Where’s my cash? Tips to speed up processing of do-it-yourself PCS claims

If you’re making your next military move on your own, there’s no shortage of plans that need put together: Moving trucks, packing materials, inventories ... and that’s assuming you already have a place to call home at the next duty station.

But when the move is over, it could come with a nice cherry on top: Those who execute personally procured moves for less than 95 percent of what the government would’ve paid for the relocation can pocket the difference.

That is, once the claim (and the check) clears. It may not seem like a high priority now, but once the move is over and the waiting begins, movers will wish they’d have taken a few basic steps to cut down on their lag time between unpacking and cashing in.

Here are three such steps to keep in mind, courtesy of service-specific PPM reference materials.

1. The weight list. Marine Corps Logistics Command’s website tracks the process of the command’s claim process. If you want your claim to clear that list in a hurry, ensure your weight tickets are filled out completely.

All services have different requirements for when and how your goods must be weighed: They all mandate an empty and a full weight, but some require weigh-ins at the origin, or the destination, or some combination thereof. Check with your service for specifics (here are some basic guidelines, courtesy of the Navy), and be sure your forms include exactly what’s on the scale, including anything being towed.

RELATED

Do-it-yourself PCS? Check out these discounts from truck-rental chains

Every bit of savings helps during a personally procured PCS move.

By Kevin Lilley

2. Don’t overdo it. Claims can be sent via fax, email or regular main in most cases. But, per Naval Supply Systems Command, claimants should resist the urge to file via multiple pathways. This could delay the claim as staffers sort out duplicate materials.

3. Save (and sign) everything. Rules for what receipts are required vary by branch, but as a general guideline, if it’s move-related, don’t lose it. Add legible, simple descriptions if a receipt is unclear, and double-check to ensure all contracts are signed.

Need more advice on a PPM? Head here.

In Other News

Lawmakers accuse VA leaders of exaggerating budget shortfall

Congress approved $3 billion in emergency VA funding in September, but officials now say they did not need the money to cover immediate bills.

Rival nations try to ‘divide, degrade, deceive’ US voters, experts say

Foreign actors, like Russia and Iran, have been trying to convince American voters that the process is too corrupt to participate in, experts say.

Military families to see slight drop in Tricare dental premiums

Monthly premiums will decrease slightly for the next four months, bringing modest savings for military families

Recruiting vets to work polls boosts election trust, study finds

When veterans and military families work the polls, voters feel more confident that elections are fair, safe and accurate, the study found.

Conspiracies, calls for violence spike online ahead of Election Day

Posts about election denialism, the false belief that elections are unfair and could be “stolen,” increased by 317% on Telegram and 105% on Gab in October.

Load More