Welcome to PCS Week, a weeklong series of guides and resources for the 2025 PCS season.
With the arrival of mid-May, peak PCS season is here. Whether you're dreading a first-time permanent change of station (PCS) or would like a refresher, here are some of the best resources at your disposal for planning ahead and getting help along the way:
Your New BAH Rate
The Defense Department calculates the Basic Allowance for Housing for a given ZIP code based on a combination of local costs of rent and utilities for different housing types. Look up your new rate with our calculator.
Dislocation Allowance Rates and Requests
If you're not moving into government quarters, you likely qualify for the Dislocation Allowance to help cover some of the unreimbursed costs of moving. The rates range from $1,802.10 to $6,151.81 in 2025. Request an advance payment from the finance office of the base you're leaving, or request reimbursement afterward at the finance office of your new base.
State Tax Information
Figure out whether your new state taxes active-duty military pay with our guide.
Read More: Here's How to Plan Financially for Your 2025 PCS
The Best PCS Resources on Military OneSource
- Installation Guide: It's more than a directory, with details about the local housing market and instructions for arriving at the base.
- Plan My Move Custom Checklist Generator: Tell the tool your origin and destination, along with details about your household such as dependents. Depending on the size of your family, checklists include finance, health care, household goods, housing, paperwork, school and transportation considerations.
- Relocation Assistance Program: Find the contact information for this office that exists on most installations. The program helps service members prepare for their PCS by referring their move to military transportation officials and providing information on housing, medical services, child care and schools at the new duty station.
- Local Transportation Offices: A transportation office will help schedule your military-contracted move and approve expenses for a personally procured move (PPM).
- Help from an Expert: For advice from an expert about PCSing any time of the day or night, call 800-342-9647 (go here for instructions for dialing from outside the continental U.S.) or schedule a chat.
MilitaryByOwner's Advice and e-Books
After more than two decades as a go-to venue for military homeowners to sell or rent their houses, MilitaryByOwner has compiled extensive resources for pre-planning, moving, overseas moves, PPMs and getting settled on the other side.
PCS Like a Pro on Facebook
Have questions about your plan for a PPM or just want to find out how the 2025 peak season plays out? The 24,000-strong PCS Like a Pro online community, led by military spouse and PCS advocate Megan Harless, has advice and updates from around the services.
A Checklist for PCSing and a Binder for All of Military Life
Military.com financial columnist Kate Horrell has created not only printable versions of resources such as her PCS checklist, she's also made a 126-page pdf she's named Your Military Family's Confidently Prepared Life Binder so you can stay just as organized after the move.
Keep Up-to-Date for Your Next PCS
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