PCS Moves & Your Money

The short version

A permanent change of station (PCS) comes with a stack of entitlements designed to cover your costs. Some are paid automatically; others you have to claim. Knowing the difference is the gap between breaking even and leaving money on the table, or worse, paying out of pocket.

The military will either move you (a government-arranged move) or pay you to move yourself (a Personally Procured Move, still widely called a DITY). The self-move option can put cash in your pocket if you move efficiently.

The entitlements to know

These travel under different names depending on your branch, but the core pieces are the same. Confirm current rates on your orders and the official sources below before you count on a number.

Paid to move and travel

• PPM/DITY incentive when you move yourself.
• Per diem for lodging and meals on the road.
• MALT (mileage) if you drive.

Lump sums to claim

• Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset setup costs.
• Temporary Lodging Expense or Allowance (TLE/TLA).
• Advance pay if you need cash up front (you repay it).

A PPM pays you a percentage of what the government would have spent to move your stuff. Move light and efficiently and you keep the difference, but the incentive is taxable.

Source: Military OneSource; Defense Travel Management Office (JTR)

PPM/DITY: where the money is

In a PPM, the government estimates what it would have paid a contractor to move your household goods, then pays you a set percentage of that figure (commonly cited around 95%, but confirm the current rate). You cover the actual cost of the move, truck, fuel, boxes, weigh tickets, and pocket the difference. The catch: the incentive portion is taxable, and you must keep certified weigh tickets and receipts or you cannot get paid.

Keep every receipt and weigh ticket

PCS claims live and die on documentation. Empty and full weigh tickets, lodging receipts, and your orders are what turn entitlements into deposits.

Before you move

• Read your orders for what is authorized.
• Decide PPM vs. government move.
• Set money aside for up-front costs.

During and after

• Get empty and full weigh tickets.
• Save lodging and travel receipts.
• File your travel voucher promptly.

No weigh tickets, no PPM payment. Get them stamped and keep copies.

Source: Military OneSource

Do this now

1. Read your orders and list every entitlement you are authorized.
2. Run the PPM math before deciding to move yourself.
3. Budget for up-front costs; reimbursement comes later.
4. File your voucher within a few days of arriving, with all receipts and weigh tickets.

FAQ

What is the difference between a DITY and a PPM?

Same thing. DITY (do-it-yourself) is the old name; the official term is now PPM (Personally Procured Move).

Is PPM money taxable?

The incentive (profit) portion is taxable income. Reimbursements for actual documented expenses generally are not. Keep your records.

What is Dislocation Allowance?

DLA is a lump sum that helps offset the miscellaneous costs of relocating your household. The amount depends on rank and dependent status.

When do I get paid?

After you file your travel voucher with documentation. Up-front costs are usually yours to float until then, so plan cash flow.

Sources & links

• Military OneSource, Moving and PCS: militaryonesource.mil
• Defense Travel Management Office, Joint Travel Regulations: travel.dod.mil