PCS Entitlement Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate potential Permanent Change of Station (PCS) entitlements such as Dislocation Allowance (DLA), Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), and Travel Per Diem. Please note that these are estimates based on common rates and rules; actual entitlements may vary based on specific orders, location, and current regulations.
Estimated Entitlements:
"; resultsHtml += "Dislocation Allowance (DLA): $" + dlaEntitlement.toFixed(2) + ""; resultsHtml += "Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): $" + tleEntitlement.toFixed(2) + ""; resultsHtml += "Travel Per Diem: $" + travelPerDiem.toFixed(2) + ""; resultsHtml += "Total Estimated Entitlement: $" + totalEstimatedEntitlement.toFixed(2) + ""; resultsHtml += "These figures are estimates. Actual entitlements are determined by official orders and current DoD/Service regulations."; document.getElementById("resultOutput").innerHTML = resultsHtml; } .pcs-entitlement-calculator-container { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; max-width: 700px; margin: 20px auto; padding: 25px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 8px; background-color: #f9f9f9; box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); } .pcs-entitlement-calculator-container h2 { text-align: center; color: #333; margin-bottom: 20px; } .pcs-entitlement-calculator-container p { margin-bottom: 15px; line-height: 1.6; color: #555; } .calculator-form .form-group { margin-bottom: 15px; } .calculator-form label { display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #444; } .calculator-form input[type="number"], .calculator-form select { width: calc(100% – 22px); padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 4px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; } .calculator-form input[type="radio"] { margin-right: 5px; } .calculator-form input[type="radio"] + label { display: inline-block; margin-right: 15px; font-weight: normal; } .calculator-form button { display: block; width: 100%; padding: 12px 20px; background-color: #007bff; color: white; border: none; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 18px; cursor: pointer; transition: background-color 0.3s ease; margin-top: 20px; } .calculator-form button:hover { background-color: #0056b3; } .calculator-result { margin-top: 30px; padding: 20px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 8px; background-color: #eaf4ff; color: #333; } .calculator-result h3 { color: #0056b3; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: center; } .calculator-result p { margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 1.1em; } .calculator-result p strong { color: #003366; } .calculator-result .disclaimer { font-size: 0.9em; color: #777; margin-top: 20px; text-align: center; }Understanding Your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Entitlements
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a significant event for service members and their families, involving a move from one duty station to another. To help alleviate the financial burden associated with these moves, the Department of Defense (DoD) provides various entitlements. Understanding what you might be eligible for can help you plan your finances effectively.
What are PCS Entitlements?
PCS entitlements are financial allowances and benefits designed to cover the costs associated with relocating. These can include moving household goods, travel expenses, temporary lodging, and other miscellaneous expenses. The specific entitlements you receive depend on several factors, including your rank, marital status, number of dependents, and the nature of your move (e.g., CONUS vs. OCONUS).
Key Entitlements Explained:
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA): This allowance is intended to partially reimburse service members for the expenses incurred in relocating their household, such as utility connection fees, new school registration fees, or other miscellaneous costs associated with setting up a new home. DLA is a flat rate based on your rank and whether you have dependents. It is typically paid once per PCS move.
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): TLE helps offset the cost of lodging and meals when a service member and their family are in temporary housing in conjunction with a PCS move. This could be at the old duty station while waiting for household goods to be packed and shipped, or at the new duty station while waiting for permanent housing.
- Duration: TLE is generally authorized for a maximum of 10 days for moves within the Continental United States (CONUS) and 5 days for moves to or from Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS).
- Calculation: TLE is calculated based on a percentage of the local per diem rate for lodging and meals, varying by the number of family members.
- Travel Per Diem: When traveling from your old duty station to your new one, you are authorized per diem to cover the costs of lodging, meals, and incidental expenses for yourself and your authorized dependents.
- Travel Days: The number of authorized travel days is typically calculated based on the distance of the move, with a certain number of miles equating to one travel day.
- Calculation: Per diem rates vary by location and are paid at 100% for the service member, 75% for a spouse and dependents aged 12 or older, and 50% for dependents under 12.
- Household Goods (HHG) Shipment: While not directly calculated by this tool, it's a major entitlement. The military will arrange and pay for the shipment of your household goods up to a certain weight limit, which is determined by your rank.
- Mileage Reimbursement: If you drive your personal vehicle(s) to your new duty station, you will be reimbursed for mileage at a set rate per mile. This calculator does not estimate mileage.
How to Use the Calculator:
To get an estimate of your potential PCS entitlements, simply input the following information:
- Service Member Rank/Grade: Select your current rank or grade.
- Marital Status: Indicate if you are married or single.
- Number of Dependents: Enter the number of dependents you have, excluding your spouse.
- Move Type: Specify if your move is CONUS (within the US) or OCONUS (outside the US), as this affects TLE limits.
- Estimated Travel Days: Input the number of days you anticipate traveling between duty stations.
- Estimated TLE Days: Enter the number of days you expect to use temporary lodging. Remember the maximum limits (10 CONUS, 5 OCONUS).
Click "Calculate Entitlements" to see an estimated breakdown of your DLA, TLE, and Travel Per Diem.
Important Considerations:
- Official Orders are Key: All entitlements are based on your official PCS orders. Always refer to your orders and consult with your local finance office or transportation office for precise information.
- Rates Change: DLA, TLE, and Per Diem rates are subject to change annually and can vary by specific location. The rates used in this calculator are illustrative examples.
- Other Entitlements: This calculator focuses on DLA, TLE, and Travel Per Diem. You may be eligible for other entitlements not covered here, such as Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) for OCONUS moves (different from TLE), Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY) incentives, or specific allowances for overseas moves.
This calculator is a helpful planning tool, but it should not replace official guidance from your military finance or transportation experts.