If you’re in the military, getting orders for a Permanent Change of Station can evoke a mix of emotions. Relocation can be exciting, but changing residences can also feel overwhelming. One day, you’re eating breakfast in the kitchen where you’ve spent months — or even years. The next day, you're researching hotel and meal reimbursement while you’re surrounded by half-packed boxes.
The good news is that the military provides financial help to ease the stress of relocation, including something called the Dislocation Allowance. In this article, we’ll break down what a DLA is, how it works, how to get reimbursed for lodging and meals, and what documents you need.
Thomas O'Sullivan is the Senior Manager of Service Operations at Porch Moving Group, where he oversees the post-booking customer experience for HireAHelper. His expertise is the part of a move most people never see — the logistics, coordination, and accountability that turn a booking into a finished move.
Thomas has spent six years in the moving and relocation industry, starting in corporate relocation and long-distance logistics before stepping into his current role. He's supported more than 130,000 moves across local labor, full-service, commercial, and long-distance work — experience he draws on to make sure HireAHelper content reflects how moves actually go.
Dislocation Allowance is a one-time payment that helps offset costs associated with relocating your household during a PCS move. This tax-free payment covers miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses — everything from hotel stays to setting up your new home. Basically, your DLA covers moving-related expenses that aren't already being reimbursed via other government programs. You can use a DLA with or without dependents.
Here are some expenses your dislocation allowance can cover:
When relocation occurs due to military orders, all military branches cover the costs of moving for military families.
When you use DLA for your move, you have a few options to get from your current duty station to your new home. You can hire professional moving services or load a moving truck with help from family and friends. No matter how you move, you can ask the military to pay for these moving expenses. However, your Military Housing Option will decide the military move type for you.
When you receive PCS orders, you become eligible for DLA once your move is official and you're authorized to relocate dependents. These funds help cover non-reimbursable costs that arise during a move. You can use your DLA for qualifying deposit fees, furniture replacement, utility setup charges, and extra food and lodging costs.
Here’s an overview of how DLA for a PCS move works:
When you use a professional moving company already contracted by the military, you just need to schedule the move and be on-site during moving day. You can also have an authorized representative, such as a spouse or family member, coordinate the move. The moving professionals handle the rest, and the government picks up the bill.
But not everyone qualifies for DLA. Military members are usually not eligible for DLA when moving without dependents into or out of government quarters, such as barracks. You’re most likely to receive the maximum DLA benefit if you're moving with dependents or into private housing.
Temporary Lodging Expense and Temporary Lodging Assistance reimbursements often go hand in hand with DLA payments. You can use these programs alone or combine them with your Dislocation Allowance.
TLE and TLA are nontaxable payments that reimburse military members for meals and lodging during a move. TLE is given to military personnel moving within the continental United States. TLA is for moves overseas or anything outside of the United States.
The daily rates for TLE are based on the location you're moving to or from. These rates are paid out per diem (per day).
“To calculate DLA rates, multiply your rate per day by the number of days eligible. Generally, you can receive $2,500 to $4,000 with dependents.”
The government determines how much you receive daily for TLE, which is an amount they deem reasonable to help you cover move-related expenses each day during your relocation. This means there's no standard dollar amount, so contact your military counselor if you have questions about your award.
For a military PCS overseas, including Alaska and Hawaii, military members can file for TLA for additional reimbursement. The government understands it can be difficult — if not impossible — to make a quick trip overseas to find a home ahead of time. For that reason, the Department of Defense offers additional lodging expense reimbursement for those moving abroad.
Anyone getting ready for a move should keep a handy file of important documents. This is especially important if you plan to request reimbursement for any of your expenses via TLA, TLE, or DLA.
Important documents to keep when relocating in the military:
You may also want to keep copies of claims you've submitted for TLE, TLA, or DLA in case you run into any issues. That way, you can quickly resubmit your reimbursement documents.
After completing a PCS military move, meet with a counselor at your local military housing office. This representative can help answer questions about assistance and reimbursement procedures, including TLE and TLA claims. You can submit claim documents, such as the DFAS form 9098 for TLE, at your assigned housing office.
To calculate DLA rates, multiply your rate per day by the number of days eligible. Generally, you can receive $2,500 to $4,000 with dependents. Military members without dependents may qualify for $1,000 to $2,500. You can check current allowance rates on the DTMO's official site.
Tip: Some hotels offer a special government rate that falls within the local TLE or TLA limit. Ask the property manager for more details.
When it comes to food, the government uses a per diem rate based on your location and number of dependents. This per diem meal rate is used for TLE and TLA.
Here's a quick rundown of daily meal rate reimbursement:
Ask your housing assistance office if you have questions about daily meal rates.
To receive TLE or TLA, you must provide receipts that show you're staying in temporary living quarters. This can be a standard motel room, an extended-stay hotel, or even an Airbnb.
“...[N]ot everyone qualifies for DLA. Military members are usually not eligible for DLA when moving without dependents into or out of government quarters, such as barracks.”
Staying with family members or friends is also an option. You can still receive the per diem portion of TLE or TLA to help pay for additional meal expenses during your move. To do so, you must provide a written statement from your host outlining the dates you were without your own home.
Like most people going through a military relocation, you probably hope to be back in your own home as soon as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes move-in dates get delayed.
You're normally responsible for the additional expenses incurred when this happens. However, if the extra time in temporary lodging is due to unavailable military housing or a delay in your household goods arriving, you have options. You may qualify for additional reimbursements.
To get started, speak with your base’s transportation office or finance office as soon as possible. They can walk you through whether you qualify for extensions or extra allowances and help you submit the necessary forms.
Relocation is a natural part of military life, but it doesn't have to be a financial strain. Applying for TLE, TLA, and DLA can help ease the burden of moving-related expenses.
Receiving a permanent change of station (PCS) order is common in the military, but that doesn’t make it any easier. And while you can’t opt out of PCS orders, you do have control over how your move happens.
Whether... Read More
Melanie MorrisJan 30, 2026