Miscellaneous Expense Allowance (MEA)

Start Here If You Are New to MEA

Miscellaneous Expense Allowance reimburses Marines for incidental expenses incurred during a PCS that are not covered by other PCS allowances (DLA, TLE, HHG, POV, per diem). Two ways to claim. Flat rate without receipts (smaller amount, no documentation needed) OR itemized claim with receipts (larger cap, but you must provide receipts). With-dependent rate is roughly 2x the without-dependent rate. Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0571.

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

• MEA covers PCS-related miscellaneous expenses
• Flat rate option (no receipts) vs. itemized option (with receipts)
• With-dependent and without-dependent rate differences
• What MEA does and does not cover
• DTS submission process

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0571 and the DTMO MEA rate framework.

What MEA Is

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0571, MEA reimburses a Marine on PCS for miscellaneous expenses incurred in connection with the change of permanent duty station that are not covered by another allowance.

MEA fills the gap for expenses that don't fit DLA, TLE, HHG, POV, or per diem categories.

Two Ways to Claim MEA

Option 1. Flat Rate Without Receipts

The Marine claims a flat-rate amount based on grade and dependent status without providing receipts.

Indicative flat-rate amounts (verify current JTR table).

• Without dependents. Approximately $650 to $700.
• With dependents. Approximately $1,300 to $1,500.

The flat rate is paid automatically as part of the PCS travel voucher. No receipts required.

Option 2. Itemized with Receipts

The Marine claims actual incurred expenses up to a higher cap with supporting receipts.

Indicative itemized caps (verify current JTR table).

• Without dependents. Approximately one week of basic pay.
• With dependents. Approximately two weeks of basic pay.

The itemized claim requires receipts for each expense.

Decision Framework

Choose Option 1 (flat rate) if your actual miscellaneous expenses are likely below the flat rate or you don't want to track receipts.

Choose Option 2 (itemized) if your actual expenses exceed the flat rate AND you have receipts to support the claim.

What MEA Covers

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0571, MEA covers expenses incurred for the PCS that include.

Common MEA-Eligible Expenses

• Pet quarantine costs (especially OCONUS PCS).
• Driver's license and vehicle registration changes.
• Utility deposits at the new residence.
• Cleaning fees at the old residence.
• Telephone or internet service connection charges.
• New occupational tax payments at the new location.
• Mailing of advanced applications for new utilities.
• Disconnection charges at the old residence.
• Forfeiture of school registration deposits when school enrollment changes.

What MEA Does NOT Cover

MEA is for incidentals. It does NOT cover.

• Actual housing costs (BAH covers housing).
• Lodging during the move (TLE covers CONUS PCS lodging).
• Meals during the move (per diem covers meals).
• HHG damage or loss (carrier or PPSO claims process covers).
• Personal items purchased independent of the move.
• Routine living expenses unrelated to the PCS.

With-Dependent vs. Without-Dependent Rates

The MEA flat rate and itemized cap are both higher for with-dependent claims than without-dependent claims. The difference reflects the additional miscellaneous expenses incurred when relocating a family.

DTS Submission

The Marine submits the MEA claim through the Defense Travel System (DTS) on DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher) at the new PDS.

For Flat Rate

The DTS voucher includes the flat rate without supporting receipts. The Marine certifies the move occurred.

For Itemized

The DTS voucher includes itemized expenses with supporting receipts attached. The Marine submits each receipt with the corresponding expense category.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is MEA?

A PCS allowance reimbursing miscellaneous expenses during the move not covered by other allowances. Two options. Flat rate without receipts or itemized with receipts.

How much MEA will I get?

Verify the current JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0571 rates. Approximate flat rate without dependents is $650 to $700. With dependents is $1,300 to $1,500. Itemized claims have higher caps based on weekly basic pay.

Should I take the flat rate or itemize?

Choose flat rate if your actual incidental expenses are low or you don't want to track receipts. Itemize if your expenses exceed the flat rate AND you have receipts.

What expenses count for MEA?

Pet quarantine, license changes, utility deposits, cleaning fees, connection charges, occupational tax, school deposits forfeited, similar incidentals.

Can I claim moving expenses already covered by HHG or PPM?

No. MEA does NOT cover expenses already reimbursed by HHG, PPM, TLE, or per diem. MEA fills the GAP for incidentals not otherwise covered.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• MEA submission. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/.
• MEA rate verification. JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0571 and DTMO.
• Itemized MEA receipt requirements. Coordinate with your S-1.
• 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.
• Dislocation Allowance covers DLA.
• Temporary Lodging Expense covers TLE.
• Per Diem covers PCS travel-day expenses.
• Household Goods and PPM covers HHG-related expenses.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the flat rate vs. itemized decision.
• Admin at S-1 supports DTS voucher submission.
• Commanders endorse PCS orders.

MEA covers PCS miscellaneous expenses not reimbursed by other allowances. Flat rate without receipts is the simple option. Itemized with receipts allows higher claims but requires documentation. With-dependent and without-dependent rates differ. Submit through DTS travel voucher at the new PDS.