U.S. government civilians in many areas of Japan got a post allowance boost beginning this week, according to figures released Sunday by the State Department’s Office of Allowances.

Post allowances for workers in Atsugi, Misawa, Iwakuni, Zama, Yokota, Sasebo and Okinawa increased 5 percent to a total of 35 percent of expendable income, which is considered pay left over after housing, savings and health care costs, the office reported.

It was the first major change in post allowance rates in Japan since early July, according to State Department records.

There were no changes to post allowance rates in South Korea, according to the Office of Allowances update.

The Korea allowance rates dropped from 20 percent to 10 percent of expendable income during late August and early September and have remained at that level, according to the department.

The extra money supplements paychecks and is meant to offset the cost of living overseas.

Changes in allowances are tied to national exchange rates and civilian buying habits and usually level exchange rate advantages and disadvantages for federal employees, who are paid in U.S. dollars.

Civilian allowances are updated biweekly by the State Department.

The dollar amount increase varies for each U.S. civilian employee depending on salary, location and family size.

For example, single civilian workers living at Sasebo Naval Base with a base salary of $32,000 per year will see their annual post allowance rise from $4,860 to $5,670.

Allowances tables can be found at the State Department Web site: http://aoprals.state.gov