Military Moving Allowance Calculator
Military members on PCS orders receive a Dislocation Allowance ($800–$4,600 based on rank), Temporary Lodging Expense ($290/day family), per diem ($157–$300/day), and either a government-arranged move (HHG) or Personally Procured Move (PPM) reimbursement at 100% of the government's estimated cost.
PPM Payment = Government Cost Estimate × 100% (incentive) + DLA + Per Diem + TLE
Military Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves come with a comprehensive set of entitlements that many service members don't fully understand or claim. Our military moving allowance calculator helps you estimate your total PCS entitlements for 2026, including Dislocation Allowance (DLA), Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), per diem, mileage, and Personally Procured Move (PPM) incentive pay. Understanding these allowances can mean thousands of dollars in your pocket.
PCS entitlements are governed by the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), administered by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Our calculator uses current 2026 JTR rates.
What This Means
Your estimate shows the total entitlements you may receive for your PCS move. PPM (Personally Procured Move, formerly DITY) payments are based on 100% of what the government would pay a contractor to move your authorized weight. This means if you move yourself for less than the government estimate, you keep the difference as profit — often $1,000–$5,000. All PPM profits are taxable income. Consult your installation's Transportation Office (TO) for official entitlements specific to your orders.
Military PCS Entitlements Overview (2026)
Here are the primary entitlements available during a PCS move:
| Entitlement | What It Covers | 2026 Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Dislocation Allowance (DLA) | Miscellaneous relocation expenses | $886–$4,622 (by rank/dependents) |
| Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) | Up to 14 days hotel at origin/destination | Up to actual lodging + $157/day per diem |
| Per Diem (en route) | Meals and lodging during travel | $157/day (CONUS) + lodging |
| Mileage (POV travel) | Driving personal vehicle to new duty station | $0.22/mile (2026 rate) |
| HHG Move (government-arranged) | Government pays TSP to move your household goods | Full cost paid by government |
| PPM (Personally Procured Move) | You move yourself, get reimbursed at 100% of gov estimate | 100% of government cost estimate |
| Non-Temporary Storage (NTS) | Storage of HHG at government expense | Up to 90 days (extendable) |
How PPM (DITY Move) Payments Are Calculated
A Personally Procured Move (PPM) — formerly called a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move — lets you move your own belongings and receive 100% of what the government would have paid a Transportation Service Provider (TSP). Here's how the payment is calculated:
- Determine your authorized weight. Weight allowances depend on rank and dependency status. E-5 with dependents: 9,000 lbs. O-4 with dependents: 14,000 lbs.
- Get the government cost estimate (GCE). Your Transportation Office calculates what a government-contracted mover would charge for your authorized weight and distance. This is your maximum payment.
- Weigh your shipment. Before and after loading, weigh your vehicle or rental truck at a certified scale. The difference is your net weight.
- Get paid. You receive 100% of the GCE for the weight you actually move (up to your authorized weight). If you move 8,000 lbs and the GCE for 8,000 lbs is $6,500, you receive $6,500.
Weight Allowances by Rank (2026)
| Rank | Without Dependents | With Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | 5,000–7,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
| E-5 to E-6 | 7,000–8,000 lbs | 9,000–11,000 lbs |
| E-7 to E-9 | 10,500–13,000 lbs | 12,500–14,500 lbs |
| O-1 to O-3 | 8,000–10,000 lbs | 10,000–12,000 lbs |
| O-4 to O-6 | 12,000–14,000 lbs | 14,000–17,000 lbs |
| O-7+ | 15,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
Worked Example: E-6 PCS Move from Fort Bragg to Fort Lewis
SGT Rodriguez (E-6 with spouse and 2 children) receives PCS orders from Fort Liberty, NC to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA — approximately 2,750 miles. He chooses a partial PPM move (movers handle most items, he drives a trailer with overflow).
| Entitlement | Details | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| DLA | E-6 with dependents | $2,734 |
| TLE (origin, 5 days) | $157/day per diem + $120/night lodging | $1,385 |
| TLE (destination, 7 days) | $157/day per diem + $140/night lodging | $2,079 |
| Per diem (4 travel days) | Member: $157/day; dependents: 75% | $1,099 |
| Mileage (POV) | 2,750 miles × $0.22 | $605 |
| HHG Move | Government-arranged, 9,500 lbs | $0 (gov pays TSP) |
| PPM (trailer portion) | 1,800 lbs at GCE rate | $1,850 |
| Total PCS Entitlements | $9,752 | |
SGT Rodriguez's actual out-of-pocket expenses for the PPM trailer portion were approximately $1,100 (truck rental fuel, tolls). His PPM profit was $750, which is taxable income. His total cash benefit after expenses was approximately $8,652.
How to Maximize Your PCS Entitlements
- Always do at least a partial PPM. Even if you use a government HHG move for most items, moving some items yourself in a POV trailer generates additional PPM pay that often exceeds your costs.
- Use all 14 TLE days. TLE covers up to 14 days of lodging and per diem split between origin and destination. Many families leave money on the table by not claiming all available days.
- Keep every receipt. Gas, tolls, truck rental, packing supplies, weigh station fees, and lodging receipts are needed for PPM reimbursement and may be tax-deductible.
- Weigh everything. Get certified weight tickets before and after loading. Without weight tickets, you won't get PPM payment. Visit CAT scales at truck stops — they cost $12–$15 per weigh.
- Claim the moving tax deduction. Active-duty military can still deduct unreimbursed moving expenses on federal taxes using IRS Form 3903 — this is one of the few remaining moving deductions available.
- Don't exceed your weight allowance. You won't be reimbursed for weight over your allowance, and may be charged for the excess at government rates.
- Visit your Transportation Office first. Get official counseling before your move. The TO can help you understand all available entitlements and avoid common mistakes.
Sources and Methodology
Our military moving calculator uses:
- 2026 rates from the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), the authoritative source for military travel and moving entitlements.
- DLA rates published by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
- Per diem rates from the GSA per diem rate schedule.
- PPM cost estimates based on government-contracted mover tariff data from the Defense Personal Property System (DPS).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the military pay for a PCS move?
The military covers the full cost of moving your household goods through a government-arranged (HHG) move, plus provides DLA ($886–$4,622), TLE (up to 14 days lodging/per diem), travel per diem ($157+/day), and mileage ($0.22/mile). For a typical E-5 CONUS PCS move of 1,500 miles, total entitlements range from $5,000–$10,000 depending on family size and TLE usage. If you do a PPM instead, you receive 100% of the government's estimated cost and keep any profit.
Is PPM (DITY move) profit taxable?
Yes, PPM profit is taxable income. The profit is the difference between what the government pays you (PPM incentive) and your actual moving expenses (truck rental, fuel, supplies, etc.). For example, if you receive $5,000 in PPM payment and spend $3,200 on moving expenses, $1,800 is taxable profit reported on your W-2. However, you can offset this by deducting moving expenses on IRS Form 3903 (military exemption). DFAS withholds federal income tax from PPM payments.
What is the weight allowance for an E-5 with dependents?
An E-5 with dependents is authorized 9,000 lbs of household goods (HHG) plus a professional books, papers, and equipment (PBP&E) allowance of up to 2,000 lbs (separate from HHG). This means a total of up to 11,000 lbs can be shipped at government expense. If your shipment exceeds the authorized weight, you'll be billed for the overage at government transportation rates, which can be very expensive.
Can I do a partial PPM and partial government move?
Yes, this is called a "split move" or "partial PPM" and is one of the best strategies for maximizing entitlements. The government arranges a TSP to move most of your household goods (HHG), while you personally transport additional items in your vehicle or a rental trailer. You receive PPM payment for the weight you move yourself, in addition to the government-paid HHG move. This is especially effective when you have items you'd rather transport personally (electronics, valuables, firearms).
What is DLA and who qualifies?
Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a lump-sum payment to help with miscellaneous relocation expenses like utility connections, lease deposits, and incidental costs. All active-duty military members with PCS orders qualify. 2026 DLA rates are set by rank: E-1 to E-3 receive approximately $886, E-5 receives approximately $1,500, and O-5 receives approximately $3,800. Members with dependents receive higher rates than those without. DLA is paid once per PCS move regardless of moving method.