How much does DLA pay for a PCS move?

DLA (Dislocation Allowance) is a flat payment based on rank and dependency status, ranging from $1,870.58 (E-1 without dependents) to $6,385.58 (O-7 with dependents) in 2026. It's meant to partially offset the miscellaneous costs of moving like deposits, utility hookups, and other expenses not covered by other allowances.

What does the military pay for a PCS move?

The military covers: DLA (flat relocation payment), MALT mileage allowance ($0.205/mile), per diem during travel days, TLE for up to 21 days of temporary lodging, and either full HHG shipment by a government-contracted mover OR a PPM payment (100% of government cost). Total allowances typically range from $3,000-$10,000+ depending on distance and rank.

How many travel days do you get for PCS?

Under JTR par. 050205, a move of 400 miles or fewer is 1 travel day; for longer moves, divide the official distance by 350 and add a day if the remainder is 51 miles or more. A 1,400-mile move is 4 travel days. Per diem is paid for each authorized travel day — the departure and arrival days are travel days, not additional. You're expected to travel the most direct route between duty stations.

PCS Move Calculator 2026 | DLA, Mileage, PPM Profit & Allowances

Move Details

Rank

Dependency Status

Driving Distance (miles) Approximate driving distance between duty stations. Check Google Maps

Dependents Age 12+ (incl. spouse) Traveling with you (JTR Table 5-6: 75% per diem each)

Dependents Under 12 Traveling with you (JTR Table 5-6: 50% per diem each)

Move Type

Estimated Weight to Move (lbs) Your allowance: loading...

Travel Method Driving pays the full $178/day flat rate. Flying pays $51/day (75% of M&IE only) and no MALT.

Dual-Military Couple Two members married to each other each draw 100% per diem in their own right. Shared children are claimed once.

POVs Driven MALT is paid per authorized vehicle, not per person. A second POV requires dependents travelling and both cars actually driven.

Destination Sets the TLE cap: 21 days CONUS, 7 days OCONUS (TLA takes over overseas).

TLE Days (Temporary Lodging) Up to 21 days total — CONUS (raised from 14 on 27 Nov 2024); can split between old & new location

Est. PPM Costs (truck, gas, hotels) Truck rental + fuel + hotels en route. Average ~$2,000-$4,000

💰 Military Allowances (What You Receive)

DLA (Dislocation Allowance)$0

MALT Mileage (0 mi × $0.205)$0

Per Diem (0 travel days × 0 travelers)$0

TLE (0 days temporary lodging)$0

Total Allowances$0

⚠️ Estimates only. Actual DLA rates, per diem, and PPM payments are set by DTMO and may differ. PPM payments are calculated by your transportation office based on actual weight. TLE reimbursement is based on actual lodging receipts up to the locality per diem rate. Consult your transportation office for official entitlements.

PCS Allowances Explained

DLA (Dislocation Allowance) is a flat payment to offset miscellaneous moving costs — security deposits, utility hookups, cleaning, and other expenses. It's paid once per PCS and varies by rank and dependency status. Dual-military couples: DLA is fact-dependent under JTR par. 050502 and this estimate shows a single payment at the selected grade — confirm your household's entitlement with finance, because who claims it and at which rate depends on dependants and orders.

MALT (Mileage Allowance In Lieu of Transportation) pays $0.205 per mile of the official distance between duty stations, per authorized vehicle — not per person. Five people in one car still earns one vehicle's worth; your passengers are covered separately by their own per diem. If dependents are travelling and you actually drive two cars, up to two POVs are authorized and each earns the full rate. Use the DTOD official distance, not your odometer.

Per Diem on a PCS is a daily flat-rate entitlement, not the lodging-plus method used for TDY. Driving pays the full standard CONUS rate of $178 per authorized travel day ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE) — every day, including the first and last. There is no 75% first/last-day reduction on a PCS; that is a TDY rule. Flying pays $51 per travel day instead, since you are not lodging en route. Travel days follow JTR par. 050205: a move of 400 miles or fewer is 1 day; for longer moves, divide the official distance by 350 and add a day if the remainder is 51 miles or more. Dependents draw a percentage of your full daily rate — 75% for age 12+ ($133.50) and 50% for under 12 ($89.00) per JTR Table 5-6. Going TDY rather than moving? The TDY Per Diem Calculator uses the lodging-plus method, including the 75% travel-day rule and provided-meal deductions.

TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense) reimburses actual lodging costs up to an occupancy-based percentage of the locality per diem rate, capped at $290/day, for up to 21 days while you search for permanent housing.

PPM/DITY (Personally Procured Move) pays you 100% of what the government would have paid a moving company. Your profit is the difference between this payment and your actual costs. PPM income is taxable, but you can deduct legitimate moving expenses.

Read the PCS Financial Planning Guide for strategies to minimize costs and maximize allowances. Use the BAH Calculator to see how your housing allowance changes at the new location.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can you make on a PPM/DITY move?

Typically $2,000-$8,000+ profit depending on distance and weight. The military pays 100% of the government's moving cost. Your actual costs (truck rental, fuel, hotels) are usually much less. A 1,500-mile move with 5,000 lbs commonly nets $3,000-$5,000 after expenses and taxes.

Is PPM move profit taxable?

Yes, the PPM payment minus your documented moving expenses is considered taxable income. DFAS withholds approximately 22% from the PPM payment. Keep all receipts for truck rental, fuel, tolls, packing materials, and lodging en route — these are deductible from the PPM income.

How many days of TLE do you get?

Up to 21 days total (CONUS; raised from 14 effective 27 Nov 2024), which can be split between your old and new duty station. TLE reimburses actual lodging costs up to the locality per diem rate. You need receipts. Some locations have TLA (Temporary Lodging Allowance) for OCONUS moves with different rules.

What is the weight allowance for my rank?

Weight allowances depend on both your grade and whether you have dependents (JTR Table 5-37). Without dependents they run from 5,000 lbs (E-1 through E-3) to 18,000 lbs (O-6/O-7); with dependents the floor rises to 8,000 lbs (E-1 through E-4) and the ceiling stays at 18,000 lbs. An E-5 can ship 7,000 lbs without dependents or 9,000 lbs with. Going over your weight limit means you pay for the excess out of pocket. If doing a PPM, you only get paid for weight up to your allowance.

📋 Verify PCS Allowances

All data on this page comes from official government sources. Verify independently:

📎 DLA Rates (DTMO)📎 Mileage Rates — MALT (DTMO)📎 Per Diem Rates (GSA)📎 Joint Travel Regulations (JTR)

📍 This is an estimate. For official entitlements, talk to your installation's free financial resources:

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