Financial Assistance

The Personal Financial Management Program offers information and referral, educational programs and counseling on financial planning, money management, financial assessment, consumer protection and credit management.

Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) staff works closely with base leadership to provide personnel with specific classes and individual counseling. After evaluating your overall financial situation the M&FRC staff assists in exploring ways to increase your income, better manage your current income or save for the future. The Personal Financial Counselor (PFC) takes a proactive approach to debt management and involves base representatives as well as local community resources in program development.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 302-677-6930.

Financial information to help you:

• Before drawing advance pay, plan for repayment in your budget. Don't misuse your government credit card; improper use could result in disciplinary action.
• Know your budget and how much you can afford. Also, budget for your spouse's unemployment period.
• Use military temporary lodging whenever possible when you are relocating. Always ask motels/hotels about military discounts.
• Family members must appear on permanent change of station travel orders to receive entitlements (i.e., travel pay, household goods shipment, etc.).

Banks and credit unions in the area are many and varied. Most welcome military customers and offer direct deposit. If you have never had a checking account before or had one closed due to problems, you could experience difficulty opening a new checking account; most of the banks and the credit unions run credit checks before allowing you to open a checking account.

ATMs are plentiful, and most charge a service fee for alien cards. Most banks and credit unions have automated teller services and may charge you a fee if you have a bank employee process transactions you could have done by automatic tellers (such as money transfers between linked accounts and account inquiries). Financial guidance is offered to those experiencing money management difficulties or for those who wish to be more in control of their finances.

Delaware’s 102.7 score on a cost-of-living index is slightly higher than the US average of 100. Although living costs vary from city to city, overall, a family of four would need about $7,700/month to live comfortably. However, certain cities like Pike Creek are more expensive (115.6), while others are lower, like Dover (93.6).

Rental Apartments

When selecting off-base housing at your new assignment, make sure the rent and utilities will be within your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate.  Do not enter into any lease agreement without contacting the Military Housing Management Office first (302-677-6969). Apartment and house rentals in the immediate Dover area are expensive relative to the income levels in the area. Two-bedroom apartments range between $1200 and $1600 per month with no utilities included. House rentals are extremely limited. Rental application charges range from $25 to $50, and prospective landlords conduct credit history prior to offering you a lease. Leases offered for less than one full year may be offered in exchange for higher rental costs. Before signing a lease, please have the Legal Office (302-677-3300) in Building 200 review.

Most rentals do not allow pets.  Those that due usually have breed restrictions.  In addition, some landlords will charge a monthly rent fee for pets and/or a non-refundable pet security deposit equal to one (1) month rent. Kennels in the area charge between $25 and $75 per day for boarding. Unreimbursed moving expenses may be tax-deductible, so be sure to keep receipts and records for your expenditures.

Per Delaware state law, a child (or children) over 3 years of age must have a separate bedroom from the parents. Most apartment complexes have laundry facilities in the unit or laundromat-style facilities on the premise. Most apartments, especially in complexes, are unfurnished. Acceptance of base housing will not cancel a lease.

Air Force Form 1039 will allow you to receive up to three months of BAH for setting up household expenses off base, including security deposits for your apartment or house and utilities, your first and last months’ rent and purchased items you cannot do without (such as clothes washer, dryer, curtains and furniture). You have up to 12 months to pay back the Air Force for this interest-free loan. Take as little as you need and use it wisely.

Automobile Insurance

Automobile insurance is required in Delaware by state law. Individuals under the age of 25, married or single, will find the rates quite high, even for those with perfect driving records. Visit the Cor call the council at 302 276-0660 for more information regarding Delaware insurance coverage.

Temporary Lodging

Temporary lodging costs range from $94, depending on the type of accommodation. Members in permanent change of station status are usually authorized up to 10 total days for Temporary Lodging Allowance for moves within the continental U.S. This 10-day allowance is for the gaining and losing bases combined, not per base. Members in PCS status are authorized for up to five days of TLA for CONUS to outside CONUS moves.

Allowances

Members with PCS orders may apply for Advance Pay no earlier than 30 days before their estimated departure date and no later than 60 days after arrival at the new permanent duty station. No more than three months’ Advance Pay may be drawn. The advance is normally repaid in equal installments over 12 months. However, those members who can show hardship can extend the repayment period up to 24 months. Advance Pay is calculated from base pay, not pay with allowances. Please think twice before obtaining Advance Pay. Paying the loan back could cause financial hardships. Consider talking with the personal financial program manager at your Airman and Family Readiness Center prior to drawing Advance Pay.

If you have a financial emergency while en route to Dover Air Force Base, contact the nearest military base or call the American Red Cross, active-duty service members stationed in the United States and family members residing with them toll-free 877-272-7337. National Guard, reserves, retirees and civilians should contact their local Red Cross chapter.