Military PCS Calculator
Estimate your travel entitlements for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, including MALT, Per Diem, DLA, and TLE.
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Entitlement Explanations
Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT)
The Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) provides mileage reimbursement for service members and their families driving to their new duty station. Calculated based on the official distance between locations, the current rate (effective Jan 1, 2024) is $0.21 per mile for each authorized vehicle. This helps offset fuel and wear-and-tear costs during your move.
Learn more about MALT at DFAS
Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a flat-rate payment designed to help cover miscellaneous moving costs that aren't otherwise reimbursed, such as setting up utilities, cleaning deposits, or restocking food. Your specific DLA amount depends on your rank and dependency status. Note that DLA is typically not authorized if you are moving directly into government quarters, though there are some exceptions.
Rates effective January 1, 2026.
Learn more about DLA at DFAS
Travel Per Diem
Rates (FY25 Standard CONUS): Member: $178/day.
Dependents:
- Traveling with Member (1 POV): 12+: $133.50/day (75%) | <12: $89.00/day (50%).
- Traveling Separately (2 POVs): First dependent receives 100% ($178/day). Additional dependents in that vehicle receive standard percentages (75%/50%).
Learn more about Per Diem at DTMO
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)
Eligibility: TLE is only authorized in the vicinity of the old/new PDS; it is not authorized for house hunting.
- CONUS to CONUS: Limited to 21 days.
- To OCONUS: Limited to 7 days.
- From OCONUS to CONUS: Limited to 21 days.
Calculation: Member or 1 dependent: 65% | Member + 1 Dependent (or 2 dependents): 100% | Add'l 12+: 35% | Add'l <12: 25%.
Capped at $290/day. Reimbursement cannot exceed actual daily lodging cost + applicable M&IE.
Note: Lodging is reimbursed based on actual costs up to the limit (you do not keep the difference if you spend less). M&IE is paid at the applicable percentage regardless of actual food expenses.
Learn more about TLE at DFAS
Pet Expenses
Good news for pet owners: as of January 1, 2024, the DoD now reimburses expenses for relocating one household pet (cat or dog) during a PCS. This covers costs like microchipping, boarding, and shipping fees. The reimbursement cap is $550 for moves within the continental U.S. and up to $2,000 for overseas moves to help cover quarantine and other international requirements.
Learn more about Pet Reimbursement
Household Goods (HHG) & PPM
Weight Allowance: Your Household Goods (HHG) weight allowance determines how much property the government will ship for you at no cost.
Pro-Gear: You also get an extra allowance for 'Pro-Gear' (professional books and equipment) up to 2,000 lbs for the member and 500 lbs for a spouse that doesn't count against your total.
Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY): If you prefer to move yourself, a Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly DITY) allows you to be reimbursed 100% of what it would have cost the government to move you, which can often result in a profit if you manage costs well.
Learn more about PCS Entitlements at Military OneSource