TLA Office · KMC Handbook
TLA, TLE, TQSA, DLA, OHA, COLA. The PCS alphabet, in plain English.
A short glossary of the allowances you will hear about on a move to the KMC, who each one is for, and where to check the current rules.
Start here: which one applies to you
Most of these are separate allowances that can run at the same time. The quick version:
- Active duty, moving overseas: your temporary lodging on arrival is TLA.
- DoD civilian, moving overseas: the same idea is called TQSA.
- The CONUS leg of the move (leaving or arriving stateside): TLE.
- Your permanent off-base home overseas: OHA for housing, plus COLA for everyday costs.
- The move itself: a one-time DLA helps with relocation expenses.
TLA, Temporary Lodging Allowance
For active duty on an OCONUS PCS. It helps cover temporary lodging and meals while you arrive at (or depart from) an overseas station and look for permanent housing. On arrival it is normally authorized up to 60 days, with extensions possible. It is set out in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
TLE, Temporary Lodging Expense
The stateside counterpart to TLA. TLE covers temporary lodging and meals during the CONUS part of a PCS, for a limited number of days. If your move includes time in the United States before or after the overseas leg, that stretch is TLE, not TLA.
TQSA, Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance
The civilian equivalent of TLA. DoD civilians on an OCONUS assignment receive TQSA for temporary quarters, meals, and related costs while settling in. It is computed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR 120), over three 30-day periods.
DLA, Dislocation Allowance
A one-time payment that helps offset the many out-of-pocket costs of relocating a household on a PCS. It is paid per move and depends on rank and whether you have dependents. It is separate from your lodging allowances.
OHA, Overseas Housing Allowance
The ongoing allowance for your permanent off-base home overseas. OHA helps with rent and utilities once you have signed a lease, so it is different from TLA, which is temporary and only bridges the gap on arrival.
COLA, Overseas Cost of Living Allowance
OCONUS COLA offsets the higher cost of everyday, non-housing items overseas, such as groceries and services. It is not housing money and it is not a raise, it simply balances local prices. We cover it in more detail in the OCONUS COLA guide.
Where to check the exact rates
Amounts change and depend on your location, rank, and family. Always confirm current figures at the official sources: the DoD per diem and allowance pages at travel.dod.mil, the DSSR at the State Department for TQSA, and the official OHA and COLA calculators. Our allowance estimator will apply these percentages for a quick planning figure, but your finance office has the final word.
Planning a TLA or TDY stay?
Our furnished, move-in ready homes are set up for temporary military stays. Tell us your dates and we will help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between TLA and OHA?
TLA is temporary. It bridges your first days overseas while you look for a home. OHA is ongoing and helps pay rent and utilities once you have a permanent off-base lease.
What is the difference between TLA and TLE?
TLA is for the overseas (OCONUS) part of a PCS. TLE is for the stateside (CONUS) part. The same trip can include both at different stages.
Do DoD civilians get TLA?
No. Civilians receive TQSA instead, which is computed under DSSR 120 over three 30-day periods. TLA is for active duty service members.
Is COLA the same as OHA?
No. COLA offsets everyday, non-housing costs like groceries. OHA is specifically for housing, rent and utilities. They can both apply at once.
Where do I find the exact amounts?
At the official sources: travel.dod.mil for DoD per diem and allowances, the DSSR at the State Department for TQSA, and the official OHA and COLA calculators. Rates depend on location, rank, and dependents.
Sources: U.S. DoD Joint Travel Regulations and allowance pages (travel.dod.mil), Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR 120) for TQSA. Amounts depend on location, rank, and dependents and should be confirmed with your finance office.