Personal Property Claims

Start Here If You Are New to Personal Property Claims

The Personnel Claims Act (10 U.S.C. 273310 U.S.C. 2733) and the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act allow Marines to file claims for damage to or loss of personal property occurring as a result of military service. The most common scenario is damage to household goods (HHG) during a PCS move. Other scenarios include loss in fire or natural disaster on a military installation, theft from quarters or military storage, and damage during deployment-related shipments. Claims are filed at the installation Claims Office (typically located at LSSS or OSJA). For HHG claims, you generally must file with the carrier first through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), and then file with the Claims Office for any uncompensated loss. Strict timelines apply. Maximum claim amounts and depreciation rules apply. Per MCO 5800.16 Vol 8MCO 5800.16 Vol 8 and JAGMAN.

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

• The two-step process for HHG claims (carrier first, then Claims Office)
• The Defense Personal Property System (DPS)
• Other types of personal property claims
• Time limits for filing
• Maximum claim amounts
• Depreciation and replacement value
• Documentation requirements
• The Claims Office at the installation

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 5800.16 Vol 8MCO 5800.16 Vol 8, JAGMAN, the Personnel Claims Act, and Defense Personal Property System guidance.

Two Primary Statutes

Personnel Claims Act (10 U.S.C. 2733)

Authorizes payment for damage to or loss of personal property of military and civilian personnel. Limited to claims arising from service-related circumstances.

Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act

Provides additional authority for property claims related to military service.

Both statutes are implemented through MCO 5800.16 Vol 8MCO 5800.16 Vol 8 and JAGMAN.

Common Claim Scenarios

Scenario 1. PCS HHG Damage

The most common claim scenario. Household goods damaged or lost during a PCS move by a contracted carrier.

• File with the carrier first through DPS.
• File supplemental claim with the Claims Office for any uncompensated loss.

Scenario 2. Loss in Quarters Fire

Marine's military quarters experience a fire. Personal property destroyed.

• Coordinate with installation fire safety and command.
• File claim with Claims Office under the Personnel Claims Act.

Scenario 3. Theft from Quarters

Personal property stolen from military quarters or installation storage.

• Report to MPs or civilian police.
• File claim with Claims Office.

Scenario 4. Damage During Deployment

Personal property damaged during a deployment-related event (e.g., supplies issued or stored during operations).

• Document at the time of damage.
• File claim with Claims Office.

Scenario 5. Natural Disaster on Installation

Personal property damaged in a hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster on a military installation.

• Coordinate with command and installation emergency management.
• File claim with Claims Office.

The Two-Step Process for HHG Claims

Step 1. File with the Carrier (Through DPS)

Per current DoD HHG framework, Marines first file claims with the contracted carrier.

Defense Personal Property System (DPS)

The system through which Marines manage HHG moves and claims.

• URL. https://move.mil/.
• Sign in with CAC.
• Navigate to claims.

Carrier Claims Process

• Inspect HHG upon delivery.
• Note damage and loss on the inspection report (DD Form 1840DD Form 1840).
• File the formal claim within the carrier's required timeline (typically 75 days from delivery).
• Negotiate settlement with the carrier.

Carrier Liability

The carrier's liability is governed by the contracted Government rate. Generally limited to.

• Replacement value (Full Replacement Value, FRV) or actual cash value, depending on the contract.
• The Government generally pays for FRV coverage.

Step 2. File with the Claims Office (For Uncompensated Loss)

If the carrier settlement does not fully compensate you, file with the Claims Office.

When to File With the Claims Office

• Carrier denied the claim.
• Carrier settlement was less than the actual loss.
• Carrier process is exhausted but loss remains.

What the Claims Office Provides

• Review of the claim under the Personnel Claims Act.
• Payment for uncompensated loss.
• Subject to depreciation rules and statutory limits.

Time Limits

Carrier Claim Timeline

Per current DoD HHG framework, file with the carrier typically within 75 days of HHG delivery.

Claims Office Timeline

Per the Personnel Claims Act and MCO 5800.16 Vol 8MCO 5800.16 Vol 8, file with the Claims Office within 2 years of the incident giving rise to the loss (subject to extension in some circumstances).

Critical

Late claims are typically rejected. File promptly. Coordinate with the Claims Office for guidance on specific timelines.

Maximum Claim Amounts

Statutory Cap

The Personnel Claims Act has a statutory maximum per claim (currently approximately $40,000 for routine claims, with higher limits for catastrophic losses). The exact cap is updated periodically.

Per-Item Limits

Some categories of items have per-item limits (e.g., jewelry, art, collectibles).

High-Value Items

For high-value items (e.g., expensive jewelry, art, electronics), consider.

• Renters insurance or homeowners insurance with riders.
• USAA or other insurance designed for military members.

The Claims Office can advise on specific limits for your situation.

Depreciation and Value

Depreciation Rules

Personal property loses value over time. Claims are typically paid based on the depreciated value, not the original purchase price.

Replacement Value vs Actual Cash Value

• Full Replacement Value (FRV). What it would cost to replace the item with similar new item.
• Actual Cash Value (ACV). The current depreciated value.

The applicable basis depends on the carrier contract and the Claims Office framework.

Documentation of Value

• Original purchase receipts.
• Recent market value research (e.g., online listings for similar used items).
• Appraisals for valuable items.
• Insurance documentation.

Documentation Requirements

For HHG Claims

• DD Form 1840DD Form 1840 (inspection report at delivery).
• Original packing inventory from the carrier.
• Photos of damage.
• Receipts or proof of value.
• Any related communication with the carrier.

For Other Claims

• Police report (if theft).
• Fire report (if fire).
• Photos of damage.
• Receipts or proof of value.
• Witness statements where applicable.

Building the Claim

The stronger the documentation, the better the outcome. Photo documentation at HHG delivery, receipts kept for major purchases, and prompt incident reporting all support strong claims.

What Is Generally NOT Covered

Personal Negligence

Damage caused by your own negligence (e.g., leaving a valuable item out where it was lost).

Property Not Authorized for Shipment

Items the HHG carrier did not authorize for shipment (e.g., excess weight or prohibited items).

Pre-Existing Damage

Damage that existed before the move or incident.

Items With Insurance Coverage

Items already covered by insurance (the Personnel Claims Act may pay supplementary or coordinate with the insurance).

Business Property

Property used for business or self-employment in some cases.

Claims Office Operations

Where the Claims Office Is

• Typically located at the installation LSSS or OSJA.
• Some installations have a dedicated Claims Office or Claims Examiner.

Who Staffs the Claims Office

• A Claims Officer (typically a JAG or trained civilian).
• Claims Examiners.
• Support staff.

What the Claims Office Does

• Receives claims.
• Reviews claims for completeness and merit.
• Coordinates with the carrier (for HHG claims).
• Negotiates settlements where appropriate.
• Pays approved claims.

Appeals

If the Claims Office denies your claim or pays less than you believe is appropriate, you may.

• Request reconsideration by the Claims Office.
• Appeal to higher authority within the Marine Corps claims framework.
• Pursue civilian remedies in some cases (e.g., small claims court for amounts within the small claims jurisdiction).

Common Mistakes Marines Make

Mistake 1. Not Documenting Damage at HHG Delivery

The DD Form 1840DD Form 1840 inspection report at delivery is critical. Document every visible damage and concealed damage notice promptly.

Mistake 2. Missing the Carrier Filing Deadline

The 75-day deadline for filing with the carrier is strict. Late carrier claims may be rejected.

Mistake 3. Not Filing With the Claims Office After Carrier Settlement

If the carrier settlement is inadequate, file with the Claims Office. Many Marines accept the carrier settlement without realizing they have additional recourse.

Mistake 4. Inadequate Documentation

Claims with weak documentation (no receipts, no photos, no police report) face denial or reduced payment.

Mistake 5. Including Items Not Authorized for Shipment

Items not properly inventoried for the HHG move are difficult to claim.

Mistake 6. Filing for Items Already Covered by Insurance

Coordinate with insurance and the Claims Office. Double recovery is generally not permitted.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is the Personnel Claims Act?

A federal law (10 U.S.C. 273310 U.S.C. 2733) authorizing payment for damage to or loss of personal property of military and civilian personnel arising from service-related circumstances.

What is the most common claim scenario?

PCS HHG damage. Household goods damaged or lost during a PCS move by a contracted carrier.

How do I file an HHG claim?

Two steps. First, file with the carrier through DPS within the carrier's required timeline (typically 75 days from delivery). Second, file with the installation Claims Office for any uncompensated loss within 2 years.

What is DPS?

Defense Personal Property System. The DoD-wide system for managing HHG moves and claims. URL https://move.mil/.

How long do I have to file with the Claims Office?

Generally 2 years from the incident under the Personnel Claims Act. Subject to extension in some circumstances.

What is the maximum claim?

The statutory maximum is currently approximately $40,000 for routine claims. Higher for catastrophic losses. The Claims Office can advise on specific limits.

Do I get full replacement value or depreciated value?

Depends on the carrier contract and Claims Office framework. Full Replacement Value (FRV) coverage is generally provided through the carrier contract. The Claims Office may apply depreciation in some cases.

What documentation do I need?

DD Form 1840DD Form 1840 (inspection report), original packing inventory, photos of damage, receipts or proof of value, related correspondence.

What if my carrier denies the claim?

File with the Claims Office for review under the Personnel Claims Act.

What if the Claims Office denies my claim?

Request reconsideration. Appeal to higher authority within the Marine Corps claims framework. In some cases, pursue civilian remedies.

Can I claim items lost to my own negligence?

Generally no. Negligence-based losses are not typically covered by the Personnel Claims Act.

Can I claim items not authorized for shipment?

Items not properly inventoried for the HHG move are difficult to claim. Coordinate with the Claims Office.

What if my insurance also covers the loss?

Coordinate with insurance and the Claims Office. Double recovery is not permitted but coordination may produce best outcome.

How long does the claim process take?

Varies. Simple claims may settle in weeks. Complex claims with high values or contested items may take months. Coordinate with the Claims Office for status updates.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Carrier claim filing. Through DPS at https://move.mil/.
• HHG carrier complaints. Through the Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) at the gaining installation.
• Claims Office at the installation. Typically at LSSS or OSJA. Coordinate through unit S-1 or chain of command.
• Personal Services Attorney for advice on claim strategy. Installation LSSS or OSJA.
• Reconsideration of denied claim. Claims Office (in writing).
• Higher echelon appeal. Through the Claims Office and Marine Corps claims framework.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Legal Services landing page lists all topics.
• Legal Services Overview and How to Get Help covers PSA and Claims Office access.
• Powers of Attorney and Wills covers POAs that may be relevant to HHG claim management.
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) covers SCRA-related civilian protections.
• Family Law for Marines covers family considerations.
• Household Goods (HHG) and PPM covers the HHG shipment framework.
• Joining a Unit covers post-PCS check-in including HHG receipt.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on documenting HHG damage at delivery and filing claims promptly.
• Admin at S-1 supports Claims Office referral and claim documentation.
• Commanders ensure unit Marines have access to the Claims Office and PPSO support.

The Personnel Claims Act and related statutes authorize payment for damage to or loss of personal property arising from military service. PCS HHG damage is the most common scenario. Two-step process. File with the carrier first (typically 75-day deadline through DPS), then file with the installation Claims Office for any uncompensated loss (2-year deadline). Maximum claim amounts and depreciation rules apply. Strong documentation drives strong claims. Personal Services Attorney and Claims Office at LSSS or OSJA provide free assistance.