Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

Service members relocating a household on PCS orders

DLA is a lump-sum payment meant to offset the many small costs of setting up a new household, such as utility deposits, cleaning supplies and replacing items that did not make the move. The amount depends on pay grade and whether you have dependents. For calendar year 2026 the primary rates range from $1,870.58 (E-1 without dependents) to $6,385.58 (O-7 and above with dependents), a 3.8% increase over 2025. A separate partial DLA ($1,002.71 for 2026) can apply when you are ordered out of government family housing without PCS orders.

How to use it

Ask your finance office to include DLA in your PCS travel settlement, or request it as an advance before you move if you need the cash early.

Go to the official source

Last checked 2026-10. Rules and amounts change; your installation's finance, transportation or family center office has the final word.

Related in Money & Entitlements

• Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)
  Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
• Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)
  Families arriving at or leaving an overseas (OCONUS) duty station
• MALT and PCS Per Diem
  Anyone driving to a new duty station on PCS orders
• PCS Advance Pay and Advance Allowances
  Service members who need cash up front to pay for a move