PCS Move Calculator 2026 — Estimate Your PCS Entitlements

DLA is a one-time payment to help offset miscellaneous expenses when you PCS. It covers things like:

• Connection and disconnection of utilities
• Cleaning services
• Renter's insurance
• Security deposits (non-refundable portions)
• Other incidental moving costs

DLA amount is based on your pay grade and dependency status. It is paid once per PCS move. For partial moves or in certain circumstances, DLA may be prorated.

MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation) reimburses you for driving your own vehicle during a PCS move. The 2026 rate is $0.205 per mile (effective January 1, 2026).

Key points:

• Based on the official distance between duty stations (not your actual route)
• Paid for one POV by default; a second POV may be authorized
• In addition to MALT, you also receive per diem for travel days

If you have authorization for a second POV, you receive MALT for both vehicles.

Per diem covers your meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) during travel days. For 2026 CONUS:

• M&IE rate: $68/day (standard CONUS rate)
• Travel days: Calculated at 350 miles per day
• Dependent per diem: 75% of member rate for each dependent age 12+, 50% for under 12

First and last travel days are paid at 75% of the daily rate. OCONUS locations have varying per diem rates.

TLE reimburses you for temporary lodging while waiting for housing at your new duty station or departing your old one. Limits:

• CONUS move: Up to 21 days total (up to 60 days in designated housing-shortage areas)
• OCONUS move: Up to 7 days on the CONUS side; TLA covers the OCONUS side

TLE is actual expense up to the locality per diem, capped at $290/day. M&IE is also paid during TLE days at a reduced rate (typically 2/3 of standard). On-base lodging (IHG hotels) is preferred and usually within the limit.

Your weight allowance is the maximum household goods weight the government will ship for free. If you exceed your allowance, you may be liable for excess costs.

Weight allowance varies by rank and dependency status, ranging from 5,000 lbs (E-1 without dependents) to 18,000 lbs (O-6+ with or without dependents).

Pro Tip: If doing a DITY/PPM (Personally Procured Move), you receive payment for up to 100% of what the government would have paid to move your authorized weight. Weigh tickets are required.

DLA is a one-time payment to help offset miscellaneous expenses when you PCS. The amount depends on your pay grade and dependency status, ranging from about $1,870 to $6,386 for 2026.

MALT is calculated at $0.205/mile based on the official distance between your old and new duty stations. If authorized a second POV, you receive mileage for both vehicles.

Travel days are calculated at 350 miles per day, plus 1 additional day if the remaining distance is 51 miles or more. For example, a 1,000 mile move = 3 travel days. You receive per diem for each authorized travel day.

If your shipment exceeds your authorized weight allowance, you may be responsible for paying the excess costs out of pocket. TMO will provide an estimate before the move. Consider selling or donating items to stay within your limit.

A DITY (Do-It-Yourself) or PPM (Personally Procured Move) is when you move yourself instead of using a government contractor. You receive payment up to 100% of what the government would have paid, which can be substantial. You must obtain weigh tickets and submit receipts.