How PCS Copilot calculates your entitlements

Every dollar figure on this site is traceable to an official source. Here is exactly how each entitlement is calculated, what we assume, and where the estimates stop and your finance office takes over. Rate tables last reviewed January 2026.

DLA (Dislocation Allowance)

Read directly from the published JTR pay-grade table for the current year, selected by your pay grade and whether your dependents actually relocate. This is an exact figure, not an estimate, though eligibility rules still apply.

MALT (mileage)

Official distance between duty stations multiplied by the current PCS mileage rate ($0.205 per mile for 2026). We use the standard official distance, not your odometer; the government uses the Defense Table of Official Distances, which can differ slightly.

Per diem (travel days)

Authorized travel days multiplied by the standard CONUS PCS per diem (up to $178 per day), with dependents added at the JTR age tiers (75% for age 12 and up, 50% under 12) when they travel. Travel days follow the JTR rule of one day for the first 400 miles, then one per additional 350. High-cost and OCONUS localities have their own rates.

TLE and TLA (temporary lodging)

TLE reimburses actual CONUS lodging and meals up to 21 days and up to $290 per day; TLA is the OCONUS equivalent, commonly up to 60 days. Both are reimbursements of what you actually spend, capped by locality, so we show the ceiling, not a guaranteed payout.

PPM / DITY incentive

A PPM pays 100% of the government constructed cost of shipping your weight. Because that constructed cost depends on live rates, route, and your certified weight tickets, we show an estimated range, not an exact figure.

What these numbers are, and are not

  • Estimates, not a determination.The free calculators use standard national rates. Locality rates, installation-specific caps, and your finance office's reading of the JTR can move the final number.
  • The full playbook is generated, then checked. Your personalized playbook is written by an AI model against these same rate tables and passes an automated accuracy audit before you see it. It is still an estimate.
  • One place for the rates. Every figure comes from a single rate source that we review on a schedule, so the calculators, guides, and playbook never disagree with each other.
  • Always verify with finance. Your servicing finance office and the JTR are the final authority on your specific move. Treat our figures as a strong starting point that tells you what to ask for.

Found a figure that looks off? That is exactly the kind of report we want. Tell us on the corrections page and we will check it against the source and fix it.

Sources and last updated

Rate figures on this page reflect the January 2026 Joint Travel Regulations tables. Rates change, usually once a year and sometimes mid-year, so confirm the current figure before you count on it.

PCS Copilot produces estimates, not an official entitlement determination. Verify your numbers with your servicing finance office. See how we calculate on the methodology page, or report an error on the corrections page.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Defense or any branch of the U.S. military.