PCS Season is here. The permanent change of station means traveling from the base you are currently stationed at to the one you will be moving to. This travel is often by car. Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, then you know that gas prices continue to increase. In California, some areas have prices over $9 a gallon. This large spike in gas cost is something that military families will have to absorb when they move. The government requires the move as part of military order, but they do not cover all the costs of moving.
For PCS required to travel in a Privately Owned Vehicle, the government provides reimbursement for mileage allowance has been $0.18 per mile, but as of July 1 2022, the mileage rate is now $0.22 per mile.
Military families will calculate the miles traveled from originating place of duty to the final duty station.
Entitlements for PCS Active Duty Military families can collect
- Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) -aka mileage reimbursement
- Plus (Per Diem)- members and dependents get different rates. If dependents are traveling with the service member, any dependent over the age of 12 gets 75% of the per diem and any dependent under 12 gets 50% of the member’s per diem rate. If dependents are traveling separately from the service member, one dependent over the age of 12 will get 100% per diem, 75% per diem for any other dependents over the age of 12, and 50% for any dependent under 12.
- Temporary Lodging Expense – this amount is limited by the monetary amount and based on location PCSing to and from
- Dislocation Allowance – reimbursement to cover expenses incurred in relocation
PCS Entitlements for Separating or Retiring Military Service Members
- Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) -aka mileage reimbursement
- Plus (Per Diem) – same per diem rules apply as above
To understand all entitlements, check out the Defense Finance and Accounting Service here.
