HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Active duty members have until March 31 to complete the triennial Living Pattern Survey to help determine future cost-of-living allowance rates for uniformed personnel living stateside, including at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts.
Cost-of-living allowance, or COLA, is a taxable, supplemental allowance that offsets prices in the highest cost locations. Rates can increase, decrease or remain the same, depending on several factors.
“It’s important all eligible personnel complete this voluntary online survey before March 31 to get a true assessment of the cost-of-living in Massachusetts,” said Senior Master Sgt. Lateeah Morrell, 66 CPTS superintendent.
The survey, conducted every three years, is open to all active duty members who have been at Hanscom AFB for at least three months.
Participation helps collect data on shopping patterns of service members and their families for non-housing goods and services in the Commonwealth, according to Morrell.
Only one survey response is permitted per active duty household.
To access the survey, visit https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/conusColaSurvey.cfm.
For additional information on COLA, visit the Defense Travel Management website at https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/conus.cfm, or contact CPTS Customer Service office at 781-225-1210.