Your brain will most likely be filled to the rim with thoughts about buying homes and realtors ahead of your PCS or permanent change of status. Investing in homes to buy or condos for sale might be consuming for your mind, but it won’t be easy on your wallet either. It’s very fair to wonder about when you will get paid after Military PCS and what kind of reimbursement you can expect.
Not having to worry about finances can make the process easier. It’s enough having to worry about relocating and moving your belongings and loved ones with you. The last thing a person needs during these times is to wonder how affordable the move is.
Payment and PCS
The general rule is that the military will compensate you when you move to your home of record or entry. When you’re moving to a place other than your place of entry or home of record, there’s a formula that helps the Defense Department compensate you. This formula is based on two things.
The first is the distance your goods are allowed to travel, and the second is the weight you’re allowed to move based on your rank. If you’re moving light items, the Department of Defense will most likely be able to cover the whole shipment. Alternatively, moving heavy objects for long distances will increase the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Regarding payment out of pocket, the military will tell you how much you’ll have to pay to cover the cost of moving. You will be required to sign a document that you have received information about the extra costs and were told that you’ll need to cover them.
The amount you will owe from the move can be paid at your nearest installation, and in some cases, you might be able to pay through the mail. If you don’t pay or are late, the Defense Department will most likely recoup the money through your tax return.
The details mentioned earlier are if you choose to have the military handle the moving. On the other hand, you might opt to make a move yourself or through non-military companies. This is known as a personally procured move. You will be allowed to receive reimbursement from the military later using the same formula that considers weight and distance.
Not sure what to do? Both options are valid, and it might come down to personal preference. It’s always easy to get an estimate on both options before deciding. You can get an estimate from the military on how much you’ll pay out of pocket if you use their services and another estimate on how much you’ll be reimbursed for if you choose a personally procured move.
PCS and looking for condos for sale isn’t as difficult as it sounds. There are numerous tools to help you get through your move, whether optional or mandatory. You’ll get through it.
