2023 Dislocation Allowance (DLA) Rates

Here are the 2023 dislocation allowance (DLA) rates for partial reimbursement to service members.

The Department of Defense provides DLA to help service members with home and household items, furniture or travel expenses related to moving. DLA rates apply whether the service member moved during a permanent change of station (PCS) or during an evacuation.

DLA allowance may be paid in advance. It does not negate your eligibility for other allowances authorized by joint travel regulations. You can see a list of these entitlements at the bottom of the page. 

2023 Primary DLA Rates

2023 Secondary DLA Rates

* Secondary DLA rates are only payable when a second DLA is paid in accordance with JTR par. 050507.

When is DLA paid?

Travel regulations authorize  DLA payment before you move. You should receive your DLA about 30 days after you apply for it.

When is a “Secondary DLA” Payable?

You may be eligible to apply for a secondary DLA if your PCS travel order changes or gets canceled. For example, if you received a PCS travel order and relocated your family before the order was revoked, you could be eligible for secondary DLA.

How is My DLA Rate Determined?

DLA is based on your grade, dependency status and PCS date, according to joint travel regulations. The “effective date of PCS order” determines your DLA rate – not the date of the move, according to the joint travel regulation. 

Am I Eligible for DLA if I Relocate Without Dependents?

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.

Is DLA Automatic?

No. You must put in a claim for the DLA. 

Where is DLA available?

DLA is available both within and outside the continental U.S.

Why Can’t I Get DLA?

You may be ineligible for DLA if:

• Your home was your first duty station
• You are assigned to government quarters
• You transfer to a nearby duty station (exceptions apply)
• You are without your family at a new duty station
• You are separating or retiring from the military

PCS Entitlements for Active-Duty Military Service Members

• Dislocation allowance (DLA)
• Monetary allowance in lieu of transportation: MALT reimburses your mileage when you use your personal vehicle to relocate yourself and your dependents during a PCS move. .
• MALT-Plus: The “plus” portion refers to a per-diem rate. It is paid on a whole-day calendar basis for the allowable travel time.
• Lodgings-Plus: For lodging costs associated with a PCS move.
• Personally procured moves: Formerly known as do-it-yourself (DITY) moves, PPM is reimbursement for moving your belongings yourself.
• Temporary lodging expense: Partially covers lodging and meal expenses while service members occupy temporary lodging during a PCS move.
• Dependent travel: Dependent PCS travel and transportation allowances.
• Advance payments: If you do not have a government travel credit card (GTCC), you may be able to receive advance MALT, DLA and PPM travel payments, unless your orders prohibit advance payment.