PCS Financial Entitlements: BAH, DLA, MALT, Per Diem & More

One of the biggest mistakes military families make during a PCS is leaving money on the table. The military provides a substantial package of financial entitlements to cover moving costs, but if you don't understand them — or don't claim them properly — you could miss out on thousands of dollars. Let's break down every major PCS entitlement so you know exactly what you're owed.

BAH — Basic Allowance for Housing

BAH is the monthly housing allowance paid to service members who don't live in government quarters. During a PCS, your BAH rate transitions from your old duty station rate to your new one. The switch happens on the day you report to your new station (or when you check out of your old station, depending on branch policy).

Key things to know about BAH during a PCS:

• If your new station has a higher BAH rate, you'll see an increase on your report date.
• If it's lower, your rate drops on report date — plan your budget accordingly.
• You can look up BAH rates for any zip code on the DoD BAH calculator to compare before you move.
• BAH is based on your pay grade and dependency status (with or without dependents), not where you actually live off-base.

DLA — Dislocation Allowance

DLA is a one-time, lump-sum payment to help offset the miscellaneous costs of relocating — security deposits, utility hookups, cleaning supplies, and all the random expenses that come with setting up a new household. As of 2026, DLA ranges from about $2,100 to $4,400 depending on rank and dependency status.

You receive DLA once per PCS move. It's paid automatically when you file your travel voucher, but you need to ensure your orders authorize it. Most standard PCS orders do, but double-check the remarks section.

MALT — Mileage Allowance

MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation) reimburses you for driving your privately owned vehicle (POV) to your new duty station. The rate is set annually by the DoD and is calculated based on the official distance from your old station to your new one via the Defense Table of Official Distances (DTOD) — not Google Maps.

Important MALT details:

• You're reimbursed for one POV automatically. If you have dependents, you may be authorized MALT for a second vehicle.
• The current rate is approximately $0.22/mile (check the current year's JTR for exact figures).
• MALT is in addition to per diem — you get both.
• If you fly instead of drive, you won't receive MALT but may receive a government-funded plane ticket or monetary allowance in lieu of transportation.

Per Diem

Per diem covers your meals and incidental expenses during PCS travel days. The rate depends on your travel route and whether you're in CONUS or OCONUS. For CONUS travel, the standard per diem rate is approximately $165/day (varies by location), with 75% paid on the first and last travel days.

Dependents age 12+ receive 75% of the member's per diem rate. Dependents under 12 receive 50%. This adds up quickly for families — a family of four on a 3-day drive can receive over $1,000 in per diem alone.

TLE — Temporary Lodging Expense (CONUS)

TLE reimburses you for hotel costs during the transition period around your PCS — up to 14 days total, which can be split between your old and new duty station. TLE covers lodging and meals for you and your dependents at a rate set by locality.

For example, if you need 5 days in a hotel after vacating your old home and 7 days at your new location while waiting for housing, that's 12 of your 14 days used. TLE won't cover your entire hotel bill in most cases — it's a partial reimbursement — but it significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs.

TLA — Temporary Lodging Allowance (OCONUS)

TLA is the OCONUS equivalent of TLE, and it's significantly more generous. TLA can cover up to 60 days of lodging at your overseas duty station while you search for permanent housing. The rates vary by location and are set based on local economy costs. In high-cost locations like Tokyo or London, TLA rates can be quite substantial.

Advance Pay

You can request an advance of up to 3 months of base pay to help bridge the financial gap during your move. This is especially helpful if you have overlapping rent payments or large upfront costs at your new location.

Important: advance pay is a loan, not a bonus. It must be repaid within 12 months through automatic payroll deductions. Calculate whether you actually need it — the monthly repayment will reduce your take-home pay for the next year.

PPM/DITY Reimbursement

If you choose a Personally Procured Move (PPM), the government reimburses you based on what it would have cost to move the same weight via a government HHG shipment. Many families make $1,000 to $5,000+ in profit on a PPM, especially if they declutter and move efficiently.

To claim PPM reimbursement, you'll need:

• Weight tickets (empty and loaded vehicle weights)
• Fuel receipts
• Toll receipts
• Rental truck/trailer receipts

Other Entitlements to Know

• COLA (Cost of Living Allowance): For OCONUS stations with high local costs, you may receive COLA on top of BAH/OHA.
• OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance): Replaces BAH at OCONUS stations. Covers actual rent up to a cap, plus a utility allowance.
• Household Goods Storage (NTS): Free storage for items you can't bring to your new station, especially common for OCONUS moves.

Don't Leave Money on the Table

The total value of PCS entitlements can easily reach $5,000 to $15,000+ depending on your rank, family size, and distance of the move. Understanding what you're owed — and filing your claims promptly and correctly — is one of the most impactful things you can do for your family's finances during a PCS.

Use our Entitlements Calculator to estimate your specific numbers, or check the PCS Guide for the full picture.