Dislocation Allowance 2026: DLA Rates and Calculator
The dislocation allowance (DLA) partially reimburses a Service member for the cost of relocating a household, under JTR section 0505. Primary 2026 rates run from $1,870.58 (E-1, no dependent) to $6,385.58 (O-10, with dependent). A member gets one DLA per fiscal year, with exceptions, and it may be paid in advance.
There is one rate table by pay grade and dependent status, not split by Service: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard follow the same JTR. Use the calculator for primary, secondary and partial DLA, or the checker to see which JTR paragraphs may apply to your move.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Checked against the CY2026 DLA memo and JTR section 0505, October 26, 2026 · Methodology & sources
FedRateCalc is an independent site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, DTMO or any military Service.
Dislocation allowance calculator (2026 rates)
Primary DLA for E-5, with-dependent rate
$3,548.02
- JTR par. 050503-B: If the dependent moves with the Service member, a DLA is paid at the with-dependent rate.
- JTR par. 050501-B: A Service member is authorized only one DLA payment during a fiscal year, unless an exception in this paragraph applies.
- JTR par. 050501-C1: The fiscal year is determined by the departure or detachment date from the old PDS in accordance with the PCS order.
- DTMO: the member's grade and dependency status on the PCS travel order's effective date determine the amount, so use the grade and status shown on the order.
Rates are from the CY2026 PDTATAC memo dated December 31, 2025. Your finance office computes the payment on your orders.
Quick DLA eligibility check
General information only, built from the JTR 0505 paragraphs cited under each answer. It does not cover every case or every exclusion in the JTR, and your finance office (the office that processes your PCS orders and pay) decides whether a DLA is payable.
Answer every question to see a result.
2026 primary DLA rates by grade
Effective January 1, 2026, from the PDTATAC memo dated December 31, 2025. The table is not split by Service.
| Grade | Without dependent | With dependent |
|---|---|---|
| O-10 | $5,187.33 | $6,385.58 |
| O-9 | $5,187.33 | $6,385.58 |
| O-8 | $5,187.33 | $6,385.58 |
| O-7 | $5,187.33 | $6,385.58 |
| O-6 | $4,758.96 | $5,749.63 |
| O-5 | $4,583.51 | $5,542.06 |
| O-4 | $4,247.61 | $4,885.43 |
| O-3 | $3,404.11 | $4,041.88 |
| O-2 | $2,700.31 | $3,451.28 |
| O-1 | $2,273.82 | $3,085.23 |
| O-3E | $3,675.83 | $4,343.80 |
| O-2E | $3,124.87 | $3,919.27 |
| O-1E | $2,687.09 | $3,621.10 |
| W-5 | $4,315.51 | $4,715.58 |
| W-4 | $3,832.45 | $4,323.11 |
| W-3 | $3,221.08 | $3,960.78 |
| W-2 | $2,860.70 | $3,643.75 |
| W-1 | $2,394.55 | $3,151.31 |
| E-9 | $3,147.54 | $4,149.51 |
| E-8 | $2,888.97 | $3,824.94 |
| E-7 | $2,468.19 | $3,551.31 |
| E-6 | $2,389.42 | $3,548.02 |
| E-5 | $2,389.42 | $3,548.02 |
| E-4 | $2,389.42 | $3,548.02 |
| E-3 | $2,355.48 | $3,548.02 |
| E-2 | $2,025.26 | $3,548.02 |
| E-1 | $1,870.58 | $3,548.02 |
Secondary DLA rates
Payable only when a second DLA is paid under JTR par. 050507 (orders amended, modified, canceled or revoked). The secondary table sits inside the CY2026 memo and is printed under the heading "Effective January 1, 2025". It is reproduced as printed; check the DTMO page for the version in force when your move happens.
| Grade | Without dependent | With dependent |
|---|---|---|
| O-10 | $4,149.86 | $5,108.47 |
| O-9 | $4,149.86 | $5,108.47 |
| O-8 | $4,149.86 | $5,108.47 |
| O-7 | $4,149.86 | $5,108.47 |
| O-6 | $3,807.26 | $4,599.74 |
| O-5 | $3,666.78 | $4,433.65 |
| O-4 | $3,398.10 | $3,908.34 |
| O-3 | $2,723.29 | $3,233.55 |
| O-2 | $2,160.20 | $2,761.04 |
| O-1 | $1,819.03 | $2,468.19 |
| O-3E | $2,940.71 | $3,475.07 |
| O-2E | $2,499.87 | $3,135.40 |
| O-1E | $2,149.69 | $2,896.91 |
| W-5 | $3,452.41 | $3,772.41 |
| W-4 | $3,065.98 | $3,458.48 |
| W-3 | $2,576.88 | $3,168.62 |
| W-2 | $2,288.54 | $2,915.01 |
| W-1 | $1,915.69 | $2,521.02 |
| E-9 | $2,518.00 | $3,319.62 |
| E-8 | $2,311.19 | $3,059.95 |
| E-7 | $1,974.49 | $2,841.09 |
| E-6 | $1,787.36 | $2,625.16 |
| E-5 | $1,648.50 | $2,361.00 |
| E-4 | $1,434.14 | $2,361.00 |
| E-3 | $1,406.93 | $2,361.00 |
| E-2 | $1,142.74 | $2,361.00 |
| E-1 | $1,018.96 | $2,361.00 |
Partial DLA rate history
A partial DLA is a one-time payment at a flat rate for a qualifying event (JTR par. 050508). The memo lists these rates for 2008 to 2026.
| Effective date | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | $1,002.71 |
| 1 January 2025 | $966.00 |
| 1 January 2024 | $924.40 |
| 1 January 2023 | $878.71 |
| 1 January 2022 | $840.07 |
| 1 January 2021 | $817.98 |
| 1 January 2020 | $794.16 |
| 1 January 2019 | $770.28 |
| 1 January 2018 | $750.76 |
| 1 January 2017 | $733.16 |
| 1 January 2016 | $718.08 |
| 1 January 2015 | $708.86 |
| 1 January 2014 | $701.84 |
| 1 January 2013 | $694.89 |
| 1 January 2012 | $683.27 |
| 1 January 2011 | $672.51 |
| 1 January 2010 | $663.22 |
| 1 January 2009 | $641.41 |
| 1 January 2008 | $617.33 |
DLA when both spouses are Service members
JTR par. 050506-A2: A Service member without dependents who is assigned to Government quarters at the new PDS, including a ship, is not authorized a DLA except when both Service members are without dependents and are moving into family-type Government quarters at a new PDS or as specified in par. 050504-B2, and par. 050504-B3.
JTR par. 050506-B: neither Service member is a dependent of the other, and Service members married to each other may select the greater allowance. Table 5-11. DLA for a Service Member Married to a Service Member, reproduced as printed:
Neither Service Member Has a Dependent
| # | Situation | At the new PDS | DLA paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | neither Service member is assigned to a ship | the same family-type Government quarters at the new PDS, | the senior Service member is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate. |
| 2 | both Service members are below grade E-6, are assigned at the same time to permanent duty aboard a ship, choose not to occupy assigned shipboard quarters, | the same private-sector residence or family-type Government quarters ashore at the new PDS, | the senior Service member is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate. |
| 3 | the Service members occupied the same dwelling at the old PDS | a. the same dwelling at the new PDS, | either Service member is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate, but not both.* |
| 4 | the Service members occupied the same dwelling at the old PDS | b. separate dwellings at the new PDS, | each Service member is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate. Only one DLA is authorized if moving from separate quarters to the same family-type Government quarters. |
| 5 | the Service members occupied separate dwellings at the old PDS | a. the same dwelling at the new PDS, | each Service member is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate. Only one DLA is authorized if moving from separate quarters to the same family-type Government quarters. |
| 6 | the Service members occupied separate dwellings at the old PDS | b. separate dwellings at the new PDS, | each Service member is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate. Only one DLA is authorized if moving from separate quarters to the same family-type Government quarters. |
One Service Member Has a Dependent and the Other Has None
| # | Situation | At the new PDS | DLA paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | the Service members occupied the same dwelling at the old PDS | a. the same dwelling at the new PDS, | either the Service member with no dependent is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate, or the Service member with a dependent is paid a DLA at the with-dependent rate, but not both.* |
| 8 | the Service members occupied the same dwelling at the old PDS | b. separate dwellings at the new PDS, | the Service member who has no dependent is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate, and the Service member who has a dependent is paid a DLA at the with-dependent rate. |
| 9 | the Service members occupied separate dwellings at the old PDS | a. the same dwelling at the new PDS, | the Service member who has no dependent is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate, and the Service member who has a dependent is paid a DLA at the with-dependent rate. |
| 10 | the Service members occupied separate dwellings at the old PDS | b. separate dwellings at the new PDS, | the Service member who has no dependent is paid a DLA at the without-dependent rate, and the Service member who has a dependent is paid a DLA at the with-dependent rate. |
Both Service Members Have Dependents
| # | Situation | At the new PDS | DLA paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | the Service members occupied the same dwelling at the old PDS | a. the same dwelling at the new PDS, | either Service member is paid a DLA at the with-dependent rate, but not both.* |
| 12 | the Service members occupied the same dwelling at the old PDS | b. separate dwellings at the new PDS, | each Service member is paid a DLA at the with-dependent rate.** |
| 13 | the Service members occupied separate dwellings at the old PDS | a. the same dwelling at the new PDS, | each Service member is paid a DLA at the with-dependent rate.** |
| 14 | the Service members occupied separate dwellings at the old PDS | b. separate dwellings at the new PDS, | each Service member is paid a DLA at the with-dependent rate.** |
*If married Service members, each on PCS orders, maintain separate households, one establishing a permanent household at the new PDS and the other maintaining one at the old PDS, and they later occupy the same residence at the new PDS, they are both eligible to receive the DLA (B-191742, August 1, 1978, and DOHA Case 96110801, June 26, 1997). A Service member eligible for the without-dependent rate receives a DLA at that rate.
**Payable only if it can only be conclusively shown it is necessary to establish separate household for or on behalf of each member or for the dependent.
Dislocation allowance questions
What is the dislocation allowance (DLA)?
The JTR says the purpose of the DLA is to partially reimburse a Service member for the expenses incurred while relocating his or her household under the circumstances in JTR section 0505. It is a flat amount by pay grade and dependent status, not a receipt-based reimbursement, and it may be paid in advance.
How much is the dislocation allowance in 2026?
The CY2026 primary rates, effective January 1, 2026, run from $1,870.58 (E-1 without dependents) to $6,385.58 (O-10 with dependents). The rate depends on pay grade and on whether you move with a dependent. The full table above lists every grade, and the calculator picks the right line for you.
How much is DLA for an E-5 with dependents?
For 2026, the primary DLA for an E-5 is $3,548.02 with a dependent and $2,389.42 without one. In the same table, E-1 to E-6 share that with-dependent rate. A secondary DLA, if one applies, is $2,361.00 with a dependent and $1,648.50 without.
Is the dislocation allowance the same for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force?
Yes, the rate table is the same. The 2026 memo gives one rate per pay grade and dependent status, with no column by branch. The JTR is the joint regulation for the Services: its Table 5-10 names the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard (plus NOAA Corps and the Public Health Service), and the memo is copied to the U.S. Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center. That table also sets which official in each Service can approve an exception to the one-DLA-per-fiscal-year limit.
Is the dislocation allowance taxable?
IRS Publication 3 (2025), the Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, says not to include in income amounts received as a dislocation allowance. That is the 2025 edition for 2025 returns; check the current edition and your own return, or ask a tax professional.
Can I get DLA more than once in a fiscal year?
Usually not. JTR 050501-B authorizes only one DLA payment during a fiscal year, except for things such as a partial DLA, a Service Secretary determination that more than one PCS is warranted, a PCS to, from or between Service-run courses, an amended or canceled order, a base realignment and closure move and an evacuation. The fiscal year is set by your departure or detachment date from the old PDS (050501-C1), and moves for which no DLA was authorized do not count (050501-C2).
Can DLA be paid in advance?
Yes. The introduction to JTR section 0505 says a DLA may be paid in advance. Ask your finance office how to request it with your orders.
Is DLA paid for a first PCS from home to the first duty station (PDS)?
Only if a dependent moves. JTR 050509-A says DLA is not authorized for a PCS from home or PLEAD to the first PDS unless a dependent moves from the Service member’s residence to the PDS or a designated place in connection with the PCS. A member with no dependent, or whose dependent does not relocate, is not authorized DLA to the first PDS. The JTR also lists other cases where DLA is not authorized, such as a PCS from the last PDS to home (050509-B); ask your finance office about your own orders.
What is a secondary DLA?
If a PCS order is amended, modified, canceled or revoked and you or a dependent already moved, JTR 050507 pays a DLA for each move, with no more than two. The first move uses the primary rate and the move to the location in the changed order uses the secondary table. For an E-5 with a dependent the secondary amount is $2,361.00. The secondary table is printed under the heading "Effective January 1, 2025" in the CY2026 memo.
What is a partial DLA?
A partial DLA is a one-time flat payment for a qualifying event: JTR 050508 requires it when a member is ordered to occupy or vacate Government quarters because of privatization, renovation or any other reason for the Government's convenience. The rate in the CY2026 memo is $1,002.71 (effective 1 January 2026). It is not authorized for a PCS, a voluntary move, a move from privatized housing to privatized housing or a change in family size, among other cases.
What if my dependents join me later?
Under JTR 050503-B, if your dependent is authorized to travel but does not move with you, you are paid the without-dependent rate when Government quarters are not assigned at the new PDS. If the dependent later joins you and travels at Government expense, you receive a DLA equal to the difference between the without-dependent rate and the with-dependent rate. The JTR does not say which rate table the difference uses; this page uses the primary table, which gives $1,158.60 for an E-5. Confirm the figure with your finance office.
What if I am married to another Service member?
Neither of you is a dependent of the other (JTR 050506-A). Table 5-11, shown above exactly as printed, sets who is paid and at which rate depending on dependents and housing at the old and new PDS. Service members married to each other may select the greater allowance (050506-B).
When will the 2027 DLA rates be published?
This page does not predict a date or amounts. What the sources show: the CY2026 rates came in a PDTATAC memo dated December 31, 2025, effective January 1, 2026, and the partial DLA history lists a 1 January effective date for every year from 2008 to 2026. Check the DTMO dislocation allowance page for a CY2027 memo.
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