Financial Assistance

Hawaii has a high cost of living. Some estimates place the cost of living expense at around thirty eight percent (38%) higher than the mainland. Housing, gasoline food, and car insurance are among the high cost items. Nothing can ruin a choice tour worse than being financially strapped so please reach out to the Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP), the Military Finance Office and Military One Source experts to assist with budgeting and other financial services and support . 

Advance Pay 

Advance Pay is strongly discouraged due to Hawaii’s high cost of living.  Highly recommend creating a “Spending Plan” with the Personal Financial Counselors at the Marine & Family Programs or the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS).  To understand all the financial options other than advance pay alone. 


Initial Costs to Families when you Make a PCS Move Temporary Lodging Cost 

Since the first ten (10) days of hotel/lodging and meal expenses are paid for out-of-pocket by the service member, it’ highly recommended to contact the TLA Office to get guidance, recommendations and info on average cost PRIOR to making hotel/lodging reservations.  The Hawaii TLA office is located on the first deck of IPAC, BLDG 1043 and can be reached at 808-496-2198/1582 or MCBH.TLA.FMB@USMC.MIL . 

Reimbursements are provided to service members meeting the stringent TLA policy.  Refer to the TLA information below for additional information. 

For some personnel, the amount of BAH and COLA will not off-set the cost of rent in the civilian community.  Therefore, residing in base housing is the best way to protect the family from the high cost of living in Hawaii.

Car Rental -- Car rental is NOT reimbursed by the Government.

Finance / Disbursing Office on MCBH 

The Travel Section handles the settlement of all travel claims for Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.  Presently, the average turn-around time for travel claims fluctuates during high peak PCS season.  The Travel Section also computes and processes all travel advances involving TAD, PCS, and separation. 

The Travel Section is located in Bldg. 216 Rm 82.  Hours of operation: 0730 to 1630 hrs M-F.  For more information, call 808-496-7770 or DSN 315-496-7770. 

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) Office 

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) is available for eligible families arriving to Hawaii. The Inns of the Corps at Marine Corps Base Hawaii is the primary lodging facility.  Members must call for reservations and if they are fully booked a statement of non-availability will be issued.  Please make sure to obtain a TLA approved lodging list from the TLA office prior to booking a hotel.  Most hotels are within 25 miles of Kaneohe Bay and 10 miles of Camp Smith. 

Before making reservations for any other accommodations, please contact the TLA Office at 808-496-2198 or MCBH.TLA.FMB@USMC.MIL . 

Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP) 

Personal Financial counseling is provided at the Marine & Family.  Information and assistance is also available for one on one counseling, in areas such as military pay and allowances, consumer rip-offs, savings, insurance, car buying, home buying, credit card management, and more. For more information, call 808-496-7783 or 808-496-1232. 


Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)

The NMCRS can provide financial emergency assistance based upon need, through either loans or, when there is a particular hardship, grants. Categories of financial assistance include:

• Basic living expenses (food, shelter, utilities)
• Medical not covered by TRICARE
• Dental not covered by DDP
• Funeral expenses
• Emergency transportation
• Essential car repairs
• Pay and allotment problems
• Disasters
• Assistance for widows, mothers and children

The NMCRS locations on Oahu can be found at this site (http://www.nmcrs.org/locations/entry/kaneohe-bay).