The deadline for responses to a survey seeking information on off-base housing utility and maintenance expenses has been extended until May 30, according to U.S. military officials.

The Overseas Housing Allowance Utility/Recurring Maintenance Expenses Survey for Japan began April 15. Conducted annually by the Department of Defense’s Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee, it was to end Wednesday.

But more participation is needed to ensure sufficient data is collected, said Ron Stewart, U.S. Forces Japan budget analyst.

"Throughout Japan, over 8,000 people are eligible, and only a little over 2,000 have taken the survey," he said Wednesday.

The survey is for troops authorized to live off base and receiving Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA), according to Stewart.

"We want to know how much you’re paying for your utilities," he said, including light, water and garbage.

The data is used to adjust utility and recurring maintenance allowances.

The survey takes about 30 minutes to complete online at: http://www.perdiem.osd.mil/oha/survey/aproha.html.

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