PCS Move Reimbursement Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Full government move or DITY - which is better?

A full government move involves the least personal effort but pays no incentive. Full DITY can net significant money on a long move with light goods, at the cost of substantial personal labor and risk of damage liability.

Can I get money up front for the move?

Yes - request up to 3 months of base pay as an interest-free advance, repaid over 12 months from your monthly pay.

Why do OCONUS moves cost more?

OCONUS moves add international shipping, customs requirements, pet transport, consumable shipments, and potential storage - reflected here as a 25% uplift over CONUS estimates.

Is the DITY incentive taxable?

Yes - DITY payments above your documented actual moving expenses are taxable income. DLA and TLE are tax-free allowances.

How long can I use TLE?

Up to 14 days CONUS (up to 60 days for OCONUS arrivals) while awaiting permanent housing. After the cap you pay lodging costs out of pocket.

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Estimates for informational purposes only.

Important Disclaimer: Estimates for informational purposes only.

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields before making important decisions based on these results.

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How It Works

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move bundles several distinct reimbursements. This tool estimates each from your pay grade, dependents, household-goods weight, distance, and move type, then totals them with an OCONUS uplift if applicable. The four main components are: the Dislocation Allowance (DLA) for move-in costs, MILPER per-diem for travel days, Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for hotel stays while waiting for permanent housing, and the PPM/DITY incentive payment for members who move their own household goods.

DLA and TLE are tax-free. The DITY incentive is taxable to the extent it exceeds actual documented expenses - save your receipts.

Eligibility

PCS entitlements flow from the official PCS orders issued by the member's service. Key criteria include:

Official PCS orders are required - voluntary moves or convenience-of-the-government separations have different rules.

DLA is paid once per PCS move to offset the cost of setting up a new household; the rate varies by grade and dependents.

TLE covers up to 14 days of commercial lodging expenses CONUS while waiting for permanent housing.

PPM/DITY is available to members who choose to move their own goods; the incentive is a percentage of what the government would have paid a commercial carrier.

OCONUS moves receive higher entitlements to account for international shipping, storage, and additional costs.

Tips

A full DITY move can net $5,000-$25,000+ on a long move with light goods, but requires significant personal labor. Weigh the money against the effort before choosing.

Request a no-interest advance of up to 3 months of base pay to cover upfront move costs - it is repaid over 12 months from your pay.

Weigh your household goods before and after packing for DITY purposes - accurate weight determines your payout. Use a certified scale.

DLA and TLE are tax-free. Keep receipts for all lodging and meal expenses in case of audit.

DITY payments above documented expenses are taxable income. Track all moving costs meticulously to minimize your tax exposure on the incentive.

FAQ