One of the many allowances you’re entitled to as a servicemember, Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is intended to partially reimburse you for relocation expenses during a PCS, evacuation, or other government-ordered housing moves. DLA is offered in addition to other allowances and can only be received once per fiscal year. The amount of your reimbursement depends on your grade and dependent status.

Note that while DLA helps with the cost of a relocation, it may not cover all relocation costs.

There are three types of DLA:

• Primary DLA: For servicemembers receiving PCS orders or who are ordered to move from government family-type housing due to base realignment and closure.
• Secondary DLA: Paid when a PCS order is amended, modified, canceled, or revoked after a servicemember has already moved.
• Partial DLA: Paid during non-PCS events, including a requirement to occupy or vacate government family-type housing for government-specified reasons.

How Much Is Dislocation Allowance?

Your DLA rate depends on your grade and whether or not you have dependents. For example, an E-1 with no dependents is entitled to a DLA of $1,724.50, while the same grade with dependents is entitled to a DLA of $3,270.94. A W-5 with no dependents is entitled to $3,978.49, while a W-5 with dependents is entitled to $4,347.32. These rates are current as of January 1, 2024, and are subject to change.

Dislocation Allowance Eligibility

Many servicemembers are eligible for DLA. However, there are circumstances under which you may not qualify for DLA.

Who Is Eligible for DLA?

Servicemembers moving their household on PCS orders and not assigned to live in single-type government housing are usually eligible to receive a DLA. Typically, if you receive a Basic Housing Allowance (BHA) or are above pay grade E-5 and choose not to stay in single-type government quarters, you'll receive a DLA.

Who Is Not Eligible for DLA?

DLA eligibility is not applicable to pay grades below E-5 living in single-type government housing. DLA is not provided when moving from a civilian home to a first duty station without dependents or when leaving Active Duty service.

How Does Dislocation Allowance Work?

If you qualify, getting a DLA should be a straightforward process.

Applying for DLA

To receive the allowance, you must submit paperwork to your installation's finance office. The specific procedure varies by branch, so make sure you understand what you need to do.

When Do I Receive My DLA?

Generally, DLA is disbursed after the correct forms are filed with the installation's finance office, either before or after the PCS move. It is typically received about 30 days after you file the paperwork.

Receiving DLA Before a Move

You can request an advance of your DLA and other moving payments, but it's not guaranteed. Visit your installation's finance office 10 to 15 days before your move and file a request for your commander's approval. If approved, you can receive 80% of the estimated payment in advance, with the rest paid after the move when you file paperwork at your new installation.

Maintain Financial Stability with AAFMAA

Moving for PCS orders requires planning and organization. As an AAFMAA Member, we can help you understand which entitlements you qualify for, including DLA. We understand the unique financial needs of servicemembers, military families, and Veterans, and we’re ready to make sense of it all for you.

Contact us today to learn about all of our Member Benefits and how we can help you take control of your finances.