I am PCSing to MacDill AFB in 3 wks, and no one seems to have an answer here. I've spoken to multiple people at Macdill, who say I will be living off-post, and receive BAH..and that BAH will take 30 days to start once I arrive..that's all fine and dandy.
The question is, I arrive 13MAY (off of PCS leave), and lets say I get an apartment on 16MAY. I've got to come up with the First month's rent and deposit out of pocket..right? I only recently found out that I was authorized DLA, so I'm trying to get that before I go, because that would cover the deposit/rent until my BAH hits. Is this is how it's supposed to work, or am I missing something?
When I arrived in Hawaii, I was shot straight to the barracks, so I've never dealt with BAH/DLA, etc. I appreciate any insight anyone can give. I've been down in the Tampa area before, and know where I want to stay, just need to figure how to fork out that first initial cost, if my DLA doesn't come through in time.
One thing I can tell you is that you are eligible for an advanced pay, not to exceed your base pay for one month before you sign out on PCS leave. That should be able to help you out if you need the money that bad. As far as DLA is concerned, you won't be able to claim that until after you arrive and do your voucher at your next duty station. Hope that helps
The purpose of DLA is to partially reimburse a member, with or without dependents, for the expenses incurred in relocating the member's household on a PCS, housing moves ordered for the Government's convenience, or incident to an evacuation. This allowance is in addition to all other allowances authorized in this Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) and may be paid in advance. For MORE INFORMATION SEE DLA FAQs.
Originally posted by sgtarmas: As far as DLA is concerned, you won't be able to claim that until after you arrive and do your voucher at your next duty station.
This is not accurate ... I received my DLA prior to my last PCS; it may have been 80% up front though.
I was told "75% up front, 25% after is preferable" by ACS, but that's all I've really told.
Some very good information here, I really appreciate it. Here I am leaving relatively soon, and I didn't even know (again) about TLE. I was told by my finance today that I would submit the paperwork for DLA during my finance clearing..which is 10 days prior to me leaving. Sounds a bit last minute for me..but I guess that works.
Again, I really appreciate the info. Macdill has been telling me I'd most likely stay in a hotel my first week or two there. I was concerned about not having the cash for that either, but it sounds like TLE should take care of that.
Nope. I have been calling religiously down there..keep getting the run-around. Spoke to the AF Readiness coordinator, who put me into contact with a MSG in the Army, but apparently he/she doesn't work there anymore, and they have no replacement. Called J1, and finally got a contact for the DIA. Left a message, trying again Monday.
The issue has been that my orders are to the DIA, not to JCSE, CENTCOM, or a regular unit. That has been making it a pain to get ahold of anyone.
I am in the same situation i am getting ready to pcs soon also...So here is the deal...You put in youre DLA papper work now..You will get your advance travel pay(if you want or you can wait until you get there) and your DLA 80% of it. It only takes finance up to 10 days to process it so you should have it before you leave.. You can also do your advance pay as stated above. But I dont know youre current tax situation but remember them rebate checks should be coming about that time.
That's the issue..my PAC and S1 doesn't even know what DLA is. Finance said, come back with your clearing papers, and when you clear here, we'll submit it. That should be at about 9 days prior to me leaving. Should be fine...
Definitely need the DLA/TLE and tax rebate in May big time. Hoping to make the cutoff score this month for E5 as well..that would help a lot. My car insurance is going through the roof going to tampa. I'm paying $413/6 months here in Hawaii for full coverage..same coverage in tampa is $1,053/6 months!
The good news is since I'm taking 10 days of PCS leave, I'll be arriving at Macdill just before the 15th, so hopefully I'll receive all that stuff then.
Talk to your finance, or your 1SG if your S-1 doesnt know how to do some DLA papper work. I find that really hard to believe that they dont are you sure they just were not joking with you. Keep in mind your TLA you wont get until you get to your duty station. I am getting all of my info from my S-1. It is also posted on the DFAS website.
Originally posted by ghostface_48: Talk to your finance, or your 1SG if your S-1 doesnt know how to do some DLA papper work. I find that really hard to believe that they dont are you sure they just were not joking with you. Keep in mind your TLA you wont get until you get to your duty station. I am getting all of my info from my S-1. It is also posted on the DFAS website.
I'm positive they don't know what goes on with it. Luckily, they referred me to the reassignment section, who pointed me to finance ultimately. As AR said, I'm not getting TLA, though.
ArmyStudyGuide Community 
