2021 DLA rates for partial reimbursement to servicemembers for the expenses incurred in relocating the member’s household on a PCS, ordered for the Government’s convenience, or incident to an evacuation. In more simpler terms the allowance is for the setup of your new home such household items, furniture or travel expenses related to moving.
This allowance is in addition to all other allowances authorized in this Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) and may be paid in advance.
Primary DLA Rates (Effective January, 1 2021)
| Grade | Without-Dependent Rate | With-Dependent Rate |
|---|---|---|
| O-10 | $4,231.68 | $5,209.17 |
| O-9 | $4,231.68 | $5,209.17 |
| O-8 | $4,231.68 | $5,209.17 |
| O-7 | $4,231.68 | $5,209.17 |
| O-6 | $3,882.23 | $4,690.38 |
| O-5 | $3,739.09 | $4,521.05 |
| O-4 | $3,465.07 | $3,985.38 |
| O-3 | $2,776.98 | $3,297.24 |
| O-2 | $2,202.83 | $2,815.45 |
| O-1 | $1,854.92 | $2,516.85 |
| O-3E | $2,998.64 | $3,543.55 |
| O-2E | $2,549.17 | $3,197.23 |
| O-1E | $2,192.04 | $2,954.00 |
| W-5 | $3,520.47 | $3,846.84 |
| W-4 | $3,126.41 | $3,526.67 |
| W-3 | $2,627.66 | $3,231.09 |
| W-2 | $2,333.67 | $2,972.47 |
| W-1 | $1,953.41 | $2,570.75 |
| E-9 | $2,567.67 | $3,385.04 |
| E-8 | $2,356.74 | $3,120.27 |
| E-7 | $2,013.49 | $2,897.06 |
| E-6 | $1,822.56 | $2,676.91 |
| E-5 | $1,680.96 | $2,407.52 |
| E-4 | $1,462.37 | $2,407.52 |
| E-3 | $1,434.67 | $2,407.52 |
| E-2 | $1,165.30 | $2,407.52 |
| E-1 | $1,039.11 | $2,407.52 |
Secondary DLA Rates (Effective January, 1 2020) *
| Grade | Without-Dependent Rate | With-Dependent Rate |
|---|---|---|
| O-10 | $3,385.34 | $4,167.34 |
| O-9 | $3,385.34 | $4,167.34 |
| O-8 | $3,385.34 | $4,167.34 |
| O-7 | $3,385.34 | $4,167.34 |
| O-6 | $3,105.85 | $3,752.34 |
| O-5 | $2,991.26 | $3,616.85 |
| O-4 | $2,772.07 | $3,188.32 |
| O-3 | $2,221.58 | $2,637.83 |
| O-2 | $1,762.23 | $2,252.38 |
| O-1 | $1,483.92 | $2,013.49 |
| O-3E | $2,398.94 | $2,834.86 |
| O-2E | $2,039.32 | $2,557.78 |
| O-1E | $1,753.65 | $2,363.22 |
| W-5 | $2,816.38 | $3,077.43 |
| W-4 | $2,501.14 | $2,821.32 |
| W-3 | $2,102.14 | $2,584.88 |
| W-2 | $1,866.92 | $2,377.97 |
| W-1 | $1,562.77 | $2,056.57 |
| E-9 | $2,054.12 | $2,708.05 |
| E-8 | $1,885.40 | $2,496.22 |
| E-7 | $1,610.74 | $2,317.68 |
| E-6 | $1,458.08 | $2,141.53 |
| E-5 | $1,344.80 | $1,926.04 |
| E-4 | $1,169.93 | $1,926.04 |
| E-3 | $1,147.73 | $1,926.04 |
| E-2 | $932.22 | $1,926.04 |
| E-1 | $831.25 | $1,926.04 |
* Secondary DLA rates are only payable when a second DLA is paid in accordance with par.
When is DLA Paid?
The Joint Travel Regulation authorizes the payment of DLA in advance of your move. Rates are determined by “Effective Date of PCS Order” therefore if you’re traveling near the end or beginning of the year you’ll receive payment rate based on that date. Typically, it take 1 to weeks for DLA to be paid upon approval.
How is my DLA rate determined?
DLA is based on your grade and dependency status on the PCS travel order effective date.
When is a ‘Secondary DLA’ payable?
If your PCS travel order is amended, modified, canceled or revoked you may be authorized a Secondary DLA. For example, if you received a PCS travel order and relocated your family based on that order but then the PCS order was revoked. You would then be eligible for the secondary DLA amount.
Am I eligible for DLA if relocating without dependents?
Yes. As a general rule you receive DLA at the without-dependent rate if you don’t occupy Government quarters at your new permanent duty station (PDS).
Do I automatically receive DLA?
No. DLA goes frequently unclaimed and you must put in a claim for the DLA allowance.
Where is DLA available?
DLA is available CONUS and OCONUS. It is not available under these circumstances
What are circumstances where I am not eligible for DLA?
- Home was your first duty station
- When assigned to government quarters
- When transferred to a nearby duty station (exceptions apply)
- Without family at a new duty station
- Separating or retiring from the military
PCS Entitlements for Active Military Service Members
- Dislocation Allowance(DLA)
- Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) – MALT is used as mileage reimbursement for service members and their dependents during a PCS move.
- Plus (Per Diem)
- MALT-Plus – MALT is paid on a per mile basis, the ‘Plus’ (per diem) portion 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 (PPM) – Formerly known as Do-It-Yourself (DITY) moves, PPM is a reimbursement for moving your belongings yourself.
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) – Partially pays members for lodging/meal expenses incurred by a member/dependent(s) while occupying temporary lodging in the Continental United States (CONUS) in association with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move.
- Dependent Travel – Dependent PCS travel and transportation allowances.
- Advanced Payments – Advance travel payments may be authorized for the following entitlements if not a Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) holder or an advance is not specifically prohibited in the orders.
- MALT
- DLA
- PPM
| Related Articles | |
| Military Allowance, Incentive, Bonus & Special Pay | Military Pay Allowances List |
| PCS (Permanent Change of Station) Packing Tips | PCS Tips For Military Families |
