How to Pay for a Military PCS

Paying for military moving expenses

The government covers the price of relocating when you’re completing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or being discharged from the military, but you won’t always have those funds available when it’s time to pay for things.

Let’s review the types of military moves and the different ways to handle the expenses.

Determine which military move type fits your finances

There are three basic types of military moves: Government-Arranged Moves (GAM), Personally Procured Moves (PPM) and Combination. Each one has different eligibility requirements, so meet with the local Transportation Office (TO) to discuss your specific move. 

Note: Some service branches use different department names, such as the Distribution Management Office (TMO) or the Personal Property Office (PPO). Learn more with this military moving guide. 

Government-Arranged Move (GAM) 

For a GAM, the military handles booking and paying for the move with a government contractor. The contracted moving company will handle packing, loading, transporting things to the new home and unloading.

Best for: Those who want no out-of-pocket fees for moving belongings and don’t mind having limited control over the timeline.

Personally Procured Move (PPM)

For a PPM, formerly known as a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) Move, you book and pay for moving services upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement.

With this option, you can be reimbursed for up to 100% of the cost the government would have spent on the move. That means you can keep the difference if the move is less expensive!

It’s important to choose a service like U-Pack® that is familiar with military moves to get the required weight tickets and receipts for reimbursement.

Best for: Those who want control over the move and have a way to cover the shipping expenses while waiting for reimbursement.

Combination Move

You can opt for a combination move if you want the military to transport only some belongings. The government would ship some things, and you would take care of the rest. With this option, you would pay only for the PPM portion upfront and be reimbursed.

Best for: Those who have special items to move separately and don’t mind giving up control over shipping some belongings.

For each type of move, you would handle booking any personal travel (hotel, airfare, etc.) and submit receipts for reimbursement.

Ways to pay for PPM expenses

Choosing a PPM means covering multiple expenses while waiting for reimbursement. Before making arrangements, it’s helpful to use a military moving calculator to set a budget.

Typically, the most expensive portion of the move is transporting belongings out of state, and personal travel expenses will vary depending on the distance. Here are the most common ways to cover the costs:

1. Request an advance from the military

The military will usually give you an advance to cover personal travel expenses during your PCS. You can also request an advance to cover PPM expenses — typically up to 60% of the expected cost.

Many service members are also eligible for a Dislocation Allowance (DLA), a tax-free lump sum payment intended to help offset moving costs. Check with the TO while setting up the PPM to see if you qualify for the advance payment and the DLA.

2. Use a Government Travel Credit Card (GTCC)

Active-duty military personnel with access to a GTCC can use it for a PPM. Charge authorized travel and relocation expenses to the card and pay it off after reimbursement. Contact your TO for specific card regulations and receipt requirements.

3. Withdraw from personal savings

If you have enough money in savings, you could withdraw the funds to cover moving expenses. Then, after reimbursement, you could pay yourself back.

4. Apply for a military loan

Many banks and credit unions offer loans for military moving expenses. Visit an on-base credit union or a military-friendly lender for more details and to complete an application.

5. Finance with Affirm when you move with U-Pack

U-Pack can help with your PPM, and we offer financing through Affirm. Affirm offers manageable payment options with varying interest rates, which means you’ll pay less upfront. You can then repay the loan after you are reimbursed.

6. Pay with a personal credit card 

If you have a personal credit card with a low interest rate, you could use it to charge travel expenses and then pay off the card with the reimbursement check. Be sure to consider interest rates and your ability to make payments until the reimbursement arrives before choosing this option.

Not sure which option is best? Consult a financial advisor to help you decide how to pay for your move.

FAQs about military move payments and reimbursements

Get answers to additional questions you may have:

Will the military book and pay for my personal travel?

No. The military will reimburse you for expenses, but you’ll be responsible for booking personal travel such as airfare and hotel. The TO will have information about allowed expenses.

Does the military pay for my spouse and children to move?

Yes, the military will cover moving expenses for spouses and dependents. Your TO will have information about per diem rates.

How long will it take to get reimbursed for a PPM, and how much money will I receive?

You usually have up to 45 days to submit receipts and paperwork for reimbursement. The maximum allowed reimbursement equals 100% of what the military would have spent on a GAM.

Once you submit the reimbursement application, the payment typically takes 4-6 weeks. Timing depends on different factors, so talk to your TO for the most accurate timeline.

What should I do if I lose a receipt or forget my weight tickets?

If you lose a receipt or forget your weight tickets, contact the TO immediately for instructions.

Plan your PPM with U-Pack

U-Pack is a self-moving service with nearly 30 years of experience. We’ve handled military moves all over the U.S., and we’re ready to help you. Request a free, no-obligation quote online or call [phone_number:url} to speak to a moving consultant. Don’t forget to request weight tickets and ask about military discounts!

When you’re ready to make a reservation, you can easily apply for Affirm to manage payments. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, and thank you for your service!