What is a PCS?
PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station. It is the military term for moving from one duty location to another under official orders. A PCS is different from a temporary duty assignment (TDY) because it lasts more than 20 weeks or is a permanent reassignment.
Service members in every branch face a PCS roughly every two to four years. The Department of Defense pays many of the costs through a set of PCS entitlements. These include cash allowances, mileage, lodging, and a paid household goods (HHG) shipment.
This guide explains every major PCS entitlement for 2026. It also walks through the standard PCS timeline so you know what to do at 90, 60, 30, and 14 days out. For pay basics outside of moves, see our military pay overview.
PCS vs. TDY vs. deployment
- PCS: permanent reassignment to a new duty station with your dependents and household goods.
- TDY: short-term travel for training, schools, or temporary missions. You return to your home station.
- Deployment: operational tasking, often overseas, while your family stays at your home station.
2026 PCS entitlements at a glance
The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) govern every PCS entitlement. The Defense Travel Management Office updates rates each January. The table below summarizes the headline 2026 numbers.
| Entitlement | 2026 amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dislocation Allowance (DLA) | $1,870 to $6,385 (full); $1,018 to $5,108 (secondary) | Helps offset miscellaneous move costs |
| Partial DLA | $1,002.71 | For members ordered out of government quarters |
| MALT mileage (POV) | $0.205 per mile | Driving your own vehicle on PCS orders |
| Standard CONUS per diem | $109/day ($70 lodging + $39 M&IE) | Travel days en route |
| TLE (CONUS) | Up to 21 days, max $290/day | Temporary lodging in CONUS |
| TLA (OCONUS) | Up to 60 days arrival, 10 days departure | Temporary lodging overseas |
| PPM reimbursement | 100% of Government Constructed Cost | Moving yourself instead of using a contractor |
Sources: Defense Travel Management Office and Military OneSource.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
DLA is a flat cash payment that partially reimburses out-of-pocket move costs. It is paid in addition to any other PCS allowance. You normally receive DLA only once per fiscal year.
The 2026 DLA rates depend on two factors: your pay grade and whether you have dependents. Members with dependents get a higher "with-dependents" rate. The published 2026 full DLA range runs from $1,870 for the lowest enlisted grade without dependents up to $6,385 for senior officers with dependents.
Who is eligible for DLA?
- Members executing a PCS with dependents.
- Single members not assigned to government quarters (or a ship) at the new station.
- Members ordered to vacate family or single government quarters (partial DLA of $1,002.71 in 2026).
- Members evacuated for the government's convenience.
Secondary DLA
If you must make a second authorized move in the same fiscal year, you may qualify for "secondary DLA." Secondary rates are lower, running from $1,018 to $5,108 in 2026. Talk to your local finance office before you assume the second payment is automatic.
Per diem and MALT mileage
When you drive to your new duty station, the government pays a per diem for each authorized travel day and a flat mileage rate called MALT.
MALT in 2026
The 2026 MALT rate is $0.205 per mile. The mileage is calculated on the official Defense Table of Distances, not your GPS app. The number of passengers in your car does not change MALT.
If your family takes two vehicles, you can claim MALT for both, provided the orders authorize a second POV. See the DFAS MALT page for the latest policy details.
How travel days are calculated
The JTR uses a standard formula for PCS driving days. The first travel day covers 400 miles. Each additional day covers 350 miles. Round up any remaining mileage to one more travel day.
Example: a 1,100-mile drive equals 400 miles (day 1) + 350 (day 2) + 350 (day 3). That is three authorized travel days.
Per diem for travel days
The 2026 standard CONUS per diem rate is $109 per day, made up of $70 for lodging and $39 for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). Dependents 12 and older receive 75% of the member's rate. Dependents under 12 receive 50%. On the final travel day, M&IE drops to 75% for the member.
TLE and TLA temporary lodging
Hotels add up fast when you cannot move into your new home right away. The military offers two lodging programs that help cover those costs.
TLE for CONUS moves
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimburses hotel and meal costs at either end of a CONUS move. The 2026 TLE program allows up to 21 days, up from 14 days before the November 2024 expansion. The daily cap is $290.
TLE days can be split between your old and new duty station. You will need itemized hotel folios in the sponsor's name to file the claim.
TLA for OCONUS moves
Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) replaces TLE when you arrive at or leave an overseas station. TLA is normally authorized for up to 60 days at arrival and 10 days at departure. Some commands can extend these limits with justification.
If your move includes both CONUS and OCONUS lodging, you can use TLE for the stateside portion (capped at 7 days) and TLA overseas. See the Military OneSource TLE guide for current rules.
Household goods (HHG) shipment
The standard PCS option is a government-arranged HHG move. A contracted moving company packs, ships, and delivers your belongings. The DoD pays the bill directly.
Weight allowance by rank
Your weight allowance is based on rank and whether you have dependents. Going over your weight allowance can cost you thousands of dollars in excess shipping charges that come straight out of your pay. The table below shows representative 2026 limits.
| Pay grade | With dependents (lbs) | Without dependents (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | 8,000 | 5,000 to 7,000 |
| E-5 | 9,000 | 7,000 |
| E-6 | 11,000 | 8,000 |
| E-7 | 13,000 | 11,000 |
| E-8 | 14,000 | 12,000 |
| E-9 | 15,000 | 13,000 |
| W-1 / O-1 | 12,000 | 10,000 |
| W-3 / O-3 | 14,500 | 13,000 |
| O-4 | 17,000 | 14,000 |
| O-6 | 18,000 | 18,000 |
For the complete table by rank, see the NAVSUP authorized weight allowance page or the JTR. Pro tip: get a professional pre-move weigh estimate. A typical household has 1,000 to 1,500 pounds per furnished room.
What movers can and cannot ship
- Allowed: furniture, clothing, electronics, books, kitchenware, sports gear.
- Not allowed: firearms ammunition, propane tanks, paint, cleaning chemicals, perishable food, plants, and explosives.
- Pro gear: uniforms, professional books, and equipment required for your duties are weighed separately and do not count against your allowance (up to 2,000 lbs for the member, 500 lbs for a spouse).
PPM (DITY) moves explained
A Personally Procured Move (PPM), still widely called a DITY move (Do-It-Yourself), is when you move your own household goods instead of using a government contractor. You rent the truck, pack the boxes, drive the load, and submit weight tickets afterward.
How PPM reimbursement works in 2026
In 2026, PPM reimbursement is calculated at 100% of the Government Constructed Cost (GCC). The GCC is what the DoD would have paid a contractor to move the same weight the same distance. If you move for less than the GCC, you keep the difference (minus federal taxes).
A temporary 130% incentive was offered in mid-2025 during the HomeSafe contractor transition. That bonus expired and the rate returned to 100% for 2026 moves. The full policy memo is published by the Defense Travel Management Office.
Advance payment
You can request up to 60% of your estimated PPM payment in advance. The cash helps cover truck rental, gas, packing material, and labor. The remaining balance is paid after you turn in your final paperwork and weight tickets.
PPM pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cash profit if you move for less than the GCC | You do all the labor or hire helpers |
| Total control over your timeline and gear | Liability for damage falls on you |
| No risk of lost or broken items by a contractor | You must keep every receipt and weight ticket |
| Faster move-out and move-in | Profit is taxable income |
Weight tickets are everything
You need at least two certified weight tickets: one empty and one full. Most truck stops offer CAT scale weigh-ins for around $15. Without certified tickets, your reimbursement could be reduced to zero.
Step-by-step PCS timeline
A successful PCS starts the day orders drop. Use this timeline as your master checklist.
90 days out
- Read your PCS orders and verify dependents, duty station, and report date.
- Contact your Personal Property Office to schedule HHG counseling.
- Create a move account in MilMove (move.mil) and select HHG, PPM, or a partial PPM.
- Research housing and schools at your new duty station. Check the BAH calculator for your new ZIP code.
- Notify your landlord or list your current home for sale.
60 days out
- Schedule your pack-out and pickup dates with the moving company.
- Book pet flights if you are heading OCONUS. Summer slots fill fast.
- Update your DFAS mailing address, allotments, and direct deposit.
- Gather medical records and request prescription refills.
- Inventory expensive items with photos and serial numbers.
30 days out
- Complete your "do-not-pack" pile (passports, orders, IDs, medications, valuables).
- Transfer school records and request final report cards.
- Confirm TLE / TLA reservations on or off base.
- Cancel utilities, lawn care, and trash service at the old home.
- Use up frozen food and pantry items so movers do not pack them.
14 days out
- Reconfirm pack-out date and pickup window.
- Drain fluids from lawn equipment and propane tanks.
- Pre-clean the house to speed final inspection.
- Pull cash for tips, weigh-ins, and unexpected costs.
- Set aside the "first-night box" for each family member.
Day of pack-out
- Be present (or designate a power of attorney) for the entire pack-out.
- Verify the inventory and high-value list before signing.
- Take dated photos of every room after pack-out.
Within 45 days after arrival
- File your PCS travel voucher in DTS or with finance.
- Submit PPM paperwork and weight tickets.
- Report any HHG damage within 75 days through MilMove or risk losing the claim.
Pets and OCONUS specifics
Moving overseas adds layers of paperwork. Start early; some countries require six months of veterinary records.
Pet shipment
The DoD does not pay to ship most pets, but it does offer a pet shipment reimbursement for one dog or cat: up to $550 for CONUS PCS moves and up to $2,000 for OCONUS PCS moves. You must use commercial carriers and keep receipts.
OCONUS considerations
- Update your passport and apply for a no-fee government passport for dependents.
- Complete command-sponsorship paperwork before pack-out.
- Plan for power converters and 220-volt appliance issues.
- Use the State Department's travel.state.gov resources for visa requirements.
- Coordinate Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) shipment through the Vehicle Processing Center early.
Money-saving PCS tips
A smooth PCS often comes down to small habits that protect your wallet.
- Weigh before and after. Surprise overage fees can wipe out your DLA.
- Use an Advance Travel Pay request. Cash flow problems are the top complaint on r/army PCS threads.
- Keep digital copies. Scan every receipt, voucher, and order to a secure cloud drive.
- Run a PPM cost estimate. Compare it to the GCC quote your transportation office gives you. If the math works, switching to a PPM can earn you several thousand dollars.
- Watch your weight allowance. Purge before pack-out, not after.
- Lock in your BAH. Use our BAH calculator and our BAH guide to plan housing budgets.
- Plan for taxes. Most PCS reimbursements (except moving expenses for active duty) are nontaxable, but PPM profit is taxable. See the IRS moving expense rules.
Related Rank and Pay resources
- Military Pay overview
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
- Military pay calculator
- BAH calculator
- VA benefits hub
- Military retirement guide
- Explainer library
Conclusion: plan early and use every dollar
A PCS is one of the most stressful events in military life, but it does not have to wreck your savings. When you understand each 2026 entitlement (DLA, MALT, per diem, TLE/TLA, HHG, and PPM), you can choose the moving option that fits your family and your bank account.
Start your move with our BAH calculator to set a realistic housing budget at the new duty station, then browse the military pay hub for related allowances. This article is for general information and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. For decisions that affect your finances, talk to your local finance office or a credentialed advisor.