A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can come with plenty of expenses, from setting up a new home to covering costs along the way. Military Dislocation Allowance (DLA) can help offset some of those costs by providing eligible servicemembers with a flat-rate payment when they relocate their household.
Here’s what you need to know about DLA, including who qualifies, current rates, and how to apply.
Military Dislocation Allowance (DLA) partially reimburses you for some of the expenses associated with relocating your household. If you receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, DLA is separate from other PCS-related allowances, such as per diem and mileage.
DLA is a flat-rate allowance based on your pay grade and dependency status. Understanding how it works and whether you may qualify for this benefit can help when planning your next move.
A Military Dislocation Allowance is a partial reimbursement for expenses you incur when relocating your household. DLA generally applies to costs associated with a move required by PCS orders, an evacuation, or certain other government-ordered housing moves. The amount you receive depends on your pay grade and whether you qualify for the with-dependent or without-dependent rate.
DLA is separate from reimbursements and allowances for specific PCS expenses, and it doesn't cover every cost associated with relocating. It’s generally limited to one payment per fiscal year, although exceptions in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) allow additional payments in certain circumstances.
There are three types of DLA. The type you receive depends on the circumstances surrounding your move:
The amount of DLA you can receive depends on your pay grade and whether you qualify for the with-dependent or without-dependent rate.
DLA rates are adjusted annually, so it's important to check the latest amounts when planning your PCS move. You can find current rates for enlisted servicemembers, warrant officers, and commissioned officers on the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.
Partial DLA is a fixed amount that does not vary by pay grade or dependency status, the rate for which you can also find on the DTMO website.
Your eligibility depends on the type of move, your dependency status, your pay grade, and your housing situation. DLA generally applies when you're relocating a household under qualifying PCS orders, and you're not assigned to single-type government housing.
You generally qualify for DLA when:
For servicemembers without dependents, housing status is particularly important. As a general rule, servicemembers in grades E-5 and below who are assigned to single-type government quarters, such as barracks, aren't eligible for DLA. Servicemembers above E-5 who choose not to occupy assigned single-type government quarters follow different rules and should confirm their eligibility with their finance office.
DLA generally isn't authorized when:
The first-PCS rule is especially important for young servicemembers. Moving from the home where you lived when you entered Active Duty to your first permanent duty station generally doesn't qualify for DLA when you have no dependents. If an authorized dependent moves in connection with that PCS, different rules apply.
Because exceptions exist, don't assume you're ineligible based only on your rank or housing situation. Your orders and circumstances will determine the entitlement.
DLA isn't a reimbursement based on receipts for individual household expenses. Instead, it's a flat allowance tied to your qualifying move, pay grade, and dependency status. You still need to complete the required travel paperwork and claim the entitlement through your Service's process.
To apply:
Branch-specific procedures differ, so your installation finance office is the right place to confirm exactly what you need to submit. Military OneSource also recommends filing reimbursement forms with your installation's finance office and requesting an advance through the appropriate finance office if you need DLA before your move.
In certain situations, you may have the option to request an advance DLA payment. Military OneSource's current guidance states that you should visit your installation finance office 10 to 15 days before your move and request commander approval. If approved, you receive 80% of your estimated payment in advance, with the remainder handled after the move through your travel claim.
Advance procedures differ by service and circumstance. For example, current DFAS guidance for Army servicemembers includes separate advance rules based on Government Travel Charge Card status and the type of PCS travel involved. Confirm the current requirements with your finance office before relying on an advance to cover moving expenses.