Moving to a new duty station is a major part of military life. For service members planning to get married, timing can make a big difference in whether the government covers the cost of moving a spouse.
Knowing how marriage dates, PCS orders, and command sponsorship influence travel eligibility allows you to plan ahead and make informed choices before new orders are issued.
Marry Before Receiving PCS Orders
Getting married before receiving Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders simplifies the process. When a service member is legally married before the orders are issued, their spouse can be added to the orders, which allows the government to cover dependent travel and transportation costs.
The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) even allow reimbursement if the spouse travels shortly before the orders are officially published, as long as the service member is told that PCS orders are forthcoming and all other requirements are met. Taking care of the marriage paperwork early helps maintain eligibility and prevents financial surprises later.
According to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), dependents must be authorized on the PCS orders to cover travel costs. Without that authorization, reimbursement is not available.
Marriage After Orders Are Issued
Getting married after PCS orders take effect usually limits travel benefits. The JTR clearly states that anyone not listed as a dependent on the effective date of the order is typically ineligible for government-funded dependent travel for that move.
Some exceptions exist, particularly in overseas situations. When a service member marries after the orders are issued but before beginning an in-place consecutive overseas tour (IPCOT), dependent travel can still be authorized once command sponsorship is approved.
Command Sponsorship Determines Overseas Travel Benefits
For overseas assignments, command sponsorship is essential. Without sponsorship, the government will not cover the cost of moving dependents.
DFAS guidance explains that dependents must be command-sponsored and included in PCS orders to qualify for government-funded transportation. Command sponsorship, sometimes called “accompanied orders,” officially recognizes the spouse as part of the service member’s assignment and unlocks full travel benefits and allowances.
When a dependent is not command-sponsored, government-funded transportation is typically restricted until sponsorship is approved or until the next PCS move is issued.
The Importance Of What Orders Say
The details written into PCS orders directly influence what travel expenses are covered. The JTR authorizes dependent travel from the location where the dependent is residing when the PCS order is received. However, payment is capped at the cost of traveling from the old duty station to the new one or another approved point.
If the command delays dependent travel for 20 weeks or longer on a stateside move, the JTR allows a government-funded relocation from the old duty station to a designated place, with the orders amended to reflect the change. Reviewing the orders closely and requesting updates when needed helps avoid unnecessary costs.
Allowances That Can Help With The Move
When a spouse is authorized to travel, several financial benefits apply. Per diem rates cover daily expenses, and a spouse receives 75% of the service member’s daily rate, whether traveling together or separately, while children under 12 receive 50%.
Mileage is reimbursed under the Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT), set at $0.21 per mile for PCS travel starting on or after January 1, 2024. Household goods are eligible for 90 days of government-paid storage-in-transit, and extensions can be granted when delays occur for reasons outside the member’s control.
The Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) publishes examples that show how these rates and allowances are calculated, giving families a clear picture of potential reimbursements.
Handling Common Timing Conflicts
Military life rarely fits neatly into one timeline, and the JTR accounts for real-world complications.
Reimbursement can be approved if a spouse travels just before orders are issued, provided the service member had official notice of the upcoming PCS. Families may also delay travel with proper authorization, and the orders can later be updated to reflect the new plan.
In cases where unexpected changes occur, commands have the authority to issue amended orders that align with the new circumstances. Keeping communication open with the command and finance office helps make these adjustments smoother and prevents reimbursement delays.
What To Bear In Mind When Planning Ahead
Marrying before PCS orders are issued or before their effective date gives the spouse the best chance of being included on the orders and qualifying for government-paid travel.
For overseas assignments, command sponsorship is the deciding factor in whether dependent travel is funded. Reviewing PCS orders carefully and confirming that all dependents are listed with proper authorizations helps avoid costly oversights.
Staying proactive with documentation, communicating with your command, and knowing the travel regulations all contribute to a more organized, less stressful move for you and your spouse.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Planning a move as a military family involves more than packing boxes and scheduling transportation. The timing of your marriage, the wording on your PCS orders, and whether command sponsorship is granted all influence whether the government covers your spouse’s travel.
At MG Moving Services, we know every move has its own challenges, especially for military families balancing orders and timelines. Call (888) 707-7709 or request a free military moving quote online today to begin planning a military move you can feel confident about.