Can the GTC be used to pay a security deposit on an apartment as part of Dislocation Allowance?

2019-05-11T07:58:04-04:00

According to the DFAS PCS entitlements page, "The purpose of Dislocation Allowance is to partially reimburse a member, with or without dependents, for expenses incurred in relocating the member's household during a PCS move." and "If you hold a Government Travel Credit Card, the credit card must be used for DLA expenses."

Since i would be entitled to DLA as an E6 moving dependants, and putting a security deposit down on a place to live would be considered "an expebse incurred in relocating the member's household" would i be allowed to use the GTC to pay for the security deposit?

This normally wouldn't be an issue, i would just pay out of pocket, but in the area i just PCS'ed to, most places are asking for about a $1500-$2000 deposit, plus first month's rent (another $2000 that i will pay out of pocket).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2019 9:12 AM

2019-05-11T09:12:43-04:00

I’d contact your G8/9 office at installation and get an answer in writing before going ahead.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made May 11 at 2019 9:34 AM

2019-05-11T09:34:49-04:00

Do not commit unless you have a written review from a competent authority that it can be done. Otherwise you’ll be in a world of hurt.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2019 1:11 PM

2019-05-11T13:11:35-04:00

Yes, you can use it for that. I used it during my last PCS for that. I checked with my chain and did my research beforehand and it is allowed.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 11 at 2019 3:05 PM

2019-05-11T15:05:15-04:00

Perhaps consider an advanced pay for a deposit.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 11 at 2019 8:01 PM

2019-05-11T20:01:32-04:00

There was nothing I could find that concrete says yes, but as acquiring a location to live is part of a moving expense and the basic text of DLA states this is what the funds are for, I would say yes. However, this is the military, seek higher authority for a "yes/no" answer and further guidance on the matter.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2023 6:59 AM

2023-01-27T06:59:18-05:00

That is what an "Advanced Dislocation Allowance for authorized Soldiers" (DLA) is for. According the the memo dated 10 OCT 2019 signed by the Secretary of the Army, "Effective immediately, Soldiers authorized to receive Dislocation Allowance (DLA) may elect advance payment of their DLA entitlement even though they possess an Individually Billed Account (IBA) travel charge card."