Benefits Available for a Military Move

When preparing for a permanent change of station, military members may have a variety of benefits they can use to help make the transition more affordable and easier to handle. It is important for service members to look into exactly what is offered for their situation, as it can vary based on how far they’re moving, what they’re moving, and other details. Some potential benefits include the following.

Dislocation Allowance

For service members who are moving with dependants, there may be a fund available to help cover some of the costs of a move. Though this is on top of other benefits received, it can help to cover anything not covered by other benefits and can help to make the whole process more affordable.

Household Goods Shipment

This allowance covers the cost of moving all household belongings. Those who are moving far away can use it to move the furniture and other items they own. In some cases, this will also cover packing all of the belongings to prep for the move.

Lodging Allowances

A lodging allowance covers hotel stays during the move. If the move is to a location that is far away, the trip may take more than one day to complete. Service members and their families can use this allowance to stay in hotels along the way to the new location.

Per Diem Allowance

A per diem allowance covers anything that might be needed during the day for the move. This could include meals and other incidental expenses during the transit. It is only given during travel days but can be used for longer periods depending on the situation. Receipts are needed for this to be paid.

Transportation of Vehicles

If a military member is moving a significant distance, it may not be practical for them to drive. Instead, they may take advantage of a fund that’s available to help with transporting the vehicles. If the family owns more than one vehicle, they can drive one and have the other one transported to the new location.

Pet Travel Assistance

For service members with pets, there is travel assistance available for anything the pet may need. This can include shipping the pet to the new location and following any regulations that may be in place at the new location. It is important to note that there may be restrictions on what pets can be transported as well as how many pets will be covered by the travel assistance.

Relocation Assistance Program

When arriving at the new location, service members can get help finding out where to live, getting settled into the community, and getting settled into their new station. This can include information that will help the service member find anything they need in the new location.

If you’ve received relocation orders, take the time to learn more about the benefits available for you and how they can help. Take the time to speak with someone about the move to learn more about what to expect and how to get the help you need to make it as smooth as possible.