A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is a familiar part of military life, bringing with it new opportunities but also a significant amount of stress. While some moving expenses are reimbursed, there are many hidden costs associated with PCS moves that can take a financial toll on military families. Understanding these hidden costs and preparing for them can help you manage your finances and transition smoothly to your new duty station.
1. Housing Expenses Beyond BAH
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is meant to help cover housing costs at your new location, but it often doesn’t cover everything:
- Security Deposits and Application Fees: If you’re moving into a rental, you may need to pay a security deposit, pet deposit, and various application or administrative fees upfront, even if BAH will eventually cover rent costs.
- Out-of-Pocket Mortgage Costs: If you choose to buy a home, you may face down payment, closing costs, and other fees that are not covered by BAH or reimbursed by the military. In high-cost areas, housing allowances might not keep up with market prices, putting additional strain on finances.
2. Travel and Temporary Lodging Costs
PCS moves often require temporary accommodations while waiting for housing, which can add up quickly:
- Temporary Lodging: While Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) may reimburse some costs, there are limitations, such as the number of days and the maximum allowable rate. It may not cover all of your lodging expenses if you stay in a costly area or need extended temporary housing.
- Food and Daily Living Expenses: Eating out and purchasing daily essentials while in temporary lodging can significantly add to your expenses. These costs may go beyond what’s covered by TLE, especially if you’re waiting on household goods to be delivered.
- Mileage and Vehicle Wear: The military reimburses mileage for one vehicle when you drive to a new duty station, but if you have multiple vehicles, additional fuel and maintenance costs can add up. Longer moves mean more fuel, more stops, and increased wear and tear on vehicles.
3. Moving Supplies and Services
The military provides a moving allowance, but there are often extra costs not covered:
- Packing Supplies: While movers often provide the basics, many families need to purchase extra boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape for fragile or personal items they prefer to pack themselves.
- Professional Cleaning Services: Many leases and housing agreements require thorough cleaning upon moving out, sometimes involving carpet cleaning, yard work, or other maintenance services that can be costly.
- Pet Transport Costs: Moving with pets may require pet-friendly accommodations, extra fees on flights, and health certificates. None of these are covered by the military, making them an added expense for pet-owning families.
4. Unforeseen Household Item Replacements
PCS moves can lead to damaged or lost items, resulting in unexpected replacement costs:
- Lost or Damaged Items: While you can file claims for lost or damaged items, the process can be lengthy, and reimbursement isn’t guaranteed. In the meantime, you may need to replace items out of pocket.
- Size and Compatibility Issues: Your furniture may not fit or be suitable for your new home. Sometimes, you may have to downsize, sell, or purchase new furniture or appliances to match your new space, especially when moving between drastically different home sizes.
5. New School and Childcare Expenses
If you have school-aged children, a PCS move can result in educational and childcare costs:
- School Supplies and Fees: New schools may have registration fees, uniform requirements, or supply lists that differ from your previous location, which can be an unexpected expense.
- Specialized Childcare Needs: Finding new childcare or after-school programs can involve registration fees and possibly higher rates if your new duty station is in a high-cost area.
6. License, Registration, and State-Specific Fees
Every state has unique requirements and fees for vehicle registration, driver’s licenses, and more:
- Vehicle Registration and Inspection: Many states require new vehicle registration and inspection when you arrive, which may include fees for emissions testing or safety inspections.
- Professional Licensure Transfer: If you or your spouse is in a licensed profession, transferring or re-certifying licenses in a new state can be time-consuming and expensive. Some states offer reciprocity, but this isn’t always the case.
7. Income Loss and Career Transitions
PCS moves can disrupt employment, especially for military spouses, leading to income loss and career setbacks:
- Job Loss and Unemployment Gaps: Relocating often means that a working spouse must leave a job, leading to a gap in income. Some spouses may need time to find employment in the new location, or they may need to invest in retraining or education to meet state-specific job requirements.
- Reduced Retirement Savings: Income disruptions and the time it takes to find a new job can result in reduced contributions to retirement savings or other financial goals.
8. Mental Health and Wellness Costs
PCS moves are emotionally demanding, and families may need additional support to cope:
- Counseling and Support Services: The stress of relocation, adjusting to a new place, and family separations can take a toll on mental health. While some services are covered, you may decide to invest in private counseling or support groups, especially for children who may need help adjusting to frequent moves.
- Self-Care and Wellness Activities: In an effort to manage stress, families may turn to activities like exercise classes, meditation apps, or hobbies that help relieve stress. Although these expenses may seem minor, they can add up quickly.
How to Prepare for Hidden PCS Costs
Being proactive can help you prepare for the hidden expenses of a PCS move. Here are a few tips to help manage costs:
- Budget Early and Save: Create a PCS budget that includes these hidden expenses, and set aside savings in advance if possible. Include estimated costs for housing, travel, temporary lodging, and household replacements.
- Take Advantage of Military Resources: Programs like the Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) program, PCS travel loans from relief societies, and spouse employment programs can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- Research Your New Duty Station: Each location has unique cost factors, from the local housing market to childcare availability. Research in advance to understand the local cost of living and available support.
- Keep an Inventory: Photograph or list items of significant value before packing. This makes it easier to file claims for lost or damaged items and to assess what might need replacement.
Conclusion
PCS moves are a regular part of military life, but they don’t have to be a financial burden. By understanding the hidden costs and planning accordingly, military families can better manage these transitions and minimize stress. With careful budgeting and a proactive approach, you can keep finances on track and focus on the new opportunities that await at your next duty station.
Written By: HelpVet.net
Photo Credit: Canva
