Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) & Dislocation Allowance (DLA): PCS Moving Allowances

Bottom Line Up Front: TLE = Temporary lodging reimbursement during PCS ($290/day max, up to 10 days). DLA = One-time payment for PCS expenses ($2,000-$4,000 depending on rank/dependents). TLE eligibility: OCONUS to CONUS, CONUS to OCONUS, or special circumstances. File claim within 5 days of check-in. DLA: Automatic payment if authorized in orders, or file claim within 1 year. Both are separate from HHG shipment and DITY/PPM reimbursement. Save receipts for TLE (hotel, food). DLA doesn't require receipts (flat-rate payment).

TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense)

What Is TLE?

Purpose: Reimburse temporary lodging costs while waiting for:

• Permanent housing to be ready
• HHG to arrive
• Base housing assignment

Duration: Up to 10 days (5 days on departure end + 5 days on arrival end)

Maximum reimbursement: $290/day (covers hotel + food)

Who gets TLE:

• OCONUS → CONUS PCS
• CONUS → OCONUS PCS
• Special circumstances (disaster, base closure)

Who does NOT get TLE:

• CONUS → CONUS PCS (unless special authorization)

TLE Rates (2025)

Maximum daily rates:

• CONUS: $290/day (standard)
• OCONUS: Varies by location (could be $200-$500/day)

What's covered:

• Hotel/temporary lodging
• Meals (for you + authorized dependents)
• Incidentals (parking, tips)

What's NOT covered:

• Alcohol
• Entertainment
• Personal items (clothes, souvenirs)

How to Claim TLE

Step 1: Incur expenses (up to 10 days)

• Check into hotel
• Keep ALL receipts (itemized)
• Document dates (check-in, check-out)

Step 2: File claim within 5 days of reporting to new duty station

• Submit through DTS (Defense Travel System) OR
• Finance office (paper claim)

Documents needed:

• PCS orders
• Hotel receipts (itemized)
• Food receipts (if applicable)
• Dependent verification (if claiming for family)

Step 3: Reimbursement

• Processed within 30 days
• Direct deposit to bank account

Pro tip: File early (don't wait until day 5 - file as soon as possible after check-in)

TLE vs. Per Diem (Different)

Per Diem:

• En route travel allowance (driving to new duty station)
• $100-$150/day depending on location
• Covers lodging + meals during PCS travel

TLE:

• After arrival at new duty station
• Waiting for permanent housing
• Up to 10 days
• $290/day max

Can use both: Per diem during travel, then TLE after arrival

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DLA (Dislocation Allowance)

What Is DLA?

Purpose: One-time payment to cover PCS moving expenses

Examples of what it covers:

• Utility connection fees (electricity, water, internet)
• Rental deposits (first/last month, security)
• Furniture rental (if needed temporarily)
• Vehicle registration (new state)
• Temporary storage (if HHG delayed)

Amount: $2,000-$4,000+ depending on:

• Rank
• Dependents (with vs. without)

No receipts required: Flat-rate payment (use it however you need)

DLA Rates by Rank (2025 Approximate)

Without dependents:

• E-1 to E-4: $2,100
• E-5 to E-6: $2,300
• E-7 to E-9: $2,500
• O-1 to O-3: $2,700
• O-4 to O-6: $3,100

With dependents:

• E-1 to E-4: $2,600
• E-5 to E-6: $2,900
• E-7 to E-9: $3,400
• O-1 to O-3: $3,600
• O-4 to O-6: $4,200

Exact rates: Check with TMO (updated annually)

Who Gets DLA?

Authorized:

• ✅ PCS (CONUS to CONUS, CONUS to OCONUS, OCONUS to CONUS)
• ✅ First duty station (from training to first permanent base)
• ✅ Retirement PCS (final move)
• ✅ Separation (if honorable discharge)

NOT authorized:

• ❌ TDY (temporary duty)
• ❌ Training moves (basic, tech school)
• ❌ Moves within same area (<50 miles usually)

How to Get DLA

Option 1: Automatic (Best Case)

• DLA listed in PCS orders
• Payment processed automatically after check-in
• Deposited within 30-60 days

Option 2: File Claim

• If not listed in orders
• File within 1 year of PCS
• Submit to Finance office
• Need: Orders, proof of dependents (if applicable)

Verification:

• Check myPay after PCS (under "Travel Vouchers")
• If not showing within 60 days → contact Finance

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MALT (Mileage Allowance in Lieu of Transportation)

What Is MALT?

Purpose: Reimburse mileage for driving POV during PCS

Rate: $0.18/mile (2025 - lower than civilian IRS rate)

Based on: Official distance (not actual miles driven)

Example:

• PCS: Texas to California
• Official distance: 1,500 miles
• MALT: 1,500 × $0.18 = $270

Covers: Fuel, wear-and-tear

Does NOT cover: Hotels, food (that's per diem)

MALT + Per Diem

Drive across country (PCS):

• Day 1: Drive 500 miles, hotel $100, food $50
• Day 2: Drive 500 miles, hotel $100, food $50
• Day 3: Drive 500 miles, hotel $100, food $50

Reimbursement:

• MALT: 1,500 miles × $0.18 = $270
• Per Diem: 3 days × $150/day = $450
• Total: $720

Actual cost:

• Hotels: $300
• Food: $150
• Gas: $200
• Total: $650

Net: $70 profit (or break-even depending on actual costs)

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Filing Claims (Step-by-Step)

Before PCS (Preparation)

60 days before:

• Review orders (check for TLE, DLA authorization)
• Ask TMO questions (what am I entitled to?)
• Set up digital receipt system (phone app like Expensify)

30 days before:

• Plan temporary lodging (if needed)
• Research hotel costs at new location (budget accordingly)

During PCS Travel

Save EVERY receipt:

• Hotels (itemized)
• Food (even fast food - adds up)
• Gas (MALT covers mileage, but keep receipts for records)
• Parking, tolls

Take photos:

• Odometer at start
• Odometer at end
• Receipts (backup if paper lost)

After Arrival (File Claims ASAP)

Within 5 days of check-in:

• File TLE claim (if used temporary lodging)
• Submit receipts

Within 30 days:

• File travel voucher (per diem, MALT)
• Verify DLA payment received

Within 1 year:

• Deadline for most PCS claims
• Don't wait (harder to reconstruct receipts later)

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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid

❌ Mistake #1: Not Saving Receipts

Reality:

• Spend $1,500 on hotels, food during TLE
• Don't save receipts
• Can't claim reimbursement → Lose $1,500

Fix: Save EVERY receipt (photo backup on phone)

❌ Mistake #2: Exceeding 10-Day TLE Limit

Reality:

• Stay in hotel 15 days waiting for house
• File TLE claim for 15 days
• Only reimbursed for 10 days → Out-of-pocket $1,450 (5 days × $290)

Fix: Move into permanent housing by day 10 (or pay out-of-pocket for extra days)

❌ Mistake #3: Not Filing TLE Claim Within 5 Days

Reality:

• Use TLE, check in to new base
• Forget to file claim
• Remember 30 days later → Claim denied (missed 5-day deadline)

Fix: File immediately after check-in (don't wait)

❌ Mistake #4: Thinking DLA Covers Everything

Reality:

• Get $3,000 DLA
• Spend $5,000 on PCS expenses (deposits, utilities, furniture)
• Surprised DLA doesn't cover it all

Fix: DLA is partial reimbursement (budget for additional out-of-pocket costs)

❌ Mistake #5: Not Checking if DLA Was Paid

Reality:

• DLA supposed to be automatic
• Never checks myPay
• 1 year passes → Too late to claim

Fix: Verify DLA payment within 60 days (check myPay, or call Finance if not received)

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Advanced: TLE Extension Requests

Can You Get More Than 10 Days?

Sometimes YES:

Scenarios where extension approved:

• Base housing not available (waitlist)
• HHG shipment delayed (moving company issue)
• Natural disaster (hurricane, fire at new base)
• Special circumstances (medical, hardship)

How to request:

• Submit request to commander BEFORE day 10
• Provide justification (housing waitlist, HHG delay)
• Commander approves → Extension granted (usually 5-10 more days)

Approval rate: 50-70% (depends on circumstances)

Denied?

• Pay out-of-pocket OR
• Move into furnished apartment (short-term lease)

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Special Circumstances

OCONUS TLE (Longer Duration)

OCONUS PCS:

• TLE duration: Up to 60 days (vs. 10 days CONUS)
• Rate: Locality-based ($200-$500/day)
• Why longer: Housing takes longer to arrange overseas

Example: Germany PCS

• TLE: Up to 30 days authorized
• Rate: $350/day
• Max reimbursement: 30 × $350 = $10,500

First Duty Station (After Training)

DLA for first PCS:

• ✅ Authorized (even though it's first assignment)
• Amount: Lower rate (E-2 without dependents = ~$2,100)

TLE:

• Usually NOT authorized (moving to barracks, not waiting for house)
• Exception: Married, need time to find off-base housing

Retirement/Separation PCS

DLA:

• ✅ Authorized (one final PCS from last duty station to home of record or anywhere in CONUS)

TLE:

• May be authorized (if retiring OCONUS → CONUS)

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Action Steps

Before PCS:

1. ✅ Check orders (TLE and DLA authorized?)
2. ✅ Calculate expected DLA amount (based on rank/dependents)
3. ✅ Plan temporary lodging (if needed)

During PCS:

1. ✅ Save ALL receipts (hotel, food, gas)
2. ✅ Photo backup receipts (phone)
3. ✅ Track mileage (odometer readings)

After Arrival (Within 5 days):

1. ✅ File TLE claim (if used temporary lodging)
2. ✅ File travel voucher (per diem, MALT)
3. ✅ Check for DLA payment (myPay)

Within 60 Days:

1. ✅ Verify reimbursements received
2. ✅ Contact Finance if issues

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Related Guides

• DITY/PPM PCS Complete Guide
• PCS Entitlements Calculator
• OCONUS PCS Guide

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Remember: TLE = Temporary lodging reimbursement ($290/day, up to 10 days). DLA = One-time PCS payment ($2,000-$4,000, no receipts needed). File TLE within 5 days of check-in. Save receipts. Verify DLA payment within 60 days. Don't leave money on table - these are authorized entitlements. Thousands use TLE/DLA every PCS - you should too.