PCS Move Reimbursement Calculator

Multiple, depending on circumstances: DLA (Dislocation Allowance, $2,200-$5,500 by grade), MILPER per-diem during travel (~$160/day primary + $80-$120 each dependent), TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense - up to 14 days lodging at ~$300/day cap during transition), HHG (Household Goods shipment paid by government), advance pay (3 months base pay 0% interest), house hunting trip for some grades. Total reimbursement on a coast-to-coast PCS for an E-7 family can exceed $10,000.

Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly "DITY") lets you move your own household goods and receive 95% of what the government would have paid a TSP/HHG mover (calculated by weight × distance per JTR tables). On a full PPM for an O-3 family across country, the incentive payment can be $15,000-$30,000+ - significant profit if you DIY efficiently with PODS/U-Pack/U-Haul. Catch: you handle everything (packing, loading, unloading), claim damages yourself, deal with weight ticketing.

Most are NOT taxable under IRC §§ 132 or 217 - DLA, TLE, MILPER per-diem, and HHG shipment are tax-free. PPM/DITY incentive payments above the government's actual cost ARE taxable as ordinary income. Advance pay is not taxable (it's a loan, repaid via paycheck deduction). Combat-zone PCS receives even more generous treatment.

Most PCS claims must be filed within 6 years per the Joint Travel Regulations, but practically: file within 60-90 days of arrival at the new duty station while documents are fresh. Use DTS (Defense Travel System) for most claims. Keep receipts for everything - government may audit. TLE specifically must be claimed within 30-60 days of move.