As to be expected given the continuing recession and subsequent reduction in the cost-of-living for many areas, the 2011 Cost-of-living-Allowance (CONUS COLA) rates will drop for most of the higher cost Military Housing Areas. However, New York City, Staten Island, and locations in Illinois and Massachusetts - which will see COLA return to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and Worcester, Ma. - will see a modest increase in their COLA rates.
This years list of COLA locations grew shorter as Madera, Ca.; Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Fl.; Seattle, Wa.; and both Perth and Ft. Monmouth, N.J. were taken off the COLA list for 2011.
Unlike Basic Allowance for Housing, there is no provision in the law for rate protection for COLA. This means that if your MHA sees a drop in COLA, you will see the reduction reflected in your military paycheck.
Find out what your COLA will be in 2011.
Check out the 2011 Military Pay Calculator.
NOTE: Active Duty Cost-of-Living-Allowance differs from the annual Cost-of-Living-Adjustment that affects Retiree Pay and Disabled Veteran's VA Compensation programs.
