SANTA RITA, Guam - Sailors who live off base will soon have more money to spend for their housing expenses on Guam, after the Department of Defense's Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee announced rate increases will go into effect, April 1.

Military members without family will see an additional $114.75 in their monthly utility and recurring maintenance allowance- a jump from $451.50 to $566.25.

Those with family members can expect an even bigger increase, jumping from $602 to $755.

The move in housing allowance (MIHA) will also increase, going from $416 to $482, a $66 difference.

Cmdr. Joanne Reese, total workforce strategy officer for U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, said the Navy's participation in the 2007 Overseas Housing Allowance Utility (OHA) and MIHA survey had a direct impact on the increases.

The OHA section of the survey had a 64 percent participation rate, while the MIHA had a 76 percent rate.

The survey results and electricity rate increases implemented by Guam Power Authority helped the per diem committee formulate their figures, said Reese.

"This shows that taking the surveys makes a difference," Reese said. "The end result proves your voice is heard."