DisLocation Allowance (DLA)

[Field_Sailor]

DisLocation Allowance (DLA) FAQs
Updated: 01 May 2003

Q1. I thought my DisLocation Allowance (DLA) rate was adjusted based on my old BAQ rate (now BAH-II) but that doesn't seem to track anymore. Was there a change?

Answer: Yes - there was a change to the law in 1997. The DLA rates in place on December 31, 1997, became the DLA 'base' rates. Those DLA rates are adjusted annually by pay raise amounts - with the E-1 through E-4 w/dependent rate the same as the E-5 w/dependent rate. There is NO tie between BAH-II and DLA.


Q2: I understand that as a uniformed member, I may receive a DLA to help with relocation expenses when moving my household due to a PCS. Is this true?

Answer: Yes - generally true. You may be entitled to a DisLocation Allowance (DLA) when relocating your household due to a PCS. However, keep in mind that DLA is intended to partially reimburse relocation expenses not otherwise reimbursed and probably will not reimburse all of your relocation expenses.


Q3: I have PCS orders and think I may be eligible for a DLA payment. Where can I find the rules on DLA?

Answer: Please see JFTR, Chapter 5, Part G for information on when a DLA is/is not payable.


Q4: How much DLA will I receive?

Answer: DLA is based on your grade and dependency status on the effective date of your PCS. To determine the effective date of your PCS order, see JFTR, Appendix A, definition of EFFECTIVE DATE OF PCS ORDER. The current rate information can be found on this website by clicking on 'Dislocation Allowance (DLA)', and then selecting the applicable rate table.


Q5: Can I receive more than one DLA payment in the same year?

Answer: DLA payment limitations are based on a fiscal year. Ordinarily members are entitled to only one DLA payment per fiscal year. However, there are some exceptions. For more information, please see JFTR, par. U5620. If you still have questions please contact your local finance office.

Q6: Am I entitled to DLA when moving from my home of record to my first duty station?

Answer: By law there is no DLA entitlement when the PCS is from your home (or the place where you entered active duty) to your first permanent duty station (PDS)unless your dependents actually move in connection with the PCS.


Q7: Can I be paid a DLA when I PCS from my place of active duty to my home of record or home of selection (HOR/HOS)?

Answer: No, by law there is no DLA entitlement when the PCS is from your PDS to your HOR/HOS. In other words there's no DLA entitlement when leaving active duty.

Q8: I'm a Reservist or Guard member who regularly or repeatedly comes on, and leaves, active duty. Am I eligible to receive a DLA on any of those moves to or from active duty?

Answer: No - as mandated by law, individuals coming on/leaving active duty are not eligible for DLA. The exception to this if you come on active duty for more than 20 weeks at one location and are authorized PCS allowances (not TDY allowances) and you move your dependents from your home to your new PDS or a designated place.


Q9: I'm making a PCS move but not moving my dependents. Am I eligible for DLA?

Answer: Yes - as a general rule you receive DLA at the without-dependents rate if you don't occupy Government quarters at your new permanent duty station. Please see JFTR, Chapter 5, Part G for more information.

Q10: I received PCS orders and relocated my family based on those orders. Those PCS orders now have been revoked; however, I have already moved the household to the new duty station. Not only must I return to my prior duty station, now I also must move my family for a second time. Am I entitled to only one DLA when I had to move my family twice?

Answer: If you moved your dependents from their original place of residence based on the PCS orders, and the move to the new location was completed BEFORE the date the orders were revoked, then a DLA is payable for both moves. The second DLA is payable at the secondary DLA amount. See JFTR, par. U5630-B6.

Q11: When is a 'Secondary DLA' payable?

Answer: If your PCS orders are amended, modified, canceled or revoked you may be entitled to a Secondary DLA. See Q10 above and JFTR, par. U5630-B6.

Q12: Is DLA payable if I am ordered to move into or out of Government quarters and no PCS is involved?

Answer: A partial DLA of $523.50 (effective 1 January 2003) is paid to a member ordered to occupy or vacate Government family-type quarters due to privatization, renovation or any other reason other than PCS. Note: Partial DLA is not authorized for local moves from Government quarters upon separation/retirement.

[carmen377]

Hi there hope you can help my husband was told he wont recieve the DLA but in my reading on the Per Diem website because it was a pcs move with dependents he would be entitled to it. Am I correct in this reading that he is entitled to it?