TLA OCONUS FAQs
UPDATED: 04 JUN 2009

The actual rules for TLA are in the JFTR, pars. U9150 through U9195. Following are answers to some basic questions concerning TLA and an extract from the JFTR indicating TLA computation steps and showing computation examples.

 

QUESTIONS	ANSWERS
Q1. What is the purpose of TLA? See par. U9150-A.	A1. The purpose of TLA is to partially reimburse a member for: 1. The more than normal expenses incurred while occupying temporary lodgings (including Temporary Lodging Facilities as defined in Appendix A) and 2. Expenses for meals obtained as a direct result of using temporary lodgings OCONUS that don't have facilities for preparing and consuming meals.
Q2. When is TLA Authorized? See par. U9150-A.	A2. TLA is authorized in the following circumstances: 1.  Upon initial arrival (reporting) at an OCONUS PDS (includes reporting for TDY at an activity within the new OCONUS PDS limits (B-208740, 31 January 1983) and waiting for Government quarters assignment, or while completing arrangements for other permanent living accommodations when Government quarters are not available;  2.  When based on the OCONUS TLA Authority's written guidance, the appropriate official determines that for reasons beyond the member's control (does not include a ship entering any type of maintenance availability), it is necessary for a member, once established in permanent quarters in the PDS vicinity, to vacate permanent quarters permanently or temporarily, and to use temporary lodgings in the PDS vicinity while looking for other permanent quarters or waiting to reoccupy the vacated permanent quarters;  3.  While seeking permanent housing following a TDY period when a member without dependents vacated permanent housing before a TDY assignment of 90 or more days (59 Comp. Gen. 486 (1980));  4.  While house-hunting after the member arrives at the new PDS and reports for duty in conjunction with a PCS;  5.  Immediately preceding PCS departure from an OCONUS PDS (includes reporting for TDY at a location within the old OCONUS PDS limits (B-208740, 31 January 1983) after Government quarters are/ private sector housing is vacated in connection with a PCS order;  6.  During a member’s hospitalization period while en route between PDSs when dependents are required to use OCONUS temporary lodgings during the hospitalization period.  NOTE: A member who retires/separates, stays in the PDS area, and then moves at a later date is not eligible for TLA. *NOTE 2: TLA is not intended, and must not be allowed to be used, for the personal enrichment of a member by extending TLA allowances for other than the purpose intended.  Disciplinary action addressed in par. U1055 applies when TLA allowances are used for inappropriate reasons.
Q3. May a member serving an unaccompanied tour receive TLA when an available Government dining facility/mess isn't used or available Government quarters aren't occupied because of the presence of non-command sponsored dependents in the member's PDS vicinity? (See par. U9155-D.)	A3. No.
Q4. May a member receive TLA if Government quarters are available and other lodgings are used? See par. U9150-C1.	A4. Yes, but lodging reimbursement is limited to what the Government quarters would have cost. If Government quarters aren't available, the member's certification is required to support a claim for TLA.
Q5. How many TLA days may a member have when assigned to an OCONUS PDS? See par. U9160-A.	A5. A number of days deemed sufficient, but ordinarily, not more than 60 days. A period in addition to that 60 days may be authorized/approved when any of the following reasons exist and are beyond the member's/dependents' control. See par. U9160-G.: 1. Non-arrival of HHG; 2. Delay in availability of/assignment to Government quarters due to Service requirements; 3. Acts of God, fire, flood, earthquake, riot, civil unrest, or other disturbances that make normally available or anticipated Government quarters or private sector housing temporarily or permanently uninhabitable or unavailable; 4. Withdrawal of housing from the market by a landlord; 5. Member is unable to secure housing considered by the housing officer to be suitable to the member's needs, in an acceptable location, and comparable to and within the price range of housing currently being used by other members in the area. NOTE: This does NOT mean the housing lease cost cannot exceed the OHA ceiling; it can.; 6. Member/dependent(s) are hospitalized or the member's duties requires the member to be away from the PDS (homeport, if attached to a ship) resulting in curtailment of opportunities to arrange for permanent living accommodations. The additional TLA period is authorized/approved in increments of 10 or fewer days.
Q6. When does TLA start? See par. U9160-A.	A6. The TLA period begins on the same date that COLA eligibility begins.
Q7. How soon is a member required to start looking for permanent housing? See par. U9160-C1.	A7. The member is required to begin aggressively seeking quarters as soon as possible after arrival .At the end of the first TLA period, the designated overseas commander has the member's case reviewed to determine the progress being made toward obtaining permanent housing. If the member's efforts appear deficient, the member is reminded of responsibilities in the matter. Unexcused failure to comply with the diligent search requirement leads is cause to stop TLA.
Q8. May a member receive TLA when the member and dependents receive MALT plus flat per diem? See par. U9160-B.	A8. The member/dependents may not receive TLA on the reporting day to a new PDS if MALT plus per diem is being paid for that day.
Q9. How many TLA days is a member allowed upon departure from an OCONUS PDS? See par. U9170-A.	A9. A member ordinarily should not require TLA for more than the last 10 days before the day the member departs the PDS in compliance with PCS orders. See par. U9170-A for exceptions.
Q10. May a member receive TLA while on leave or permissive travel? See par. U9175.	A10. TLA is not payable for any day a member is on leave or permissive travel away from the PDS vicinity, except when one or more dependents remain in the PDS vicinity. In that case, the number of dependents who continue to occupy temporary lodgings determines the rate payable. In either case, postponement of TLA pending return is not authorized. See par. U9150-A5.
Q11. Is an advance payment authorized for TLA? See par. U9158.Is an advance payment authorized for TLA? See par. U9190.	A11. Yes, an advance may be paid for the number of authorized TLA days, after authorization based on the appropriate directive(s) issued under par. U9150.
Q12. How is TLA computed? See par. U9185.	A12 . Except when more than one TLA rate applies within the computation period as in par. U9185-A or U9185-B, and except as in pars. U9185-F, and U9185-G, TLA computations are made in increments of 15 or fewer days when TLA ceases to exist before the end of a (15 or fewer day) period. Computations are as follows:

Step 1: Determine the Daily M&IE and Lodging Ceiling. Multiply the percentage in the following table by the applicable locality per diem M&IE and lodging rates.

Number of Eligible Persons Occupying Temporary Lodging	Percentage Applicable
Member or 1 dependent	65%
Member and 1 dependent, or 2 dependents only	100%
For each additional dependent 12 and over, add	35%
For each additional dependent under 12, add	25%

NOTE 1: The above percentage factors are used for both lodging and M&IE unless:

 

a. A TLA - Special (see par. U9195) has been authorized for lodging,

 

b. Temporary lodgings are not available at the PDS. See par. U9187-B.,

 

c. Permanent Government quarters are being renovated, or Government quarters lack/private sector housing lacks a stove and/or refrigerator. See par. U9185-F.,

 

d. Temporary quarters contain cooking facilities. See par. U9185-G., or

 

e. A member, authorized a temporary lodging cost at the new PDS under par. U9160-C3 as a TLA expense during a TDY/deployment period, is included in the number of persons occupying the temporary lodgings for lodging but not M&IE. Determine the member's share of the meal allowance by dividing the M&IE amount determined in this step by the number of persons in the member’s family, including the member, occupying the temporary lodgings. Deduct the member’s share from the M&IE.

 

NOTE 2 : Exceptions to this occur when temporary lodgings are not available at the PDS (see par. U9185-B), while quarters are being renovated (see par. U9185-F), or when permanent quarters lack a stove and/or refrigerator (see par. U9185-F).

 

Step 2: Determine Lodging Cost

 

a. Compare the actual daily lodging cost to the Step 1 lodging cost ceiling. Include in the lodging cost any lodging taxes, or the cost of a value added tax (VAT) relief certificate if the certificate is used to avoid paying the lodging taxes (and any lodging cost authorized under par. U9160-C3).

 

b. Receipts, invoices or statements from the lodging provider are required to verify lodging expenses. See par. U2510. Also see par. U9190 regarding TLA advances.

 

c. If the member is in a TDY status (no matter how much per diem is being received), reduce the lodging expense by the lodging cost used to determine the member’s per diem rate.

 

d. When staying with friends/relatives, lodging cost is not allowed and is always zero.

 

Step 3: Determine Daily TLA Amount. Add the Step 2 result to the Step 1 M&IE rate. This is the daily TLA amount. For TLA computation examples see pars. U9185-H and U9195 (TLA – Special).

 

F. TLA while Quarters Are Being Renovated, or if Quarters Lack a Stove and/or Refrigerator. When a member and/or dependents:

 

1. Occupy Government quarters while the kitchen is being renovated, or

 

2. Occupy quarters during utility loss, or

 

3. Initially occupy permanent quarters without a stove and/or refrigerator and meals cannot be prepared, the member may be authorized TLA to cover restaurant meals cost.

 

Determine TLA by multiplying the par. U9185-E, Step 1 percentage times the total meals amount in the locality M&IE per diem rate.

 

G. Temporary Quarters Contain Facilities for Preparing and Consuming Meals

 

1. When temporary lodgings have facilities and space for preparing and eating meals, the daily TLA rate is computed using par. U9185-E, except that the M&IE amount is reduced by one-half.

 

2. The reduced (one-half) M&IE amount based on cooking facilities does not apply when lodging is provided by a friend/relative, or to the first and last days of TLA.

 

3. The presence of a cook stove, work area (table, counter, etc.), refrigerator, sink, water, table, chairs, and cooking and eating utensils (i.e., all of the foregoing items) is evidence of adequate cooking and eating facilities.

 

4. When the member shows, to the satisfaction of the official designated in the local TLA regulations (see par. U9150), that the facilities for preparing and consuming meals are inadequate or for other reasons may not be used for all or part of the period involved, the member may be authorized TLA per par. U9185-E without the M&IE reduction. The member's explanation for facilities non-use, endorsed by the OCONUS TLA Authority’s designated official supports TLA payment under these circumstances.

 

5. To facilitate TLA administration, the OCONUS TLA Authority’s designated official should ensure that a current list of available accommodations is maintained and made available to incoming and departing personnel.

 

H. TLA Computation Examples. The following TLA computation examples are provided to assist in ensuring uniformity among all Services.

EXAMPLE 1

NOTE : Locality per diem rates used in this example may not be the rates currently in effect and are for illustration purposes only.

 

A member, with spouse, is assigned to an OCONUS location. The locality per diem rate is $150 ($76 lodging ceiling & $74 M&IE). The member and spouse arrive at the OCONUS location (the new PDS) on 1 April by POC and move into temporary lodgings the same day.

 

4/2 -- The member is advised upon reporting in to aggressively seek permanent quarters, to keep an accurate lodging expense record (and to keep lodging receipts), and to register with and keep the OCONUS TLA Authority informed of progress in obtaining permanent quarters at least every 10 days.

 

4/11 -- The member submits a lodging expense report of $1,140 ($114 per day, including lodging taxes) for 4/1 thru 4/10. The member’s progress in obtaining permanent housing is reviewed. It is determined that the member has complied with JFTR and the OCONUS TLA Authority requirements. TLA is extended for another 10-day period.

 

4/21 -- The member submits a lodging expenses report of $1,140 ($114 per day including lodging taxes) for 4/11 thru 4/20. The member was TDY and receiving per diem on 4/15 thru 4/18. Lodging costs at the PDS for 4/15, 4/16 and 4/17 were authorized for the member as a TLA expense under par. U9152-C3. The member moves into permanent quarters on 4/21. TLA is authorized only for the number of days the member actually remained in TLA accommodations.

 

TLA Computation for 1 April. Since ‘MALT PLUS’ per diem was paid on 1 April (OCONUS location arrival date) for the member and spouse, TLA is not payable for 1 April.

TLA COMPUTATION FOR 2-10 APRIL
1. Determine the maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	100% x $74 = $74.00 100% x $76 = $76.00
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate. Use the lesser.	$114.00 vs. $76.00 $76.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging amount. Pay $150 each day.	$74 + $76 = $150.00 $150.00 x 9 = $1,350.00

TLA COMPUTATION FOR 11-14 APRIL
1. Determine the maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	100% x $74 + $74.00 100% x $76 = $76.00
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate. Use the lesser.	$114.00 vs. $76.00 $76.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging amount. Pay $150 each day.	$74 + $76 = $150.00 $150.00 x 4 = 600.00

TLA COMPUTATION FOR 15-17 APRIL
1. Determine the maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	100% x $74 = $74.00 100% x $76 = $76.00
2. Determine the member’s share of the M&IE. Divide the Step 1 M&IE result by the number of occupants (including the member), then subtract that amount from the Step 1 result.	$74 divided by 2 = $37 $74 - $37 = $37
3. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging taxes) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate. Use the lesser.	$114 vs. $76 $76.00
4. Add the Step 2 M&IE to the selected Step 3 lodging amount. Pay $113.00 each day.	$37 + $76 = $113.00 $113 x 3 = $339.00

TLA COMPUTATION FOR 18-20 APRIL
1. Determine the maximum rates (given percentage x locality rate. M&IE Lodging	100% x $74 = $74.00 100% x $76 = $76.00
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate. Use the lesser.	$114.00 vs. $76.00 $76.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost. Pay $150.00 each day.	$74 + $76 = $150.00 $150 x 3 = $450.00

 

EXAMPLE 2

NOTE: Locality per diem rates used in this example may not be the rates currently in effect and are for illustration purposes only.

 

A member, with spouse, is assigned to an OCONUS home-ported ship. The locality per diem rate is $132 ($66 lodging ceiling & $66 M&IE). The member and spouse arrive at the OCONUS homeport 10/1 while the ship is away. They occupy temporary Government quarters. The temporary accommodations do not contain facilities for preparing and eating meals. On 10/6 the ship returns to the OCONUS homeport and the member reports aboard for duty at 1900 that day. The ship remains in port until 11/7. The member moves into permanent quarters on 10/11.

 

10/2 -- The member is advised upon reporting in to aggressively seek permanent quarters, to keep an accurate lodging expense record (and to keep lodging receipts), and to register with and keep the OCONUS TLA Authority informed of progress in obtaining permanent quarters at least every 10 days.

 

10/6 -- The member submits a lodging expenses report of $490 ($98 per day) for the member and spouse from 10/1 thru 10/5. The member submits a lodging expenses report of $490 ($98 per day) from 10/6 thru 10/10. The member has complied with the JFTR and command OCONUS TLA Authority requirements. TLA is extended for another 10-day period.

TLA COMPUTATION FOR 1-5 OCTOBER
Since the member is waiting for a ship and is in a per diem status (awaiting transportation), TLA is not payable to the member for 1 - 5 October (see par. U9152-C). However, TLA is payable for the spouse.
1. Determine the maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	65% x $66 = $42.90 65% x $66 = $42.90
2. Determine Lodging cost. Divide the allowable daily lodging cost (including lodging taxes) by 2, because the member is in a per diem status (par. U9152-C).	$98 divided by 2 = $49
3. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate. Use the lesser.	$49.00 vs. $42.90 $42.90
4. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 3 lodging amount. Pay $85.80 each day.	$42.90 + $42.90 = $85.80 $85.80 x 5 = $429.00

TLA COMPUTATION FOR 6-10 OCTOBER
1. Determine the maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	100% x $66 = $66.00 100% x $66 = $66.00
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate. Use the lesser.	$98.00 vs. $66.00 $66.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost. Pay $132 each day.	$66 + $66 = $132.00 $132 x 5 = $660.00

EXAMPLE 3

NOTE: Locality per diem rates used in this example may not be the rates currently in effect and are for illustration purposes only.

 

A member and 3 dependents (spouse, and two children under age 12) occupy temporary lodgings that contain facilities for preparing and consuming meals. The locality per diem rate equals $150 ($76 lodging ceiling & $74 M&IE). The lodging expense is $138 per night, including lodging taxes.

 

TLA Computation when Temporary Lodgings Contain Facilities for Preparing and Consuming Meals
1. Determine the maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	150% x $74 = 111.00 150% x $76 = 114.00
2. Multiply the Step 1 M&IE times one-half due to cooking facilities.	$111.00 x ½ = 55.50
3. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging taxes) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate. Use the lesser.	$138.00 vs. $114.00 $114.00
4. Add the Step 2 M&IE to the selected Step 3 lodging amount. Pay $169.50 each day.	$55.50 + $114.00 = 169.50 Pay $169.50 for each day

 

U9190 ADVANCE PAYMENT

An advance may be paid for the number of authorized TLA days, after authorization is provided based on the appropriate directive(s) issued under par. U9150.

 

U9159 TLA-SPECIAL
The percentage factors (65%, 100%, 35%, 25%) authorized in par. U9157-E generally are adequate. However, these percentages may be insufficient for a particular future time period because lodging costs are anticipated to escalate due to a special event. Examples of one-time circumstances that may warrant a TLA-Special include:

1. Natural disasters,

2. Summit meetings,

3. Strikes,

4. World's Fairs,

5. Conventions, or

6. Other similar events.

Under special/unusual circumstances a higher lodging percentage factor may be authorized in advance only by means of a determination of a TLA-Special issued by the PDTATAC Division Chief. Requests for higher lodging percentage factors only must be submitted by the member's command to:

Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee
Attn: T&T Branch

4601 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 800
Arlington , VA 22203 -1546
FAX: (703) 696 -7890 , DSN: (312) 426 -7890

or from the command by email to tla.specials@ dtmo.pentagon.mil

Requests must be sent before the fact (i.e., before the days on which the higher rate will be needed) and should include event dates (dates a TLA-Special is required), hotel prices before and anticipated during the event, and locations affected.

TLA-SPECIAL EXAMPLE
A member, spouse, and 2 children under age 12 are due to arrive and occupy temporary lodging that does not contain facilities for preparing and consuming meals. The family occupies temporary quarters 1-20 September before moving into permanent quarters 21 September. The per diem rate at http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/pdrates.html is $269 ($186 Max Lodging, $83 M&IE). Due to a national convention, room prices are anticipated to escalate for some part (or all) of the family's anticipated TLA period. PDTATAC was advised by the command BEFORE the TLA expenses were encountered about the lodging cost increase. PDTATAC issued a determination that the lodging factor would be 150% for one person and 75% for each additional dependent for 25 August – 5 September. The percentages (see par. U9157-E, Step 1) for the M&IE portion of TLA remain at the ordinary levels. Lodging expense is $650 per night for 1-5 September and $300 per night for 6-20 September.

 

NOTE: Locality per diem, rates used in this example may not be the rates currently in effect and are for illustration purposes only.

TLA-SPECIAL COMPUTATION FOR 1-5 SEPTEMBER
1. Determine maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	150% x $83 = $124.50 375% x $186 = $697.50
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate. Use the lesser.	$650.00 vs. 697.50 $650.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging amount. Pay $774.50 each day.	$124.50 + $650 = $774.50 $774.50 x 5 = $3,872.50

TLA-SPECIAL COMPUTATION FOR 6-20 SEPTEMBER
1. Determine the maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	150% x $83 = $124.50 150% x $186 -= $279.00
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate. Use the lesser.	$300.00 vs. $279.00 $279.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging amount. Pay $403.50 each day.	$124.50 + $279.00 = 403.50 $403.50 x 15 = $6,052.50