Military members may be entitled to a dislocation allowance (DLA) when relocating their 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 the relocation expenses.
While DLA rates are based on a calendar year (they change every Jan. 1), DLA payment limitations are based on a fiscal year (the fiscal year runs from 1 October to 30 September). Ordinarily members are entitled to only one DLA payment per fiscal year. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you make a move, and then your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are amended, modified, canceled or revoked you may be entitled to a Secondary DLA.
Members are now entitled to a dislocation allowance for their initial PCS move. Under previous law (2001 and prior) there was 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).
To receive DLA for your first PCS move, you must relocate your dependents (no DLA is authorized on the first PCS move, if dependents are not relocated).
By law there is no DLA entitlement when the PCS is from your PDS to your Home of Record. In other words there's no DLA entitlement when leaving active duty.
For members who do not move dependents, there is no DLA entitlement if you occupy government quarters (barracks/dormitory) at the new PCS location.
| Grade | Without-Dependent Rate | With-Dependent Rate |
| W-5 | $2,760.62 | $3,016.54 |
| W-4 | $2,451.60 | $2,765.48 |
| W-3 | $2,060.52 | $2,533.70 |
| W-2 | $1,829.98 | $2,330.91 |
| W-1 | $1,531.80 | $2,015.87 |
