TLE ALLOWANCE WITHIN CONUS FAQs
UPDATED: 01 OCT 2009

The actual rules for TLE are in JFTR, pars. U5700 through U5725.  Following are answers to some basic questions concerning TLE and an extract from the JFTR      (par. U5720) indicating TLE computation steps and showing computation examples.

Q1.  What is the purpose of TLE?

Q2.  When is TLE Payable?

Q3.  Where must the temporary lodgings be located?

Q4. May I be paid TLE for the same days that PCS per diem is payable?

Q5. What will a member's TLE allowance be if the member isn't authorized travel for a 'new' dependent (also known as an acquired dependent) to the current PDS?

Q6. What are temporary lodgings?

Q7. Am I required to use GOV’T quarters?

Q8. Am I paid TLE if I am assigned family-type GOV’T quarters?

Q9.  Do I have to provide lodging receipts?

Q10. Will TLE be paid for days I stay with friends or relatives?

Q11. Will I be paid TLE for my first or last PCS?

Q12.  Can I be paid TLE and my spouse paid Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense (TQSE) Allowance at the same time?

Q13. For how many days will I be paid TLE?

Q14.  How much will I be paid per day?

Q15.  What TLE rules apply in the case of a member married to member?

Q16.  How is TLE computed?

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Q1.  What is the purpose of TLE?

ANSWER: To partially offset lodging and meal expenses when a member and/or dependents need to occupy temporary lodging in CONUS ICW a PCS.

Q2.  When is TLE Payable?

ANSWER: When temporary lodgings are occupied:

a. before leaving the old CONUS PDS, designated place (see JFTR, APP A), or a member’s CONUS Home of Record (HOR) or technical school, if the member is reporting to the first PDS,

NOTE: TLE is payable incident to a move when entering active duty to the first PDS.

b. after arriving at the new CONUS PDS (including a member’s first PDS, if the member is reporting there from HOR or initial technical school), designated place,

c. when house-hunting is performed after the member completes PCS travel to the new PDS (i.e., ICW a PCS after arrival at the new PDS),

d. for the elapsed time between PDSs at the old or new PDSs when PCS per diem is not payable, and

e. when the member’s PCS authorization/order is cancelled/revoked after the member occupies temporary quarters, the member is authorized TLE reimbursement up to the maximum number of days allowable.

f. upon initial arrival at the CONUS PDS while waiting for GOV’T quarters assignment, or while completing arrangements for other permanent living accommodations when GOV’T quarters are not available.

NOTE: The days covered must have been spent in the vicinity of the old/new PDS, designated place, and/or the member’s CONUS HOR, or initial technical school if ordered to active duty.

Q3.  Where must the temporary lodgings be located?

ANSWER: The temporary lodgings must be in the vicinity of the old and/or new PDS; and/or in the vicinity of the designated place.

Q4. May I be paid TLE for the same days that PCS per diem is payable?

ANSWER: No, you may not be paid TLE on any day that you are being paid PCS per diem for travel time. If per diem for travel time is not being paid, TLE may be paid for NTE the number of days authorized (ordinarily 5 or 10 days), regardless of how those days are labeled (e.g., leave, proceed, etc.). For example, if you are authorized TLE has 8 days elapsed time (e.g., proceed, delay, travel, etc.) between PDSs and the allowable travel time is 7 days, you may be paid for one day. If you have 22 days elapsed time between PDSs and the allowable travel time is 7 days, you may be paid the maximum TLE allowance.

Q5. What will a member's TLE allowance be if the member isn't authorized travel for a 'new' dependent (also known as an acquired dependent) to the current PDS?

ANSWER: Upon subsequent PCS the member may be paid TLE for temporary lodgings occupied by the member and/or 'new' dependent in the vicinity of the place the person became a dependent.

Q6. What are temporary lodgings?

ANSWER: Temporary lodgings are lodgings (including Temporary Lodging Facilities as defined in JFTR, APP A) used as a temporary place of residence. Lodgings occupied upon initial arrival at a new PDS and/or designated location which are permanent-type residence quarters which you continues to occupy indefinitely are not temporary lodgings.

Q7. Am I required to use GOV’T quarters?

ANSWER: Yes, you must use available GOV’T quarters including temporary lodging facilities in the area of the old and/or new PDS. If there are GOV’T quarters, you must provide a signed statement indicating that GOV’T quarters were not available, to support your TLE claim.

Q8. Am I paid TLE if I am assigned family-type GOV’T quarters?

ANSWER: Yes, if the assigned quarters are not occupied because:

a. HHG have not been shipped from the old PDS;

b. HHG have not been received at the new PDS;

c. the quarters are undergoing repair/renovation, etc., or

d. the HHG have been packed, picked up and/or shipped from the old PDS.

Q9.  Do I have to provide lodging receipts?

ANSWER: Yes, receipts for lodging are required to support the lodging costs.


Q10. Will TLE be paid for days I stay with friends or relatives?

ANSWER: Yes, but the lodging cost for those days will be zero.

Q11. Will I be paid TLE for my first or last PCS?

ANSWER: The law authorizing TLE does not permit TLE payment to you when moving from a PDS when leaving active duty. However, you may be paid TLE incident to a move when entering active duty to the first PDS.

NOTE: TLE is payable incident to a move when entering active duty to the first PDS beginning 5 October 1999 for enlisted members, and for officer members with orders issued on or after 1 January 2002.

Q12. Can I be paid TLE and my spouse paid Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense (TQSE) Allowance at the same time?

ANSWER: Yes and No. TLE and TQSE both may be paid as long as TLE and TQSE payments cover different expenses.  Duplication payment for the same expenses is not authorized.

Q13. For how many days will I be paid TLE?

ANSWER: The time limitation for TLE is:

a. 10 days ICW a PCS to a CONUS PDS, (you may split the days among old CONUS PDS, new CONUS PDS and CONUS designated place ), or,

b. 5 days ICW a PCS from CONUS to an OCONUS PDS, (you may split the days among old CONUS PDS and CONUS designated place ). There's a separate allowance called TLA at the OCONUS site, or

c. 10 days if you report to the first CONUS PDS from the HOR or initial technical school (you may split the days among CONUS HOR, initial technical school, CONUS designated place, and CONUS PDS);

d. 5 days if you report to the first OCONUS PDS from the HOR or initial technical school. (you may split the days among CONUS HOR, initial technical school, and CONUS designated place).

e. IAW JFTR, par. U5710-5 (effective for TLE incurred20 March 2008 through and including 31 December 2009) TLE is limited to 60 days for a PCS to a CONUS PDS for which the Secretaries Concerned have collectively prescribed a temporary increase due to:

1. a major disaster (PDS must be located in a Presidentially-declared disaster area), or

2. the PDS is experiencing a sudden increase in number of members assigned.

See JFTR, par. U5710 for locations at which TLE reimbursement has been temporarily increased to 60 days.

Q14.  How much will I be paid per day?

ANSWER: You may be paid or reimbursed up to $290/day. This maximum applies if you and your dependents occupy temporary lodgings on the same and/or different days. When you and your dependents occupy temporary lodgings on different days, you may elect the days for which TLE is claimed. For example, you occupy temporary lodgings for 12 days during the period 1-12 April at the new PDS. Your dependents also occupy temporary lodgings at the old PDS for 12 days but for the period 18-29 April. The period 1-10 April (member) and 18-27 April (dependents) could be selected for TLE purposes. Reimbursement for the combined total expenses incurred for the first days you claim TLE (1 April for you and 18 April for your dependents) may not exceed $290 per day. The same limitation applies for the remaining days.

Q15.  How does TLE apply in the case of a member-married-to-member couple?

ANSWER:

a. When both spouses are members, each is authorized TLE.

b. Each member is authorized TLE whether or not temporary lodgings are jointly or separately occupied.

c. Each may be paid or reimbursed up to $290/day.

d. One member may not claim the other member for TLE payment.

e. Both members may not claim the same dependents on the same days for TLE purposes.

f. Each member must certify, IAW Service regulations, that temporary lodgings were occupied for the number of days for which TLE is claimed.

Q16.  How is TLE computed?

ANSWER: Compute TLE using the following steps:

Step 1: Determine the daily M&IE and ceiling for lodging. Multiply the percentage in the following table by the applicable locality per diem lodging and M&IE rates prescribed inhttp://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html.

 

No. of Eligible Persons Occupying Temporary Quarters	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%

 

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

a. For member married-to-member couples, each spouse begins with 65%. Each dependent then increases the percentage for the member claiming that dependent as shown in examples 3 and 4.

 

b. For a member with multiple dependents occupying the same temporary lodging, add each dependent starting with the oldest dependent to get the correct percentage rate as shown in examples 2, 4, and 5. A member with two dependents, one over 12 is 125% (member and dependent over 12 is 100%, dependent under 12 is 25%).

 

Step 2: Determine lodging. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 lodging cost ceiling. Use the lesser. 

Step 3: Determine gross daily equivalency. Add the Step 2 result to the Step 1 daily M&IE rate.

Step 4: Determine applicable daily rate. Compare $290.00 with the Step 3 amount. Pay the lesser of these two amounts for that day.

 

EXAMPLE 1 -- TLE ALLOWANCE

 

NOTE: The locality per diem rate(s) used in this example may not be the rate(s) currently in effect and is/are for illustration purposes only. See http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html or par. U2025 for the current Standard CONUS per diem rate.

A member without dependents is PCS’d between two PDSs. Before and after reporting at the new PDS, the member occupies temporary quarters at the new PDS for 4 nights at $47.50/night ($42.75 plus $4.75 tax). The new PDS locality per diem rate is $124 ($78/ $46). The member certifies that GOV’T QTRS were not available. The member is authorized TLE, computed as follows:

 

Member with no dependents
1. Determine maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	65% x $46 = $29.90 65% x $78 = $50.70
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate and use the lesser.	$47.50 vs. $50.70 $47.50
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected lodging in Step 2.	$29.90 + $47.50 = $77.40
4. Compare $290.00 with the Step 3 amount and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $77.40/day.	$290.00 vs. 77.40; $77.40/day x 4 days = $309.60

 

 

EXAMPLE 2 -- TLE ALLOWANCE 

NOTE: The locality per diem rate(s) used in this example may not be the rate(s) currently in effect and is/are for illustration purposes only. See http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html or par. U2025 for the current Standard CONUS per diem rate.

 

A member with a spouse (not entitled to basic pay) and two children (ages 12 and 9) is PCS’d between two CONUS PDSs. The Standard CONUS per diem rate of $116 ($70/ $46) applies to both PDSs. After reporting to the new PDS, the member and dependents occupy temporary quarters off-post for 8 nights at $80/night ($72 plus $8 tax). The member certifies that GOV’T QTRS were not available. The member is authorized TLE, computed as follows:

 

Member with 3 dependents
1. Determine maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	160% x $46 = $73.60 160% x $70 = $112.00
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate and use the lesser.	$80.00 vs. $112.00 $80.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost.	$73.60 + $80.00 = $153.60
4. Compare $2900 with the Step 3 amount and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $153.60/day.	$290.00 vs. $153.60; $153.60/day x 8 days = $1,228.80

 

 

 

EXAMPLE 3 -- TLE ALLOWANCE

 

NOTE: The locality per diem rate(s) used in this example may not be the rate(s) currently in effect and is/are for illustration purposes only. See http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html or par. U2025 for the current Standard CONUS per diem rate.

 

 

A member-married-to-member couple with two dependents (ages 14 and 10) is PCS’d from between two CONUS PDSs. The Standard CONUS per diem rate of $116 ($70/ $46) applies to both PDSs. Before and after reporting to the new PDS, the members and dependents occupy temporary quarters off-post for 6 nights at $100/night ($90 plus $10 tax). Each member is authorized TLE up to $290/day for 10 days. The $100/night lodging cost is halved between both members. The members certify that GOV’T QTRS were not available. The members are authorized TLE, computed as follows:

 

Member #1 with 1 dependent
1. Determine Maximum rates (Given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	100% x $46 = $46 100% x $70 = $70
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate and use the lesser.	$50 vs. $70 $50
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the Step 2 lodging cost.	$46+ $50 = $96
4. Compare $290 with the Step 3 amount and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $96/day.	$290 vs. $ 96; $96/day x 6 days = $576

 

 

Member #2 with 1 dependent
1. Determine Maximum rates (Given percent x locality rate) M&IE Lodging	100% x $46 = $46 100% x $70 - $70
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate and use the lesser.	$50.00 vs. $70 $50
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost.	$46+ $50 = $ 96
4. Compare $290 with the Step 3 amount and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $96/day.	$290 vs. $ 96; $96/day x 6 days = $576

 
The daily rate paid to each member is $96.00. The combined daily amount paid to both members is $192.00 ($96.00 + $96.00). The combined amount paid to both members for 6 days is $1,152.00 ($192.00/day x 6 days or $576 + $576).

 

 

 

EXAMPLE 4 -- TLE ALLOWANCE

 

NOTE: The locality per diem rate(s) used in this example may not be the rate(s) currently in effect and is/are for illustration purposes only. See http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html or par. U2025 for the current Standard CONUS per diem rate. 

A member-married-to-member couple with two dependents (ages 5 and 7) are PCS’d between two CONUS PDSs. The new PDS locality per diem rate is $117 ($71/ $46). Before and after reporting to the new PDS, the members and dependents occupy temporary quarters off-post for 30 nights at $100/night ($90 plus $10 tax). Each member is authorized TLE up to $290/day for 10 days. The $100/night lodging cost is the same rate regardless of how many people occupy the room. The members certify that GOV’T QTRS were not available.

NOTE: In this example, each member claims the two dependent children BUT for different days. The members are authorized TLE, computed as follows:

Member #1 with 2 dependents
1. Determine Maximum rate (Given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	125% x $46.00 = $57.50 125% x $71.00 = $88.75
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate and use the lesser.	$100.00 vs. $88.75 $88.75
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost.	$57.50 + $88.75 = $146.25
4. Compare $290.00 with the Step 3 amount and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $146.25/day.	$290.00 vs. $146.25; $146.25/day x 10 days = $1,462.50

 

Member #2 with 2 dependent
1. Determine Maximum rate (Given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	125% x $46.00 = $57.50 125% x $71.00 = $88.75
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging and use the lesser.	$100.00 vs. $88.75 $88.75
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost.	$57.50 + $88.75 = $146.25
4. Compare $290.00 with the Step 3 amount and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $146.25/day.	$290.00 vs. $146.25; $146.25/day x 10 days = $1,462.50

 

The first member may claim TLE for any 10-day period and the second member may claim TLE for any other 10-day period (with no overlap in days) in temporary quarters. Each member is authorized up to the maximum of 10 days ($290.00/day x 10 days = $2,900.00). The combined amount paid to both members in this case for 20 days is $2,925 ($1,462.50 +$1,462.50).

 

EXAMPLE 5 -- TLE ALLOWANCE

 

NOTE: The locality per diem rate(s) used in this example may not be the rate(s) currently in effect and is/are for illustration purposes only. See http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html or par. U2025 for the current Standard CONUS per diem rate.

 

A member with a spouse (not entitled to basic pay) and two children (ages 14 and 11) is PCS’d between two CONUS PDSs. Before departing the old PDS, the member and dependents occupy temporary quarters off post for 2 nights at $195/night ($170 plus $25 tax). The old PDS locality per diem rate is $232 ($161/ $71). Before and after reporting to the new PDS, the member and dependents occupy temporary quarters off-post for 6 nights at $85/night ($77 plus $8 tax). The new PDS locality per diem rate is $116.00 ($70/ $46). The member certifies that GOV’T QTRS were not available at either PDS. The member is authorized TLE, computed as follows:

 

OLD PDS
1. Determine maximum rate (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	160% x $71.00 = $113.60 160% x $161.00 = $257.60
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate and use the lesser.	$195.00 vs. $257.60 $195.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost.	$113.60 + $195.00 = 308.60
4. Compare $290.00 with the Step 3 amount and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $290.00/day.	$290.00 vs. $308.60 $290.00/day x 2 days = $580.00

 

NEW PDS
1. Determine maximum rate (given percent x locality rate). M&IE Lodging	160% x $46.00 = $73.60 160% x $70.00 = $112.00
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate and use the lesser.	$85.00 vs. $112.00 $85.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost.	$73.60 + $85.00 = $158.60
4. Compare $290.00 with the Step 3 amount and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $158.60/day.	$290.00 vs. $158.60; $158.60/day x 6 days = $951.60

 

The member is authorized a total of $1,531.60 ($580.00 + $951.60) for TLE.

 

EXAMPLE 6 -- TLE ALLOWANCE

 

NOTE: The locality per diem rate(s) used in this example may not be the rate(s) currently in effect and is/are for illustration purposes only. See http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html or par. U2025 for the current Standard CONUS per diem rate.

 

A member occupies temporary quarters at the new PDS for 12 days (1-12 April) at $52.00/night ($47.00 plus $5.00 tax). The new PDS locality per diem rate is $123 ($77/ $46). The member's dependents (spouse and one child) occupy temporary quarters at the old PDS for 12 days (18-29 April) at $60/night ($54.00 plus $6.00 tax). The old PDS locality per diem rate is $127 ($81/ $46). The member selected 1-10 April (member) and 18-27 April (dependents) for TLE. The member certifies that GOV’T QTRS were not available at either location. The member is authorized TLE, computed as follows:

 

	Member (New PDS)	Dependent(s) (Old PDS)
1. Determine max rate (given percent x locality rate) M&IE Lodging	65% x $46.00 = $29.90 65% x $77.00 = $50.05	100% x $46.00 = $46.00 100% x $81.00 =$81.00
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate and use the lesser.	$52.00 vs. $50.05 $50.05	$60.00 vs. $81.00 $60.00
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost.	$29.90 + $50.05 = 79.95	$46.00 + $60.00 = 106.00
Combined Total:	$79.95 + $106.00 = $185.95
4. Compare $290.00 with the Step 3 combined total and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $185.95.	$290.00 vs. $185.95 $185.95/day x 10 days = $1,859.50

 

 

EXAMPLE 7 -- TLE ALLOWANCE

Two Rooms Occupied

 

NOTE: The locality per diem rate(s) used in this example may not be the rate(s) currently in effect and is/are for illustration purposes only. See http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html or par. U2025 for the current Standard CONUS per diem rate.

 

A member (with a spouse (not entitled to basic pay) and three children (ages 14, 12 and 9)) is PCS’d between two CONUS PDSs. The new PDS locality per diem rate is $166 ($115/ $51). After reporting to the new PDS, the member and dependents occupy 2 rooms as temporary quarters off-post for 8 nights at $114/night ($99 plus $15 tax) for each room, totaling $228/night). The member certifies that GOV’T QTRS were not available. The member is authorized TLE, computed as follows:

 

Member with 4 dependents-two rooms occupied
1. Determine maximum rates (given percent x locality rate). (Member & spouse 100% plus 2 dependents age 12 and older (35% + 35%) 70% and one dependent (under age 12) 25% for a total of 195%) M&IE Lodging	195% x $51 = $99.45 195% x $115 = $224.25
2. Compare the actual daily lodging cost (including lodging tax) to the Step 1 maximum lodging rate and use the lesser.	(2 x 114) = $228 vs. $224.25 $224.25
3. Add the Step 1 M&IE to the selected Step 2 lodging cost.	$99.45 + $224.25 = 323.70
4. Compare $290 with the Step 3 amount and pay the lesser amount for each day. Pay $290.	$290 vs. $310.05 $290/day x 8 days = $2,320.00