TLA Office · KMC Handbook
TLA, the Temporary Lodging Allowance, explained simply.
TLA is a U.S. military allowance that partly pays for temporary lodging, meals and incidentals while a service member moves to or from an overseas duty station on PCS orders. In the Kaiserslautern Military Community, it typically covers the first weeks after arrival at Ramstein Air Base and the last days before departure. A plain-language overview, not official guidance.
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Need a place to stay first? See our TLA homes near Ramstein Air Base: fully furnished, utilities and Wi-Fi included, a car ready from day one.
Who gets TLA?
TLA is paid to service members on PCS orders to or from an overseas (OCONUS) duty station. It applies in two windows: on arrival, while you wait for government quarters or look for a private home, and on departure, after you have moved out of your quarters. Family members count toward the rate only if they are command-sponsored. DoD civilians receive a similar allowance called TQSA instead of TLA.
TLA is governed by the DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 68, not by the Joint Travel Regulations. Many older guides still cite the JTR for TLA; that information is out of date.
How long does TLA last?
- On arrival: the regulation says TLA ordinarily should not exceed 60 days, authorized in increments of 15 days or less.
- In practice at the KMC: in more than seven years, TLA Office has consistently seen an initial authorization of 30 days on arrival, extendable while you are actively searching for permanent housing. Plan with 30 days, not 60.
- On departure: up to 10 days before you leave on PCS orders.
While on TLA you are expected to search for permanent housing and report your progress every 15 days or less.
How is TLA calculated?
Since 1 October 2020, TLA uses separate percentages for lodging and for meals and incidentals (M&IE). Both are applied to the local per diem rate, depending on who stays with you:
| Who stays | Lodging | M&IE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 100% | 65% |
| Member and 1 dependent, or 2 dependents | 100% | 100% |
| Each additional dependent age 12 or older | +35% | +35% |
| Each additional dependent under 12 | +25% | +25% |
TLA, TLE, TLF and TQSA: what is the difference?
| Term | What it is | Who | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLA | Temporary Lodging Allowance | Service members | Overseas, e.g. Germany |
| TLE | Temporary Lodging Expense | Service members | U.S. part of a PCS |
| TLF | Temporary Lodging Facility (on-base lodging) | Service members and families | On base |
| TQSA | Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance | DoD civilians | Overseas |
In everyday KMC language, people often say “a TLA” when they mean the furnished temporary home itself. That is also what most people mean when they search for TLA Ramstein. For DLA, OHA and COLA, see PCS Allowances Explained.
Can I use TLA off base near Ramstein?
Yes. To stay off base and be reimbursed at the full rate, you need written certification that government quarters were not available, and the Housing Referral Office usually reviews the lease. Many families choose an off-base home over on-base lodging for the space, a full kitchen and room for kids and pets. See our furnished homes near Ramstein Air Base and the Ramstein housing FAQ.
Arriving on PCS orders
A home that fits your TLA
Fully furnished homes and apartments around Ramstein, Landstuhl, LRMC and Kaiserslautern, matched to your family size, dates and allowance. We prepare the lease and the VAT paperwork, a vehicle is included from day one if you need one, and you keep one dedicated contact from your first message to check-out.
Frequently asked questions
What does TLA stand for?
Temporary Lodging Allowance, the overseas allowance that pays for temporary lodging during a PCS.
How much is TLA in Germany?
It depends on the current per diem for your location and your family size. With the KMC rate effective September 1, 2026, a family of three with a teenager can be reimbursed up to about $309 per night for lodging plus about $180 per day for meals.
How long is TLA at Ramstein?
Typically 30 days on arrival to start, extendable in 15-day increments while you are still searching for housing, and up to 10 days before departure.
Can TLA pay for a furnished home instead of a hotel?
Yes. With written certification that government quarters were not available and housing office approval of the lease, TLA can cover an off-base furnished home up to your lodging ceiling.
Do I need a VAT form?
For a short-term furnished stay invoiced with German VAT, the U.S. Forces VAT relief forms can reduce the cost. TLA Office prepares the paperwork.
Sources: DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 68; Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), Temporary Lodging Allowance and OCONUS per diem rates; Joint Travel Regulations, par. 050601 (TLE); U.S. Department of State, DSSR (TQSA). This page is a plain-language guide, not official guidance. Rates and rules change; confirm your entitlement with your finance office.