Preparing for a Military PCS: Your 2026 Checklist for PCS Moves

If you or your spouse serve in the military, you know all too well the chaos that can ensue after receiving PCS orders. While most people have some control over the timing and destination of a move, oftentimes military families must plan and execute theirs in mere weeks or months. The sudden transition from one place to the next can be stressful for the whole family. And in times like these, keeping up with your finances might be the last thing on your mind. That’s why it’s important to take time to review your finances before your PCS orders arrive. Here are a few key steps you can take to help prepare for your next PCS:

• Budget for your move
• Create a household inventory
• Choose your housing type
• Plan your transportation
• Use your Dislocation Allowance

For a more complete set of steps and detailed information on how to execute them, check out our comprehensive PCS Resource Center.

Get to Know Your Entitlements and Per Diems

Since this is a mandated move, the government will pay for professional movers to pack, transport, and unpack your items, or you can opt for a Personally Procured Move (PPM), for which you will be reimbursed. The number of allowances and specific entitlements like weight limits for household goods you receive during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) primarily depend on your rank (pay grade), dependency status (with or without dependents), and the type/location of the move (e.g., CONUS vs. OCONUS, retirement, or separation). You can also request an advance on your basic pay to help with costs that go above and beyond what the military will cover. Some of the 2026 PCS entitlements include the following:

• Household Goods Shipment (HHG)
• Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
• Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT)
• Various Per Diems (For Temporary Lodging (TLE), Pet or vehicle transportation, etc)

Whatever benefits you decide to utilize, make sure you have an idea of what you can expect to receive ahead of time. That way, you can create a realistic budget when the orders come. For further details and specific rates, our PCS Entitlements and Expenses Guide covers everything from per diems to PCSing with pets, so it’s a great place to get started.

Prepare Savings for PCS Costs and Expenses

Let’s face it: PCS orders are a regular part of military life. Many military families find the key is to prepare for these moves ahead of time and that’s the right approach - because whether you decide to utilize the military’s moving services or do it yourself, you’re likely going to shoulder some of the cost. While the military reimburses some PCS expenses, military families still spend an average of about $8,000 out of pocket during each move according to research conducted by Blue Star Families.

Some unexpected expenses that come with PCS moves include housing, security and utility deposits, cleaning fees, and extra vehicle transportation. Add in the possibility of at least temporarily losing a spouse’s income and setting aside savings for the next inevitable move seems like a particularly prudent way to better position yourself financially and reduce the stress associated with these sorts of hidden costs.

Saving and budgeting for relocation costs ahead of time can help you avoid less desirable options like requesting an advance on your basic pay. But since life doesn’t always go as planned, First Command offers PCS loans that can help bridge the gap during your move.

Let Us Know Where You’re Headed!

Getting PCS orders marks a significant life transition, but that doesn’t mean it has to disrupt your finances. With local First Command offices near most military bases, we’re able to continue helping you pursue your financial goals through a face-to-face relationship. So, once you find out where you’re going next, let your Financial Advisor know and they’ll connect you with the local office at your new location.

At First Command, we’ve spent over 60 years helping military families pursue financial security. We understand the ins and outs of PCSing, which is why we’ve compiled a list of clients’ frequently asked questions. If you are planning for an upcoming move, give your Financial Advisor a call. We can take some of the burden off the financial preparation, so you can focus on the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BAH adjust after PCS?

Yes, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) adjusts after a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), updating to the new location's rate upon checking in. You receive the old station's rate while in travel status and the new rate takes effect in the next pay cycle (1–2 weeks) after signing in at the new installation. 

Can a military spouse collect unemployment due to a PCS?

Yes, military spouses can often collect unemployment benefits after a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, as most states (over 40) recognize this as a valid reason for leaving a job, bypassing the usual "voluntary quit" restriction. To qualify, you must be in a state that offers this benefit, provide proof of orders, and meet state-specific requirements. 

Are there any military PCS tax deductions?

Active-duty service members can deduct qualified, unreimbursed moving expenses for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) on federal taxes using IRS Form 3903. Deductible costs include lodging, shipping household goods, packing, and, for 2026, a 20.5 cents per mile driving rate. 

What moving expenses are not reimbursable?

Non-reimbursable PCS moving expenses typically include meals during travel, costs for home purchase or sale, security deposits, pet fees, and expenses for shipping a second vehicle or exceeding weight allowances.

What is DLA (Dislocation Allowance) and how much will I get? 

Dislocation Allowance, or DLA, is a non-taxable, flat-rate payment that partially reimburses service members for unexpected, out-of-pocket expenses incurred during a permanent change of station (PCS) move, such as security deposits or household goods damages. As of January 1, 2026, rates typically range from roughly $1,870 to over $6,300 depending on rank and dependency status.