Question 1

What is a PPM (DITY) move and how much can I make?

Accepted Answer

A Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly called DITY (Do-It-Yourself), is when you move your household goods yourself instead of using a government-arranged carrier. The military reimburses you 100% of what it would have cost the government to move your belongings. If your actual moving costs are less than the government's constructive cost, you keep the difference — which can be several thousand dollars. However, PPM reimbursement is taxable income.

Question 2

What is my weight allowance based on my rank?

Accepted Answer

Your household goods (HHG) weight allowance depends on your pay grade and whether you have dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents can ship up to 9,000 lbs, while an O-6 can ship up to 18,000 lbs. Junior enlisted (E-1 to E-3) with less than 2 years of service and no dependents receive reduced allowances. Use our estimator above to see your exact entitlement.

Question 3

What is DLA (Dislocation Allowance)?

Accepted Answer

DLA is a one-time payment to partially reimburse the expenses of a PCS move, such as disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, new appliance hookups, and other relocation costs. The amount varies by pay grade and dependent status, ranging from approximately $1,870 for a junior enlisted member without dependents to over $6,380 for a senior officer.

Question 4

How is MALT (mileage) calculated for a PCS move?

Accepted Answer

MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation) reimburses you for driving one privately owned vehicle (POV) to your new duty station. The 2026 rate is $0.205 per mile of official distance between your old and new duty stations. You also receive one authorized travel day for the first 400 miles, then one additional day for every 350 miles after that.

Question 5

What are TLE and TLA for temporary lodging?

Accepted Answer

TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense) covers temporary lodging costs for CONUS moves — up to 21 days combined at origin and destination. TLA (Temporary Lodging Allowance) is the OCONUS equivalent, providing up to 60 days of lodging reimbursement at location-specific rates. TLA rates are typically higher and authorized for longer to accommodate overseas housing searches.

Question 6

What additional entitlements do I get for an OCONUS (overseas) PCS?

Accepted Answer

OCONUS moves include several additional entitlements: OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance) replaces BAH for rent and utilities; COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) offsets higher overseas expenses; TLA provides up to 60 days of temporary lodging; and the government ships up to 2 privately owned vehicles. You also receive OCONUS per diem rates, which are typically higher than CONUS rates.

Question 7

Can I do a PPM for an overseas (OCONUS) move?

Accepted Answer

PPM moves are primarily a CONUS benefit. For most OCONUS moves, the government arranges HHG shipping because international shipping requires customs clearance, commercial carrier contracts, and specialized logistics. However, you may be able to do a partial PPM for the portion of belongings you transport yourself, such as items you carry on the plane or ship in personal baggage.

Question 8

How do I get the most money from my PCS move?

Accepted Answer

To maximize your PCS entitlements: (1) Consider a full or partial PPM if moving within CONUS — the reimbursement often exceeds your actual costs by $2,000-$5,000+. (2) Keep all receipts for moving expenses to support your reimbursement claims. (3) File for DLA immediately upon arrival. (4) Use all authorized TLE/TLA days. (5) Confirm your exact entitlements with your Transportation Office (TMO) before making financial commitments.

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