Service members receive a dislocation allowance when they relocate because other allowances usually fall short of the full cost of moving. In general, it is paid once per PCS move and may be paid in advance.
The DLA is a multiple of your BAH. As of January 1, 2007 rates range from $757.71 to $3,798.55.
There are four cases when the allowance is not available to service members.
- From home to your first duty station.
- When assigned to government quarters, without family members, at new duty station.
- When transferred to a nearby duty station, unless a local move of household goods has been pre-authorized.
- When separating or retiring from the military.
The dislocation allowance may be authorized without a PCS in certain cases, such as proximity moves directed by the government. So, for example, if you are moving because of housing privatization then you may be eligible for DLA.
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Compiled by Leanne Kocsis, MilitaryAvenue.com (4/3/2007)