What is the 2026 DLA amount for an E-5 with dependents?

An E-5 with dependents receives $3,548.02 in DLA for 2026 (the same rate applies to E-1 through E-6). Without dependents, an E-5 receives $2,389.42. These rates are effective January 1, 2026 per the DTMO DLA rate table.

No. Dislocation Allowance is non-taxable. It does not appear as taxable wages on your W-2. The full amount is yours to spend on PCS-related expenses (deposits, utility hook-ups, temporary lodging, food during travel).

When do I get paid DLA?

DLA is typically paid as a separate disbursement after you sign in at your new duty station and submit your travel voucher. The DTS or finance office processes it within 1–3 pay cycles. For OCONUS moves, DLA may be paid in two parts (departure and arrival) depending on the move type.

Do I get DLA for every PCS?

You receive Primary DLA once per PCS move (CONUS-CONUS, CONUS-OCONUS, OCONUS-CONUS, OCONUS-OCONUS). Secondary DLA is paid for additional moves within a 12-month period under specific JTR Chapter 5 conditions. Members who move into government housing within 12 months of receiving Primary DLA may have DLA recouped.

How is DLA different from MALT and per diem?

DLA is a one-time, non-taxable allowance for PCS-related "miscellaneous" expenses (deposits, hookups, etc.). MALT pays $0.205 per mile (CY2026) for driving your POV. Per diem covers daily travel lodging ($110) and meals ($68 M&IE) along the route. All three are paid for one PCS move and they cover different expense categories.

PCS Move

DLA Calculator

FY2026

Dislocation Allowance — the one-time payment that offsets PCS move-in costs.

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Primary DLA · 2026

$3,548.02

E-5 · With dependents

Advance available

$3,548.02

Up to 100% — available 30 days before departure from old PDS

Paid via travel voucher

If no advance is requested, the full DLA is paid after you file the DD 1351-2.

Tax treatment

Non-taxable

Won't appear on W-2

JTR reference

JTR par. 050501 · Advance: 050505

Your situation

Pay grade

Dependency status

DLA type

Standard PCS with household relocation — primary DLA rate applies.

When you get paid

Advance pay (optional)

Up to 100% ($3,548.02) can be advanced up to 30 days before your projected departure date from the old PDS (JTR par. 050505). Request through finance with a copy of your orders.

Or paid with travel voucher

If you don't request an advance, the full DLA is paid after you file your DD 1351-2 travel voucher at the new PDS.

No tax withholding

DLA is a non-taxable reimbursement and doesn't appear on your W-2.

Primary DLA by rank (with deps)

Your selection highlighted. Range: $3,085.23 — $6,385.58.

Eligibility

DLA is authorized

✓PCS orders with a household relocation to a new permanent duty station
✓Member with dependents where dependents relocate with the service member
✓Member without dependents authorized to live off-post (E-1 through E-4 require authorization)

DLA is not authorized

✕First PDS (initial entry to active duty) unless dependents relocate
✕PCS with no household relocation (no HHG shipment, no change of residence)
✕Last PDS to home on separation from active duty

About DLA

What is DLA?

A one-time payment to partially reimburse relocation expenses during a PCS — deposits, utility hookups, and other costs of getting settled.

When do you receive it?

Primary and Secondary DLA may be advanced up to 100% of the authorized amount as early as 30 days before your projected departure date from the old PDS (JTR par. 050505). If you don't request an advance, the full DLA is paid when you file your DD 1351-2 travel voucher. Partial DLA has no advance provision — it's a single flat payment after authorization.

Is DLA taxable?

No. DLA is a non-taxable reimbursement and won't appear on your W-2 as taxable income.

Dual-military couples?

If both spouses PCS to the same location, one DLA is paid at the higher rate. If to different locations, each receives their own DLA.

FAQ

DLA — frequently asked questions

What is the 2026 DLA amount for an E-5 with dependents?: An E-5 with dependents receives $3,548.02 in DLA for 2026 (the same rate applies to E-1 through E-6). Without dependents, an E-5 receives $2,389.42. These rates are effective January 1, 2026 per the DTMO DLA rate table.
Is DLA taxed?: No. Dislocation Allowance is non-taxable. It does not appear as taxable wages on your W-2. The full amount is yours to spend on PCS-related expenses (deposits, utility hook-ups, temporary lodging, food during travel).
When do I get paid DLA?: DLA is typically paid as a separate disbursement after you sign in at your new duty station and submit your travel voucher. The DTS or finance office processes it within 1–3 pay cycles. For OCONUS moves, DLA may be paid in two parts (departure and arrival) depending on the move type.
Do I get DLA for every PCS?: You receive Primary DLA once per PCS move (CONUS-CONUS, CONUS-OCONUS, OCONUS-CONUS, OCONUS-OCONUS). Secondary DLA is paid for additional moves within a 12-month period under specific JTR Chapter 5 conditions. Members who move into government housing within 12 months of receiving Primary DLA may have DLA recouped.
How is DLA different from MALT and per diem?: DLA is a one-time, non-taxable allowance for PCS-related "miscellaneous" expenses (deposits, hookups, etc.). MALT pays $0.205 per mile (CY2026) for driving your POV. Per diem covers daily travel lodging ($110) and meals ($68 M&IE) along the route. All three are paid for one PCS move and they cover different expense categories.

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PPM Calculator

Profit from a DITY move on top of your DLA.

MALT + Per Diem

Mileage + travel-day per diem for the drive.

Prorated BAH

Old vs new BAH on the paycheck you PCS.

REF: JTR 050501, effective 01 JAN 2026

PDTATAC MAP 72-25(I) — 3.8% ECI increase over CY2025

Results are estimates. Always verify with your finance office.

View Official Rate Table