.
How do I claim this?
This will be processed automatically by your Unit HR/Personnel Office.
Page last updated: 17 October 2024
Need more information?
defnet access only
Directed letter 2022 - LOA rates
follow the link to find the rate for the location you're interested in
JSP 752 Local overseas allowance
read chapter 9, section 7 of JSP 752 to find out more about local overseas allowance
Guide to Allowances and Expenses for Service Personnel
Read the Guide to Allowances and Expenses for Service Personnel