Financial Assistance

The cost of living in New York is higher than the national average. If you’re planning to rent a home, most real estate agents charge a broker’s fee which is typically equal to one month’s rent. To avoid the broker’s fee, search for properties advertised by the property owner or look for rental announcements that advertise no broker or realtor fees. In addition to the first and last months’ rent, most property owners and real estate companies will charge a separate security deposit and if applicable a pet security deposit. If you’re planning to rent, be prepared to have at least three months’ rent available to secure the rental.

• Planning a move should include a stop at your current Army Community Service Financial Office and/or a phone call to your receiving ACS Financial Office.
• Most permanent change of station moves are going to cost money. Experts recommend you have the equivalent of three to six months’ pay in reserve to cover any unforeseen out-of-pocket costs or emergencies.
• Whenever possible, put money aside in a dedicated savings account in preparation for the move.
• Contact your car lien holder and insurance company to let them know you will be moving.
• Complete a change of address through your local post office and provide your new address to creditors, banking institutions and your losing unit.
• Provide a forwarding address to any companies who may owe you refunds or money for deposits.
• Do not pack billing statements in your household goods or hold baggage. Compile a list of creditors, contact numbers and account information to take with you.
• Contact your current Housing Office to ask how long you will be able to stay in quarters or if you will need to secure temporary lodging. Temporary lodging will be an out-of-pocket expense.
• If you live off post, arrange for a walk-through inspection after your household goods are removed. Be sure to discuss any security deposits and ask for a written statement as to whether any paid deposits will be refunded directly to you or applied to the final month’s rent.
• Speak with the Army Military Pay Office. They will advise you as to how much and what types of travel pay you will receive. Ask the AMPO about Dislocation Allowances, Temporary Lodging Allowances, Temporary Living Expenses and any other allowances that may apply to your move.

PCS Budget

One of the best ways to minimize your out-of-pocket or additional expenses is to set up a budget for your move. Planning a relocation budget is the secret to staying in financial control throughout your move. 

You should also keep track of expenses related to your move. You will need a record for tax deduction purposes if you itemize your expenses. It is a good idea to keep track of your reimbursements as well. For example, reimbursements you receive for personally-procured moves are considered taxable income.

PCS Allowances

The most up-to-date information on allowances can be found on the Defense Travel Management Office website. Uniformed members and civilian employees receive different allowances, and those details can be found on the DTMO website. The Defense Accounting and Finance Service website has complete information on pay and travel benefits for both uniformed and civilian employees.

Unforeseen PCS Expenses

Unforeseen expenses while making your PCS move include:

• Airfare, vehicle maintenance, fuel, food, lodging or emergency repairs en route
• Closing costs if you’re buying or selling a house
• Restocking the refrigerator and food pantry at your new residence
• Household incidentals such as light bulbs and cleaning supplies
• Higher cost of living, including higher housing and food costs but also costs associated with longer commutes to work, child care and school fees
• Lower Basic Allowance for Housing at the new post
• Lack of income while your spouse seeks new employment

The Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program provides individual, one-on-one, financial counseling services to all military members, retirees, civilian employees and eligible family members. During counseling appointments personal goals are formalized, prioritizing needs and wants to reinforce a practicable plan intended to attain financial goals. The Financial Readiness office also offers tailored financial workshops, briefings and trainings for units and/or groups at the convenience of the requester.

Army Emergency Relief can provide financial assistance for unforeseen expenses during a permanent change of station move. If you have an emergency or need financial assistance during your PCS move, contact the nearest branch of service (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard). You may also call the American Red Cross at 877-272-7337; they will contact the nearest AER office on your behalf. Remember that while in transit, soldiers must show orders along with military identification cards.

Possible Entitlements

• Dislocation Allowance: DLA is two-and-one-half times your Basic Allowance for Housing Type II. You will not receive this allowance until well after you arrive at your new post. Don't count on it being available when you need to pay deposits on a new apartment or utilities.
• Travel Pay: This mileage-related allowance usually is not paid until after you sign in at the new post.
• Temporary Lodging Expense: TLE is designed to partially offset lodging and meal expenses when there is a need to occupy temporary lodging within the continental United States in connection with a PCS move.
• Income Tax Deductions: Contact Army Legal Assistance for information on tax deductions.
• Deposits: You may be entitled to the reimbursement of security and pet deposits for lodging, as well as deposits for utility companies and similar services.
• Advance Pay: Repayment of Advance Pay is deducted from your pay checks. It is not advisable to request Advance Pay unless it is absolutely necessary, as the repayment of the advance often causes financial hardship.