Financial Assistance

The District of Columbia metropolitan area has a high cost of living, and you need to be financially prepared prior to coming to the area. Before you leave your losing command, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your command financial specialist (CFS) and prepare a budget for your move. The CFS can give you guidance on getting advances on your pay and housing allowances, and paying these advances back.

Your CFS or a representative from the Personnel Support Detachment can tell you exactly what is reimbursable and what entitlements you are allowed, including travel pay, per diem, Dislocation Allowance, Temporary Lodging Expense, Advance Pay and advance Basic Allowance for Housing (which has to be paid back). Don't forget to fill out a travel voucher, and keep records and receipts of all expenses incurred from the move.

If your command does not have a CFS, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at 202-685-0229, Naval Support Activity Washington, 1043 Harwood St. SE (Building 154), Washington, D.C. 20374. 

Potential expenses

First, you will need money for TLEs. The Navy Lodges in the local area charge upward of $80 per night. The Gateway Inn room rates range from $105-$147 per night. Note that pet-friendly accommodations charge an additional fee. Members should set aside enough money to cover the cost of temporary lodging, plus taxes. You are entitled to 10 days of TLEs; however, you must pay the lodging bill first, then get reimbursed.

The next financial matter will be covering deposits for rent, utilities and telephone. If you live on the economy, be prepared to have a deposit equal to two month's rent up front (or more, if you have pets), and money to cover utility deposits, hookup fees and phone deposits. It sometimes helps to get letters of good credit from previous utility and telephone companies. Sometimes this will waive or lower the deposits.

First move families

For first move families, when figuring moving costs, don't forget to include in your moving budget expenses such as cleaning supplies and fees, extra child care expenses, transportation of pets, kennel fees, stocking your refrigerator, kitchen and freezer, professional cleaning of carpets and drapes, refitting of carpets, drapes and rugs, fees for auto license plates, car registration, inspections, emissions checks, club memberships, homeowner's association fees, clothes to accommodate all four seasons, house plants, lawn and garden supplies, telephone deposits, advance rent, security deposits, utility deposits, expenses necessary to buy and sell a home, expenses for a pre-move house-hunting trip and spouse job-hunting trip, transportation costs (gas and oil), lodging expenses, meals, parking, possible car rental, tolls, taxis, travelers’ checks, shipping of items not authorized by government expense, excess weight charges, commercial transportation, extra furniture or appliances you may need, recreation and sightseeing expenses and emergency expenses.

The Fleet and Family Support Center’s Personal Financial Management Program provides consumer information, counseling referral, training and case consultation for commands.

FFSC Personal Finance Manager (PFM): 202-685-8210

Other financial programs include command financial specialist training, consumer information and referral and general military training sessions.