Service Relocation Allowances and Entitlements
Because relocation, travel, and tours of duty are all part of military life, all military services provides allowances and entitlements to the service member, which pay for the majority of relocation expenses.
Select any of the following topics for a brief summary of these provisions:
Temporary Lodging Allowances (TLA)
Whenever service members first arrive at or depart from bases outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS), including those in Alaska and Hawaii, they are eligible for a special allowance to offset the expenses for temporary housing needs. Click here for more information.
Temporary Lodging Expenses (TLE)
Whenever a service member is ordered to or from a duty station in the continental U.S. (CONUS), the Service authorizes a lodging reimbursement that usually offsets most out-of-pocket relocation costs. Click here for more information.
Shipping Household Goods Allowances
For every duty-related relocation, the Service pays for the shipping of household goods, although there are limits. The service also provides the opportunity for Do-It-Yourself Moves.
Mileage Allowances
Relocating service members receive a monetary allowance, called MALT, when they elect to drive to a new duty station. This allowance is based on mileage. Click here for more information.
Dislocation Allowances (DLA)
Service members receive a dislocation allowance when they relocate in connection with a permanent change of station. This allowance partially covers relocation costs not otherwise reimbursed.
Housing Allowance
The Service provides service members relocating to a duty station in the U.S. a Basic Allowance for Housing, called BAH. This tax-free assistance is offered to most service members moving within the U.S., who cannot get into government quarters or who choose to live off base. Click here for more information.
Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA)
The Services recognize that goods and services in many OCONUS locations are higher than those in the CONUS. This is why an allowance is offered to members in these locales to supplement their regular pay. COLA is also payable in Alaska and Hawaii. Click here for more information.
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
This allowance is offered to members who not only live overseas, but who live off base as well. Click here for more information.
Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA)
This allowance is available to members moving into their first quarters for an overseas assignment. It is meant to offset the costs associated with making homes safe and habitable.
Per Diem Allowance
The Service also pays a "per diem" (or daily allowance) to service members and their family members traveling to a new duty station. The rates vary depending on your mode of transportation, but the funds do help take the sting out of your pocket book.
Links
Here's a good relocation website for teens: http://dod.mil/mtom/