Civilians see more cash in Germany

[unhappycamper]

Civilians see more cash in Germany
By Matt Millham, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Tuesday, December 9, 2008

When it comes to post allowance, the U.S. State Department has been more Grinch than Santa Claus the last three months. Now, with the holiday season in full swing, it’s been both.

On Sunday, the department’s Office of Allowances raised post allowance rates for U.S. civilian employees in some European countries that use the euro, and dropped rates in the United Kingdom for the fourth time in as many months.

The rate changes were in reaction to currency fluctuations, according to a memo posted Saturday on the office’s Web site.

Civilians eligible for post allowance and stationed in Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal will see modest increases in their next paychecks − roughly $50 more for those making between $42,000 and $44,999 per year with two dependents.

Employees making similar pay at most major bases in the U.K. will get about $50 less, while those in other European countries where large numbers of U.S. troops are stationed will not see a change.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?article=59291