Financial Assistance

FFSC Located on Sigsbee Annex 804 Sigsbee Road V4058

• Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday through Sunday Closed

Perhaps one of the biggest disadvantages to moving is the cost. Even though the military provides reimbursement for some expenses, many individuals and families also have non-re-imburseable expenses.

The costs associated with permanent change of station orders can be debilitating for even the most solid budget. Though there are reimbursements for costs associated with PCS moves, research demonstrates the average military family reports out-of-pocket expenses of more than $500 and that only $1 out of every $3 is reimbursed. Listed below are some of the PCS moving allowances you can plan on to help you budget for your move. Check with your paying office for exact figures.

Dislocation Allowance

Active-duty personnel with family members moving from a permanent duty station are entitled to a dislocation allowance. This is paid to offset the costs of closing one home and setting up another. DLA is not available to those transferring in the same geographical location. DLA may be dispersed at the time of travel or upon arrival at the gaining command.

Mileage in Lieu of Transportation

Service members receive a mileage allowance in lieu of transportation when they drive to a new assignment. The allowance is computed on federal tables of mileage between the old and new duty station. Even though the official distance may be longer or shorter than the service member drives, the official distance determines the allowance payable. MALT is also paid to those going overseas if they drive from their stateside location to the port of embarkation for a transcontinental plane or ship, or from the port of debarkation to the new duty station. Rates apply to spouses authorized to travel alone or with family members, and to sponsors traveling with family members. These rates also apply to travel in a second car when its use is authorized. MALT will be dispersed at the time of travel.

Per Diem Allowance

Along with dislocation allowance and MALT, food and lodging are allotted when making a PCS move. The allowance paid is based on 350 miles of travel per day.

Temporary Lodging Expense Allowance

A temporary lodging expense allowance is authorized to partially offset the added living expenses incurred within the continental United States by members and family members when it is necessary to occupy temporary lodging incident to a PCS. TLE is payable for temporary lodgings occupied by the member and/or family members before detachment or after reporting to the new duty station. The maximum number of days payable is 10 days at the maximum rate per day. Receipts for lodging are required to be able to claim TLE.

Advance Pay

Drawing advance pay should be carefully considered when planning a move. As soon as you get your orders, a spending plan should be developed early enough to save extra money to be used to assist with the moving expenses. Many times, advance pay is spent on other "emergencies" and is not available to be used to help with moving expenses. In addition, advance pay automatically reduces your future take-home pay to use for bills and unforeseen moving expenses. Talk to your command financial specialist prior to drawing advance pay.

No more than three months of advance pay may be drawn. The advance is normally repaid in equal installments over twelve months. In certain cases, re-payment can be spread over 24 months. Advance pay is your base pay, not pay with allowances. Advance housing allowance is up to three months’ basic allowance for housing. Advance housing allowance may be repaid over a 12-month period and, in exceptional circumstances, may be repaid over a longer period. Remember, all advance pay must be repaid.

FFSC Located on Sigsbee Annex 804 Sigsbee Road V4058

• Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday through Sunday Closed

Personal financial counseling is provided by the personal financial management specialist at the Fleet and Family Support Center, located in Building V-4058, 804 Sigsbee Road, Naval Air State Key West, Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The FFSC is closed weekends and holidays.

The financial educator offers guidance and counseling to personnel experiencing money management difficulties and for those who want to be in control of their finances or simply learn more. One-on-one appointments can be made by calling 305-293-4408, Ext. 17, or 866-293-2776.

The FFSC also offers in-house classes on a regular basis for your general educational needs. Additionally, individuals, family members and commands can request trainings to fit their schedules. Topics include:

• Banking and financial services
• Car-buying strategies
• Consumer awareness
• Credit management: Using credit wisely
• Developing a spending plan
• Gambling awareness: Don't bet your life on it
• Home buying
• How to survive the holidays financially
• Military pay issues
• Money and the move
• Paying for college
• Planning for your retirement
• Raising financially fit kids
• Renting
• Survivor benefit plan
• Thrift savings plan
• Your insurance needs

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Paradise is slightly higher than most other parts of the country. Government quarters are readily available and are pet friendly but a breed restriction is in place for some dogs. Currently there is no waiting list; however, advance notice is always appreciated.

Affordable off-base housing is difficult to find for even the higher pay grades. Apartments and homes rent from $800 a month for a small one bedroom, one bath to more than $4,000 a month for a luxury apartment or four-bedroom home. The median price of homes sold during the fourth quarter of 2018 was $501,000.

Electrical services are provided by Keys Energy, which requires a $125 deposit for new residential service. An average electrical bill based on normal usage runs about $125 per month but may be higher during the summer. Cable TV service is available through Comcast with basic packages starting at about $57.50.

For those requiring temporary lodgings, NAS Key West has a Navy Lodge, which is pet friendly (a limited number of rooms) with peak season rates of $98 a night and off-season rates of $78 a night. A Navy Gateway Inn is also available with rates for a single room at $65 and a two-room suite for $75. There are a number of motels and hotels in the surrounding communities. Price and availability are subject to seasonal demand.

Every budget should consider the cost of living when relocating to Key West. Average housing and utility expenses in the keys are among the highest in the nation. Insurance planning should include, at the minimum, car coverage and renters’ or homeowners’ insurance. Florida is a no-fault state for car insurance policies and requires $10,000 minimums on property damage liability and personal injury protection. Homeowners and renters policies should take hurricane preparedness into account for personal property coverage.

The staff at the FFSC and the command financial specialists located throughout base can assist with all of your financial questions.

The following is a breakdown of financial information for the family that is experiencing their first military move.  When relocating to Key West, families are faced with the decision to live on base or in a rental home within the general community. If you’ve decided to rent a home in town, it is vital that you plan accordingly.  Upon moving in, most landlords require three month’s rent up front. This goes towards first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a one month security deposit (FLS). Additionally, tenants can expect to make deposits in order to activate utility services such as gas, water, electric, cable TV and a home telephone line. The utility companies do NOT extend military waivers for the deposits. Thus, a spending plan and adequate savings account balance are fundamental to this move.

For assistance with budgeting and savings plans, contact the staff at the Fleet and Family Support Center, your Command Financial Specialist, and/or Navy Marine Corps Relief Society.