Demystifying PCS Moves: Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) vs. Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)

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A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is a significant event for U.S. military members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, and their families. One common challenge during a PCS is securing temporary lodging – finding a place to stay after leaving your old home but before moving into your new one.

Recognizing this need, the DoD offers allowances to help offset these temporary housing costs. However, understanding which allowance applies can be confusing. Two key allowances often encountered are the Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and the Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA).

While both aim to ease the financial burden of temporary quarters during a PCS, they are distinct entitlements with different rules, geographic applications, and claim processes. The fundamental difference lies in location: TLE is generally used for temporary lodging within the Continental United States (CONUS), while TLA applies to temporary lodging Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS).

These allowances are not arbitrary. They are governed by official regulations – primarily the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for TLE and the DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR) for TLA.

This article aims to clearly define TLE and TLA, compare their key features, and explain how eligible personnel can navigate the process of claiming these important benefits, making these government regulations more accessible.

Understanding Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)

Official Definition, Purpose, and Who Qualifies

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) is defined as an allowance designed to partially reimburse a Service member and their dependents for lodging and meal expenses incurred when occupying temporary lodging within the Continental United States (CONUS) in connection with a PCS move.

The core purpose of TLE is to help offset the additional living costs that arise when personnel need temporary housing near their old or new Permanent Duty Station (PDS) because their permanent home is unavailable or has been vacated due to PCS orders. It specifically covers the period immediately before departing the old PDS or immediately after arriving at the new PDS.

The intended recipients for TLE are primarily Uniformed Service members (from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and Public Health Service Commissioned Corps) who are undergoing a PCS move involving a CONUS location. Eligibility extends to dependents when they are authorized to relocate on the Service member’s PCS orders. It is important to note that while DoD civilian employees also receive allowances for temporary quarters during PCS moves, their specific entitlement is typically the Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expenses (TQSE), which is governed by different rules found within the JTR and the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Travel Regulation (FTR). The TLE rules described here, particularly those in JTR Chapter 5, Section 0506, pertain specifically to Uniformed Service members. Civilian employees should consult TQSE regulations for their entitlements.

Geographic Scope: The CONUS Connection

TLE is fundamentally linked to temporary lodging situated within CONUS. This geographic limitation means TLE applies to several PCS scenarios:

• Moves between two PDSs located in CONUS.
• Moves from an OCONUS PDS to a CONUS PDS (TLE applies near the new CONUS PDS).
• Moves from a CONUS PDS to an OCONUS PDS (TLE applies near the old CONUS PDS).

The temporary lodging must be located in the vicinity of the old PDS, the new PDS, or a designated place along the route if specifically authorized. “Vicinity” generally implies a location within a reasonable daily commuting distance of the PDS. TLE is not authorized for lodging far from the PDS or for trips taken solely for house hunting purposes before the PCS move officially commences.

The Rulebook: Joint Travel Regulations (JTR)

The authoritative source governing TLE policies and procedures is the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Specifically, TLE rules for Service members are detailed in Chapter 5, Section 0506. The JTR is a comprehensive document maintained by the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), operating under the oversight of the Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC). This committee ensures uniform application of travel allowances across the Uniformed Services and DoD civilian employees.

The official JTR can be accessed through the DTMO website. As regulations are updated periodically (the JTR is typically published monthly, with potential changes occurring anytime), consulting the latest version is essential.

The placement of TLE rules within the JTR, which covers standard travel and transportation allowances for various types of official travel (Temporary Duty (TDY), PCS, etc.), positions it as a core component of the PCS travel entitlement framework.

Understanding Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)

Official Definition, Purpose, and Who Qualifies

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) is defined as an allowance intended to partially compensate a Service member for the higher-than-normal expenses incurred by the member and/or their dependents while occupying temporary lodging at an OCONUS location.

The purpose of TLA is to provide financial assistance when personnel must use temporary accommodations OCONUS either immediately upon arrival while awaiting assignment to or availability of permanent government or private sector housing, or immediately before departure from the OCONUS PDS after vacating permanent quarters. A key principle is that TLA is authorized based on necessity, not for personal convenience or financial gain.

TLA eligibility is generally limited to Service members and their command-sponsored dependents who are assigned to, or departing from, an OCONUS PDS. Command sponsorship is a formal process authorizing dependents to accompany a Service member to an OCONUS location and receive associated benefits. Dependents who are not command-sponsored are typically ineligible for TLA. Certain Reserve Component members called to active duty for extended periods (e.g., 140+ days for ADT or 181+ days for other active duty) and authorized PCS allowances may also qualify for TLA under specific conditions.

Geographic Scope: The OCONUS Allowance

TLA’s defining characteristic is its geographic applicability: it is exclusively for temporary lodging expenses incurred Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS). This includes foreign countries, as well as non-foreign OCONUS locations like Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories and possessions.

The Rulebook: DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR)

Unlike TLE, the primary governing regulation for TLA is not the JTR, but rather the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DoD FMR) Volume 7A, Chapter 68, titled “Cost of Living Allowance Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS COLA) and Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)”.

The current version of DoD FMR Volume 7A, Chapter 68 can be found on the DoD Comptroller’s website.

The inclusion of TLA regulations within the same FMR chapter as OCONUS Cost of Living Allowances (COLA) is significant. OCONUS COLA is specifically designed to compensate for higher overall living costs in certain overseas locations compared to CONUS. Placing TLA alongside OCONUS COLA administratively frames it not just as a travel-related lodging payment, but as a station allowance—part of the broader system for managing the unique financial conditions and higher costs associated with being stationed OCONUS. This contrasts with TLE’s placement within the JTR’s general travel rules.

TLE vs. TLA: Spotting the Key Differences

While both TLE and TLA aim to lessen the financial strain of temporary lodging during a PCS, their distinct rules reflect the different environments and challenges associated with CONUS versus OCONUS moves. Understanding these differences is crucial for personnel to anticipate their entitlements correctly.

Location, Location, Location

This is the most fundamental distinction:

• TLE: Applies only to temporary lodging within the Continental United States (CONUS), used in the vicinity of the old or new CONUS PDS.
• TLA: Applies only to temporary lodging Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS), used in the vicinity of the OCONUS PDS.

This geographic split drives most other differences. OCONUS locations often present unique housing market characteristics, varying costs of living, reliance on government quarters or referrals, and administrative processes (like command sponsorship) not typically encountered uniformly across CONUS. Consequently, the regulations need distinct approaches tailored to these separate operating environments.

Why You Get It: Triggering Events and Usage Scenarios

The circumstances under which each allowance is authorized differ:

• TLE: Triggered by a PCS order involving a CONUS PDS (CONUS-to-CONUS, OCONUS-to-CONUS, CONUS-to-OCONUS). It’s used for temporary lodging immediately before departing the old PDS or immediately after arriving at the new PDS while awaiting permanent housing. TLE is explicitly not authorized for preliminary house hunting trips taken before the PCS move begins.
• TLA: Triggered by arrival at or departure from an OCONUS PDS under PCS orders. It’s used while actively seeking and awaiting assignment to or availability of permanent quarters (either government-provided or private sector), or after vacating permanent quarters just before departure. Unlike TLE, TLA may sometimes be authorized during periods of house hunting after the Service member has officially arrived and reported for duty at the new OCONUS PDS. TLA also covers specific necessary circumstances like delays caused by hospitalization or other reasons beyond the member’s control.

How It’s Calculated: Per Diem vs. Actual Costs

The methods for calculating the daily allowance amount also diverge:

• TLE: The calculation starts with the locality per diem rate (lodging ceiling plus Meals & Incidental Expenses, or M&IE) for the specific location where temporary lodging is used. This base rate is then multiplied by a percentage determined by the number and ages of authorized family members occupying the temporary quarters. Crucially, the total daily TLE reimbursement is capped at $290 per day. Reimbursement is based on actual expenses incurred, up to this calculated daily limit (factoring in the percentage) and not exceeding the $290 overall cap.
• TLA: The calculation also uses the locality per diem rate for the OCONUS PDS and applies percentages based on family composition. However, the application differs: percentages are applied separately to determine the M&IE portion and a lodging ceiling. The reimbursement for the lodging portion is limited to the lesser of the actual daily lodging cost or the calculated lodging ceiling. Unlike TLE, there is no fixed overall daily dollar cap (like the $290 for TLE). The total daily TLA is the sum of the allowable lodging cost (actual vs. ceiling) and the calculated M&IE amount. If unusually high lodging costs arise (e.g., due to major local events), a TLA Special rate with a higher lodging factor can be requested in advance through the command.

These calculation differences reflect the nature of the locations they cover. TLA’s method, capping lodging at the lower of actual cost or the calculated ceiling and lacking a fixed daily maximum, offers more flexibility. This adaptability is necessary to handle the potentially extreme variations in lodging costs found across different OCONUS locations, from very expensive cities to more affordable remote bases. TLE’s system, with its fixed daily cap, operates within the generally more predictable (though still variable) range of CONUS lodging prices, providing a standardized ceiling.

Valuable Table: TLE vs. TLA At-a-Glance Comparison

How Long Can You Receive TLE or TLA?

The duration for which you can receive these allowances is limited, though extensions are possible under certain conditions.

TLE Duration

The number of days you can receive TLE depends on the type of PCS move:

• PCS between two CONUS locations (CONUS-to-CONUS): You may be authorized TLE for up to 21 days. This reflects a recent increase from a previous limit of 14 days, implemented to better address housing challenges. Older guidance or forms might still reference 10 or 14 days, but 21 is the current standard limit for this move type.
• PCS from CONUS to OCONUS: You may be authorized TLE for up to 7 days while in temporary lodging in CONUS, typically near the old PDS, before departing for the OCONUS location. (Previous limit was often cited as 5 days).
• PCS from OCONUS to CONUS: You may be authorized TLE for up to 21 days while in temporary lodging in CONUS, typically near the new PDS, after arriving from the OCONUS location. (Previous limit was often cited as 10 days).

These authorized TLE days do not necessarily need to be used consecutively. For moves involving two CONUS locations (CONUS-to-CONUS or OCONUS-to-CONUS), the total authorized days (e.g., 21) can be split between the vicinity of the old PDS before departure and the vicinity of the new PDS upon arrival.

TLE Extensions

While the standard limits apply in most cases, TLE can be temporarily increased beyond these limits, up to a maximum of 60 total days, under specific, approved circumstances. Common reasons for extensions include:

• PCSing to a PDS located in a Presidentially declared disaster area.
• PCSing to a PDS experiencing a sudden, significant increase in assigned personnel.
• PCSing to a PDS officially recognized as having a housing shortage that prevents members from finding adequate permanent housing within the standard TLE period.

Requesting and receiving extended TLE typically requires justification and certification from the local command regarding the qualifying condition (like a housing shortage). Extensions due to housing shortages often require periodic recertification (e.g., every 90 days) to confirm the shortage persists. The DTMO maintains a list of locations with currently approved TLE extensions, accessible via the JTR Supplements section of their website. The existence of this formal extension process, coupled with the recent increase in the standard CONUS TLE duration, highlights the growing difficulty personnel face in securing permanent housing quickly in many CONUS areas, necessitating adjustments to the allowance policy.

TLA Duration

TLA duration rules offer more flexibility compared to TLE’s fixed initial limits.

• Standard Limits: Upon initial arrival at an OCONUS PDS requiring a change of residence, TLA is ordinarily authorized for a period not to exceed 60 days. These 60 days do not have to be used consecutively. For personnel departing an OCONUS PDS, TLA is authorized for the necessary period immediately preceding departure after vacating permanent quarters; this is often around 10 days but is based on actual need.
• Extensions: If temporary lodging is still required beyond the initial period (e.g., the first 60 days upon arrival), the OCONUS TLA Authority (typically a senior commander or designated official) can authorize additional TLA. Extensions are usually granted in increments of 15 days or fewer. Crucially, unlike TLE’s 60-day maximum for extensions, TLA extensions can continue for an indefinite period as long as the need is justified and approved by the proper authority. Justifiable reasons include delays in Household Goods (HHG) shipment arrival, unexpected travel delays, unavailability of suitable permanent housing (government or private sector), hospitalization of the member or dependent, or other circumstances beyond the member’s control.
• Requirement for Continued Eligibility: A key condition for receiving TLA, especially during extended periods, is that the Service member must be actively and aggressively seeking permanent housing. This often involves registering with the housing office upon arrival and providing regular updates on housing search efforts (e.g., every 15 days). Failure to demonstrate sufficient effort without an acceptable reason (like being away on TDY or illness) can lead to the termination of TLA payments.

The potential for indefinite TLA extensions, compared to TLE’s stricter 60-day total cap, acknowledges the greater potential for unpredictable and prolonged delays in securing suitable, permanent housing OCONUS. Factors such as reliance on government quarters availability, limited private housing markets meeting U.S. standards or OHA limits, language barriers, complex lease negotiations, and dependence on HHG arrival can significantly complicate and extend the housing search process overseas in ways not typically encountered in CONUS. The TLA system’s flexibility accommodates these potential OCONUS-specific challenges.

Calculating Your Allowance: What to Expect

Understanding how TLE and TLA amounts are calculated helps personnel estimate their potential reimbursement. Both rely on locality per diem rates but apply them differently.

Breaking Down TLE Calculation

The daily TLE amount is determined through these steps:

1. Identify the Locality Per Diem Rate: Find the maximum daily rate (lodging component + M&IE component) authorized for the specific location (city/county/base) where the temporary lodging is obtained. These rates are established by GSA for CONUS locations and can be found using the Per Diem Rate Lookup tool on the DTMO website.
2. Apply the Percentage Factor: Multiply the total locality per diem rate by the applicable percentage based on the number of eligible individuals (Service member and authorized dependents) occupying the temporary quarters on that day. The standard percentages are:
   • Service member OR 1 dependent alone: 65%
   • Service member AND 1 dependent, OR 2 dependents alone: 100%
   • For each additional dependent age 12 or older: Add 35%
   • For each additional dependent under age 12: Add 25%
   • Special Rule: For a Service member without dependents during an approved TLE extension period due to housing shortages, the lodging portion is calculated at 100% of the locality lodging rate, while the M&IE portion remains at 65% of the locality M&IE rate.
3. Apply the Daily Cap: The maximum amount payable for TLE for any given day cannot exceed $290.
4. Determine Reimbursement: The Service member is reimbursed for their actual daily expenses for lodging (up to the lodging portion of the per diem rate) plus meals (up to the M&IE portion), but the total reimbursement for the day cannot exceed the amount calculated in Step 2 (per diem x percentage) OR the $290 daily cap, whichever is lower. Itemized lodging receipts are required to substantiate lodging costs.

Breaking Down TLA Calculation

The daily TLA amount is calculated differently, focusing on separating lodging and M&IE components:

1. Identify the Locality Per Diem Rate: Find the maximum per diem rate (lodging + M&IE) for the OCONUS PDS location. OCONUS rates (including non-foreign OCONUS like AK, HI, territories) are typically set by the DoD Per Diem Committee or sometimes referenced from Department of State rates for foreign areas. These can also often be found via the DTMO per diem lookup tool.
2. Calculate M&IE Portion and Lodging Ceiling: Apply percentages based on family composition (from FMR Table 68-11) separately to the M&IE component of the per diem rate and the lodging component to establish a lodging ceiling. The applicable percentages are:
   • Service member OR 1 dependent alone: 65% of M&IE Rate; 100% of Lodging Rate (Note: The lodging percentage for one person was 65% prior to October 1, 2020).
   • Service member AND 1 dependent, OR 2 dependents alone: 100% of M&IE Rate; 100% of Lodging Rate.
   • For each additional dependent age 12 or older: Add 35% of M&IE Rate; Add 35% of Lodging Rate.
   • For each additional dependent under age 12: Add 25% of M&IE Rate; Add 25% of Lodging Rate.
3. Determine Payable Lodging Cost: Compare the actual daily cost of lodging (including required taxes and fees, like VAT if non-refundable) with the lodging ceiling calculated in Step 2. The amount reimbursed for lodging is the lesser of these two figures. Itemized lodging receipts are mandatory.
4. Calculate Total Daily TLA: Add the payable lodging cost (determined in Step 3) to the calculated M&IE portion (from Step 2). There is no fixed overall dollar cap like TLE’s $290.

TLA Special Consideration: If actual lodging costs in the OCONUS location significantly exceed the standard locality lodging per diem rate due to unusual circumstances (e.g., major international events driving up hotel prices), the command can request TLA Special in advance from the Allowances Division, OUSD(P&R). This allows for a higher lodging factor to be used in the calculation but requires specific documentation and justification.

Valuable Table: TLE/TLA Daily Rate Calculation Percentages

¹ Note: For single members during approved TLE extension periods, lodging uses 100% factor, M&IE remains 65%. ² Note: TLA lodging factor for one person was 65% prior to Oct 1, 2020.

Claiming Your Entitlement: Steps and Documentation

The processes for claiming TLE and TLA differ significantly, reflecting their distinct governing regulations and administrative structures.

How to Claim TLE

Claiming TLE generally follows the standard process for submitting travel vouchers after PCS travel involving CONUS temporary lodging:

1. Form: The primary form used is the DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher or Subvoucher).
2. System: The SmartVoucher system is the recommended and often required method for submitting PCS-related travel claims, including TLE. SmartVoucher guides the user through a series of questions to accurately populate the DD Form 1351-2. It can be accessed via myPay or directly at the SmartVoucher website. If SmartVoucher is not used or available, a manual DD Form 1351-2 can be completed and submitted.
3. Required Documentation: Along with the completed and signed DD Form 1351-2 generated by SmartVoucher or filled manually, you typically need to submit:
   • A complete copy of your PCS orders, including all amendments.
   • Itemized, zero-balance lodging receipts for the TLE period claimed. Receipts should show the daily rate, dates of stay, location, and proof of payment.
   • Depending on your Service branch or local command policy, a specific TLE certification worksheet might be required (e.g., the Navy uses NPPSC 7220/2 TLE Certification). Always check for local requirements.
   • Ensure all necessary signatures (traveler, reviewing official, approving official) are obtained on the DD Form 1351-2.
4. Submission: Submit the completed voucher package through SmartVoucher, which routes it electronically. If submitting manually, follow guidance from your Service or finance office; this might involve submitting it to a centralized processing center (like DFAS-Rome for certain Army claims) or through your local finance office during in-processing at the new PDS.
5. Advance Payment: An advance payment of TLE may be requested before or during the PCS move. This is typically processed separately from the final settlement voucher and may be limited based on the expected entitlement or the standard number of days.

How to Claim TLA

Claiming TLA operates under a distinctly different, more localized process compared to TLE:

1. Process: TLA is generally not claimed using the standard DD Form 1351-2 submitted through SmartVoucher or sent to a central DFAS processing center. Instead, TLA is considered a military pay entitlement that is processed and paid locally by the OCONUS finance office or housing office at the OCONUS PDS where the temporary lodging is incurred. Personnel arriving OCONUS must engage with these local offices to initiate and process TLA claims.
2. Forms/Documentation: Because TLA is managed locally, the specific forms and procedures are dictated by the OCONUS command, TLA Authority, or finance/housing office. While standard documents are always needed, the exact submission package may vary. Essential documentation typically includes:
   • PCS orders.
   • Proof of command sponsorship for dependents (if applicable).
   • Itemized, zero-balance lodging receipts showing daily costs, dates, location, and payment.
   • Locally required TLA worksheets or application forms.
   • Documentation demonstrating active efforts to secure permanent housing (required for continued eligibility, especially during extensions).
3. Submission: TLA claims are usually submitted locally at the OCONUS PDS directly to the designated office (finance or housing). Claims are often submitted in increments (e.g., every 10, 15, or 30 days) rather than as a single claim at the end of the temporary lodging period. This allows the TLA authority to monitor the ongoing need and the member’s housing search progress.
4. Advance Payment: TLA is typically paid after the expenses for a specific period have been incurred and claimed. Significant advance payments for TLA are less common than for TLE, although local policies might allow for some limited advance under specific circumstances.

The sharp contrast between TLE’s centralized claim process (often via SmartVoucher to DFAS) and TLA’s decentralized, localized claim process (through OCONUS base offices) is a critical point. It underscores TLA’s function as a station allowance managed according to local conditions and command oversight. Personnel PCSing OCONUS must understand that they will likely need to work directly with their gaining command’s finance or housing office for TLA, rather than relying on the systems used for CONUS travel claims.

Official Resources: Get Authoritative Information

Navigating TLE and TLA requires access to accurate, up-to-date information. The following official resources provide the governing regulations and helpful tools:

Primary Regulations:

• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR): The definitive source for TLE rules (found primarily in Chapter 5, Section 0506). Access the latest version at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.
• DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR) Volume 7A, Chapter 68: The primary source for TLA policy (along with OCONUS COLA). Available on the DoD Comptroller website.

Key Websites:

• Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO): The central hub for DoD travel policy. Provides access to the JTR, per diem rate lookups, JTR supplements (including lists of locations with approved TLE extensions and the TLE extension request process), computation examples, policy updates, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Main site: https://www.travel.dod.mil/.
  • JTR Supplements
  • Computation Examples
  • TLA Specific FAQs
  • General FAQs
• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS): The primary agency responsible for DoD payments, including travel reimbursements. Their website offers information on travel pay, specific allowance details (like TLE), guidance on submitting travel vouchers, and access to the SmartVoucher system. Main site: https://www.dfas.mil/.
  • TLE Information Page (Army PCS focus, but generally applicable)
  • SmartVoucher Access (also accessible via myPay login)
  • Travel Voucher Submission Guidance

Importance of Local Guidance:

While these official regulations and websites provide the overarching framework, it is absolutely essential for personnel to consult local resources at both their losing and gaining duty stations. Installation housing offices, finance offices, transportation offices, and command administrative staff can provide the most current information on local policies, specific procedural requirements (especially for TLA claims and TLE extensions), required forms, and submission processes.

Relying solely on general regulations without checking local implementation details is a common pitfall, particularly OCONUS where TLA administration is explicitly delegated to local authorities. Always verify locally.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.