Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

Start Here If You Are New to DLA

Dislocation Allowance is a one-time PCS allowance offsetting the costs of relocation not covered by other PCS entitlements. The rate depends on your pay grade and whether you have dependents. With-dependent rate is roughly 2.5x the without-dependent rate. DLA is paid as a lump sum at the new PDS upon arrival (typically through DTS travel voucher processing). DLA is taxable income in most cases. Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050501 and Title 37 U.S.C. section 407Title 37 U.S.C. section 407.

This page walks you through DLA from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• DLA is a one-time PCS allowance
• Rate by pay grade and dependent status
• When DLA is and is not authorized
• The without-dependent vs. with-dependent rate framework
• DLA tax treatment
• How DLA flows through the DTS travel voucher

Every fact on this page comes from the DoD Joint Travel Regulations Chapter 5 paragraph 050501, Title 37 U.S.C. section 407Title 37 U.S.C. section 407, MCO 1000.6MCO 1000.6, and the DTMO DLA rate table.

What DLA Is

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050501, DLA partially reimburses a Marine for the expenses of relocating the Marine's household at a PCS that are not otherwise reimbursable by another allowance.

DLA is a flat-rate lump sum payment based on the Marine's pay grade and dependent status. It is not itemized like miscellaneous expense allowance (MEA).

DLA Eligibility

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050501, a Marine is eligible for DLA upon a PCS that involves a change of residence. Common eligible scenarios.

• PCS to a new PDS where dependents accompany or follow.
• PCS to an unaccompanied OCONUS tour where dependents remain in CONUS.
• Initial PCS for a new accession (with reduced rate for accession).
• Retirement PCS (subject to specific conditions).

When DLA Is NOT Authorized

• PCS without a change of residence (e.g., a local move within the same installation that does not require HHG shipment).
• TDY (temporary duty does not generate DLA).
• A second PCS within 30 days of a previous PCS in some circumstances.
• A Marine's first arrival at the first PDS following accession may receive a partial DLA per the framework.

DLA Rates

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050501 and the DTMO DLA rate table, DLA rates are based on.

• Marine's pay grade.
• Dependent status (with-dependent or without-dependent).

Without-Dependent Rate

The without-dependent rate applies to Marines without dependents authorized for the PCS. This includes single Marines and Marines whose dependents do not accompany the PCS (e.g., unaccompanied OCONUS).

Rates range approximately.

• E-1 to E-3. Approximately $1,200.
• E-4 to E-6. Approximately $1,400 to $2,000.
• E-7 to E-9. Approximately $2,400 to $3,000.
• O-1 to O-3. Approximately $2,000 to $2,800.
• O-4 to O-6. Approximately $3,000 to $4,000.

With-Dependent Rate

The with-dependent rate is roughly 2.5x the without-dependent rate. Marines with dependents authorized for the PCS and accompanying receive the with-dependent rate.

Rates range approximately.

• E-1 to E-3. Approximately $3,000.
• E-4 to E-6. Approximately $3,500 to $5,000.
• E-7 to E-9. Approximately $6,000 to $7,500.
• O-1 to O-3. Approximately $5,000 to $7,000.
• O-4 to O-6. Approximately $7,500 to $10,000.

Verify Current Rates

The DTMO DLA rate table is published annually and updates with rate adjustments. Verify the current DLA rate for your pay grade and dependent status at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Dislocation-Allowance/.

Single-DLA Per PCS Rule

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050501, a Marine receives ONE DLA per PCS. A Marine cannot receive multiple DLAs for the same move.

Special Scenarios

• PCS with dependents joining later (deferred travel). The Marine receives DLA at the with-dependent rate when the dependents arrive at the new PDS.
• PCS to OCONUS without dependents but later authorizing dependents. Subsequent dependent arrival is processed under specific JTR provisions.
• Joint-spouse PCS where both Marines move to the same area. One Marine claims the with-dependent DLA. The other Marine claims the without-dependent DLA. The total is the with-dependent rate plus the without-dependent rate.

DLA Tax Treatment

DLA is generally TAXABLE income for federal income tax purposes. The Marine's W-2 includes the DLA amount.

Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE)

A Marine receiving DLA during a month of CZ service may exclude the DLA from federal taxable wages under the CZTE framework per Vol 7A Chapter 44. The Combat Zone Tax Exclusion page covers the framework.

Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA)

Per JTR Chapter 5, the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) and Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) frameworks help offset the federal tax impact of certain PCS allowances. DLA is one of the allowances that may be subject to RITA/WTA. Coordinate with the unit S-1 and DTS for the calculation.

DLA Payment Through DTS

The Marine receives DLA through the Defense Travel System (DTS) travel voucher process.

Step 1. Submit DD Form 1351-2 in DTS

Upon arrival at the new PDS, the Marine submits DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher) in DTS with the supporting documentation.

Step 2. AO Approval

The Authorizing Official (AO) reviews and approves the voucher.

Step 3. DTS Processing

DTS routes the approved voucher to DFAS for payment.

Step 4. Pay Receipt

The DLA payment typically arrives in the Marine's account within 7 to 14 days of AO approval.

Common Questions Marines Ask

How much DLA will I get?

Verify the DTMO DLA rate table for your pay grade and dependent status. Without-dependent rates range from $1,200 to $4,000 depending on grade. With-dependent rates are approximately 2.5x the without-dependent rate.

When do I get paid DLA?

Upon arrival at the new PDS, you submit DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 in DTS. After AO approval and DTS processing, the DLA arrives in your account typically within 7 to 14 days.

Is DLA taxable?

Yes. DLA is generally taxable federal income. The W-2 includes the DLA. CZTE may apply if received during a CZ deployment. RITA/WTA may help offset the tax impact.

Do I get DLA for a TDY?

No. DLA is a PCS allowance only. TDY does not generate DLA. The Per Diem framework covers TDY-related expenses.

What if my dependents follow later?

You receive DLA at the with-dependent rate when your dependents arrive at the new PDS (deferred travel scenario). The original PCS pays the without-dependent rate.

I am dual-military and we PCS together. How does DLA work?

One Marine claims the with-dependent rate (covering both Marines and any dependents). The other Marine claims the without-dependent rate. The total is the sum of both rates.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• DLA rate verification. The DTMO DLA rate table at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Dislocation-Allowance/.
• DLA voucher submission. Through the Defense Travel System (DTS) at the new PDS.
• DLA tax treatment questions. Coordinate with your S-1 for RITA/WTA framework.
• LES corrections related to DLA. Your S-1 routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• PCS landing page lists all the PCS topics.
• PCS Orders and Overview covers the foundational PCS framework.
• Temporary Lodging Expense covers TLE during CONUS PCS.
• Per Diem covers PCS per diem during travel days.
• Miscellaneous Expense Allowance covers MEA for PCS.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on DLA expectations and the DTS voucher process.
• Admin at S-1 supports the DTS voucher submission and verifies DLA rates.
• Commanders endorse PCS orders that authorize DLA.

DLA offsets the unreimbursed costs of relocation. The rate depends on pay grade and dependent status. Single DLA per PCS. Taxable income subject to RITA/WTA framework. Paid through DTS travel voucher upon arrival at the new PDS.