Jim Absher is a Military.com benefits columnist.
As part of the Pentagon's ongoing efforts to make life easier for military members, enlisted personnel E-6 and below facing a permanent change of station (PCS) move will see an increase in their dislocation allowance (DLA). All PCS travel with an effective date of Oct. 1, 2022, or later is eligible for the increased allowance.
The increased DLA comes with other increases to travel and other military benefits designed to help military members cope with rising prices across the board.
On Sept. 22, 2022, the Pentagon announced a series of reforms on housing, commissary and other household benefits that are aimed at making daily life cheaper for troops and moves less of a financial burden.
Read Next: Bigger Housing Allowances, Price Cuts at Commissaries Coming Under New Plan Unveiled by Pentagon
Dislocation allowance is a tax-free payment designed to partially reimburse a service member for the expenses incurred in relocating during a PCS.
Enlisted personnel in pay grades E-1 through E-4 will see a $500 increase in the travel allowance, while E-5 through E-6 will see smaller, yet substantial increases.
See: Current Dislocation Allowance - DLA Rates
Normally, military pay and allowances receive annual cost-of-living increases. However, in 2022, there have been multiple increases to both the Basic Allowance for Housing and travel reimbursement rates in response to inflation.
Along with the increase to the dislocation allowance, the Pentagon announced a series of increases to monetary benefits that are designed to help military members cope with financial issues. These include a higher Monthly Housing Allowance for 28 high-cost locations across the U.S.; decreases to commissary and child-care expenses; an extended Temporary Lodging Allowance; and a new Basic Needs Allowance.
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