PCS entitlements: the money & benefits when you move
A PCS (Permanent Change of Station) comes with a stack of allowances and free services — and most people leave money on the table simply because no one explains them. Here's the full picture: what you're owed, the choice that can put money in your pocket, and a checklist so nothing slips.
The allowances you're owed
| Entitlement | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Dislocation Allowance (DLA) | A partial reimbursement toward the cost of relocating your household, based on your rank and dependency status. Generally one DLA per move. |
| Mileage (MALT) & per diem | If you drive, you're paid a set per-mile rate (MALT), updated each year, plus per diem for authorized travel days (a flat rate for you and a percentage for dependents by age). |
| Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) | CONUS: reimbursement for lodging and meals around the move — up to 14 days combined at the old and new duty station. |
| Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) | The OCONUS version — up to 60 days of temporary lodging when moving to/from an overseas duty station. |
| Household goods (HHG) move | The government arranges and pays a carrier to pack, ship, and deliver your goods — free, up to a weight allowance set by your rank/dependency. Professional gear (PBP&E) doesn't count against it. |
| POV shipment & storage | For most OCONUS moves the government ships one vehicle; non-temporary storage may be authorized. Dependent travel is also covered. |
Estimate your out-of-pocket vs. reimbursed costs with the PCS cost estimator, and see everything in one place on the PCS hub.
The choice that can pay you: PPM / DITY
Instead of a government-arranged move, you can do a Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly "DITY") — move yourself (or hire your own truck/movers) and the government reimburses you 100% of what it would have paid a carrier (the "Government Constructed Cost"). If your actual costs are lower, the difference is yours to keep.
Free help & extras
- Military & Family Readiness Center — Relocation Assistance: free move counseling, "Plan My Move" tools, and a loan closet of basic household goods (dishes, pots, air mattresses) while your shipment is in transit.
- Sponsorship: your gaining unit assigns a sponsor to help you settle in — request one early.
- Advance pay: you can request advance travel pay to cover upfront costs, repaid over time.
- Spouse relicensing reimbursement: up to $1,000 for the cost of transferring a professional license or certification to your new state on PCS orders.
- SCRA lease protection: PCS orders let you break a lease or phone/cable contract without penalty — see the deployment & SCRA notes.
- On-base Temporary Lodging (TLF): priority booking for PCSing families, usually cheaper than off-base.
Your PCS checklist
- Book transportation counseling (TMO / MilMove) the moment you have orders.
- Decide HHG vs PPM (or partial PPM) — run the numbers first.
- Schedule your move dates early, especially in the summer peak.
- Request advance pay if you need it for deposits and travel.
- Get certified weight tickets (empty + full) if you're doing a PPM.
- Update DEERS, myPay, TRICARE region, and your address after arrival.
- Line up TLE/TLA lodging and a sponsor at the new base.
- EFMP & schools: coordinate special-needs and school transfers before you move.
Related tools: the PCS cost estimator, PCS hub, BAH calculator for your new ZIP, and the deployment guide.
General information, not tax or financial advice. Rates and rules (DLA, MALT, per diem, TLE/TLA, weight allowances, PPM reimbursement) are set by DoD/DFAS and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and change; PPM profit is taxed by the IRS. Confirm current amounts with your Transportation Office and finance. Sources: DoD/DFAS, the Joint Travel Regulations, and Military OneSource.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dislocation Allowance (DLA)?
DLA is a partial reimbursement toward the cost of relocating your household on a PCS, based on your rank and whether you have dependents. It’s generally paid once per move and is separate from your travel mileage and per diem.
Do you make money on a DITY / PPM move?
You can. On a Personally Procured Move the government reimburses 100% of what it would have paid a carrier, so if your actual costs are lower you keep the difference. But any amount above your documented expenses is taxable income, and you need certified empty and full weight tickets to get paid.
What is TLE and how many days does it cover?
Temporary Lodging Expense reimburses lodging and meals around a CONUS move for up to 14 days combined at your old and new duty station. The OCONUS version, TLA, covers up to 60 days.
Does the military pay to move my household goods?
Yes. The government arranges and pays a carrier to pack and ship your household goods for free, up to a weight allowance set by your rank and dependency status. Professional books, papers, and equipment (PBP&E) don’t count against that allowance.
Can my spouse get relicensing costs reimbursed after a PCS?
Yes — the DoD reimburses up to $1,000 for the cost of transferring a professional license or certification to your new state when you move on PCS orders.