PCS Entitlements & Benefits
Know what you're authorized before your move. Here are the key PCS entitlements and benefits available to service members.
BAH — Basic Allowance for Housing
Monthly allowance to help offset housing costs when government quarters are not available. Rates vary by location, pay grade, and dependency status.
Learn more →DLA — Dislocation Allowance
A one-time payment to help cover miscellaneous moving expenses like utility deposits, connection fees, and other costs associated with relocating your household.
MALT — Mileage Allowance
Reimbursement for driving your POV (privately owned vehicle) to your new duty station. Calculated based on official distance between old and new duty stations.
TLE — Temporary Lodging Expense
Covers temporary lodging costs (up to 14 days total) when you vacate old quarters and before moving into new quarters. CONUS moves only.
TLA — Temporary Lodging Allowance
Similar to TLE but for OCONUS moves. Covers temporary lodging costs while waiting for permanent housing overseas.
Per Diem
Daily allowance for meals and incidental expenses during PCS travel. Rates are set by the GSA for CONUS and the DoS for OCONUS locations.
HHG — Household Goods Shipment
The government will arrange and pay for shipping your household goods to your new duty station. Weight allowances vary by pay grade.
PPM/DITY Move
Personally Procured Move — you move your own belongings and get reimbursed based on the government's estimated cost. Can be combined with a partial HHG shipment.
POV Shipment
For OCONUS moves, the government will ship one POV at no cost. Additional vehicles may be shipped at your expense.
Advance Pay
You can request up to 3 months of base pay in advance to cover PCS-related expenses. Must be repaid within 12 months.
Need specific calculations?
Entitlement amounts vary by rank, location, and family size. Use our AI assistant to get personalized estimates for your PCS move.