Depending on where you move you may be authorized Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) or Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA). They are similar programs, the main difference is that TLE is used mainly used in CONUS while TLA is used OCONUS. Their purpose is to partially reimburse a member for the more than normal expenses incurred while occupying temporary lodgings.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)
TLE is an allowance intended to partially pay members for lodging/meal expenses incurred by a member & dependents while occupying temporary lodging as part of a PCS move.
You are normally allowed up to 14 days of TLE in conjunction with a CONUS PCS move that can be split in any matter, i.e. 10 days at old station & 4 at new station, etc. If you are PCS'ing from CONUS to OCONUS you can only get 5 days TLE at your CONUS station, but you may be eligible for Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) at your OCONUS station.
Service members transferring to areas with a designated housing shortage may be eligible for up to 60 days of TLE.
To get TLE you must be living in a temporary residence in the vicinity of the old or new PCS location (or designated place in special circumstances). TLE may be allowed if you are assigned family type government quarters and your HHG have not arrived yet, the HHG have been packed at the old PCS location, or you are awaiting moving in due to renovation, etc. You cannot get TLE if you are staying with dependents.
Payment is based on the per diem at the location of the temporary housing, you are paid based on the number of dependents occupying the temporary housing:
| Number of Persons Occupying Temporary Quarters |
Percentage Applicable |
|---|---|
| Member or 1 dependent: | 65% |
| Member and 1 dependent, or 2 dependents only: | 100% |
| For each additional dependent age 12 and over, add: | 35% |
| For each additional dependent under age 12, add: | 25% |
The maximum is TLE is $290 a day, lodging receipts are required for payment. The lodging portion of your per diem cannot exceed the actual cost.
Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)
Like its CONUS counterpart, TLA is an allowance intended to partially pay members for lodging/meal expenses incurred by a member & dependents while occupying temporary lodging as part of a PCS move.
You are normally authorized a maximum of 60 days TLA upon arrival at an OCONUS station, and 10 days upon departing an OCONUS station. For arrival TLA you must actively be seeking permanent housing and must verify that fact with your command every 15 days in order to continue drawing TLA. Payments are made every 15 days and advance payment is authorized. TLA may be allowed if you are seeking permanent housing on or off base, awaiting household goods shipment, on a house-hunting trip, or or similar reasons. You cannot get TLA if living with dependents.
Payment is based on the per diem at the location of the temporary housing. See the table above for percentage calculations. If you have international currency conversion fees you can be reimbursed for them. The lodging portion of your per diem cannot exceed the actual cost.
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