PCS Runway Calculator: Can Your Savings Bridge the Moving Gap?
Example: Liquid savings you can tap: 8000 $ · Expected DITY/PPM move reimbursement: 3000 $ · Estimated out-of-pocket moving costs: 4500 $ · Weeks of BAH/pay gap (in months): 1 months · Monthly expenses during gap: 3500 $ · New BAH minus old BAH (monthly, can be negative): 200 $
| Cash remaining after move (positive = covered) | $3,000 |
| Total cash available (savings + DITY) | $11,000 |
| Total cash needed (move + gap expenses) | $8,000 |
| Months of expenses covered after move | 0.86 |
| Shortfall (0 = fully covered) | $0 |
Worked example
With $8,000 savings plus a $3,000 DITY reimbursement, you have $11,000 available. A $4,500 move plus one month of $3,500 expenses = $8,000 total needed. Net liquidity after the move: $3,000. That is less than one month of emergency buffer — tight but manageable if the reimbursement arrives on schedule. If the DITY check is delayed by 30 days (common), your effective coverage drops to $4,500 at the start, creating a potential shortfall. Build a $5,000 dedicated PCS fund to avoid credit-card bridge debt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DITY/PPM move and how much does it pay?
A Do-It-Yourself (DITY) or Personally Procured Move (PPM) means you arrange your own move and are reimbursed by the government at 100% of what the government would have paid a contractor (the 'standard move cost'), minus applicable taxes. The reimbursement is taxable unless you use it to offset actual moving costs. Reimbursements vary widely by origin and destination but often range from $1,000 to $8,000+.
When does BAH stop at the old duty station?
BAH at your old rate generally continues until you officially check out, but the exact cutoff varies by branch and orders. BAH at the new rate begins when you report to the new station. During a permissive TDY period between stations, you may receive BAH at the old rate; during leave between stations, policies vary. Read your specific orders carefully.
What moving allowances does the military provide beyond DITY?
Government-arranged moves (GTC/HHG shipments), dislocation allowance (DLA — a flat sum to help offset incidental move costs), transportation of a POV (personally owned vehicle) in some cases, and temporary lodging allowance/expense (TLE/TLA) for lodging during transition. TLE pays up to 10 days at origin and 10 days at destination.
How far in advance should I save for a PCS?
Financial planners recommend saving a dedicated PCS fund of $3,000–$8,000 depending on family size, especially if you live on-base and your DITY reimbursement will be modest. Starting 12 months before an expected PCS season allows you to build the fund without disrupting regular expenses.