If you’re a military service member or family, you may have heard of a DITY move or PPM move, which stands for Personally Procured Move. This is a type of move where you’re responsible for arranging and paying for your own move, and you’ll be reimbursed by the government for the costs you incur. The reimbursement amount is based on several factors, including the weight of your belongings and the distance of your move.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to DITY move reimbursement, including what it is, how it works, and how to navigate the process. We’ll also cover important details such as weight allowances, authorized expenses, and temporary duty assignments. Our goal is to help military service members and their families make informed decisions about their moves and receive the reimbursement they’re entitled to.
This article is targeted towards individuals in the military community who are planning a move, including active duty service members, veterans, and their families. We hope this guide will be a valuable resource for anyone navigating the often complicated process of a DITY move.
Types of Military Moves
Military moves can come in different types, each with its unique features and benefits. Understanding the different types of military moves is crucial in determining which one best suits your specific situation. The Department of Defense (DOD) authorizes and regulates these moves, and they include:
Personal Property and Procured Move (PPM): This move allows you to move your personal belongings and receive reimbursement for it. It is also known as a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move, and you are responsible for hiring your moving company, packing, and transporting your belongings. The government will pay you 95% of what it would have cost them to move your belongings.
Personally Procured Move (PPM): This type of move is similar to PPM but is only applicable if you are moving to a location where the government cannot move your belongings due to restrictions or extreme locations. The government will pay you 100% of what it would have cost them to move your belongings.
Partial DITY moves: This type of move is a combination of PPM and government-arranged moves. You will move some of your belongings, and the government will move the rest. You will receive reimbursement for your PPM portion.
Understanding the different types of military moves can help you choose the best option for your move.
Understanding PPM
If you are considering a Personally Procured Move (PPM), it’s important to understand what it entails. PPM is a type of military move where you, as a service member, have the option to move your personal property yourself instead of using a government procured moving company.
There are several benefits to choosing a PPM, including greater flexibility and control over your move, the ability to save money, and the opportunity to earn incentive pay. However, not everyone is eligible for a PPM. To qualify, you must be on active duty orders for a permanent change of station (PCS) move or be a member of the Reserve or National Guard traveling for training or during a PCS move.
Calculating the estimated cost of a PPM involves taking into account a number of factors, such as the distance of the move, the weight of your belongings, and the cost of fuel. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service provides a PPM estimator to help you calculate the estimated reimbursement you can receive from the government.
Overall, understanding the ins and outs of a PPM can help you make an informed decision about your next military move.
How to Plan for a PPM Move
A PPM move can be a great way to take control of your own move, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. Before embarking on a PPM move, it is important to take some necessary steps to ensure a smooth and successful move.
To start, make a checklist of all the necessary items you will need for your move. This may include packing materials, moving boxes, tape, and markers. You should also consider any items that may require special handling or packing, such as fragile or valuable items.
It’s also important to understand the weight allowances for your PPM move. The weight allowance is the maximum amount of weight the government will pay to move for you. If you exceed this weight allowance, you will be responsible for any additional costs.
To avoid exceeding the weight allowance, consider downsizing your belongings before your move. Sell, donate, or discard any items you no longer need or want. This will not only help you stay within your weight allowance but also save you money on packing materials and moving costs.
By taking these necessary steps, you can ensure a successful PPM move and stay within your weight allowance.
Submitting a PPM Move Claim
After completing your PPM move, it’s time to submit a claim for reimbursement. The government will pay you based on the weight of your personal property and the distance of your move. To receive reimbursement, you will need to keep all receipts and records of your move.
Authorized expenses for PPM moves include packing material, rental trucks, and storage fees. However, it’s important to note that you won’t be reimbursed for any expenses that exceed the estimated cost of your move.
Once your move is complete, you will need to complete the DD Form 2278, also known as the “Application for Move and Counseling Checklist.” This form verifies that you completed your move and includes your weight tickets, expenses, and estimated cost.
After completing the DD Form 2278, you will need to submit a travel voucher to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). The voucher will include your expenses, weight allowances, and any incentive pay you may be entitled to. It’s important to note that submitting your claim promptly can ensure that you receive your reimbursement quickly.
Understanding Partial PPM
If you are unable to transport all of your personal property, you can opt for a partial PPM move. This type of move allows you to transport some of your personal property while leaving the remaining items to be moved by the government. Partial PPMs can be a great option if you have limited space in your vehicle or if you only want to transport your most valuable possessions.
The benefits of a partial PPM include the ability to reduce your workload, minimize the risk of loss or damage to your personal property, and the opportunity to receive incentive pay for transporting some of your belongings. Eligibility for a partial PPM is similar to eligibility for a full PPM, and you must meet the same requirements to qualify.
Before deciding on a partial PPM, it is important to carefully consider the weight allowances and costs associated with the move. You should also take into account any restrictions or limitations set by your local transportation office.
DITY Moves and Their Benefits
If you prefer to have more control over your move, a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move might be the best option for you. With a DITY move, you are responsible for the entire process of moving your personal belongings to your new duty station. This includes packing your items, renting and driving a moving truck or trailer, and unloading and unpacking your items at your destination.
The benefits of a DITY move include more flexibility and control over the move. You can choose the specific dates and times for your move and decide which items you want to bring with you. Additionally, DITY moves can offer significant cost savings. You can save money by packing your own items and driving them yourself, rather than hiring a moving company.
It’s important to keep in mind that DITY moves can also come with their own set of challenges, such as the need for packing materials and the logistics of driving a large vehicle. However, if you are up for the challenge and want to save money on your move, a DITY move could be a great option for you.
Planning for a DITY Move
When preparing for a DITY move, it’s essential to take a structured approach to ensure a smooth transition. The following are some key considerations to help you plan for your move.
Preparing for a DITY Move:
Before you begin your move, it’s important to have a solid plan in place. This includes creating a checklist of all the necessary items and tasks to ensure you don’t miss anything critical. Some key items to include on your checklist are:
- Securing transportation, such as a rental truck or hiring a moving company
- Packing and labeling all items
- Obtaining the necessary permits or insurance
- Coordinating with the moving company or rental truck for pickup and delivery dates
- Understanding weight allowances and empty weight requirements
Choosing a Moving Company or Rental Truck:
One of the key decisions you’ll need to make when planning a DITY move is whether to hire a moving company or rent a truck. Both options have their benefits, and it’s essential to choose the one that best meets your needs.
If you opt to hire a moving company, be sure to research different companies and obtain quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Check the company’s reviews, ratings, and reputation to ensure they’re reliable and trustworthy.
If you choose to rent a truck, consider factors such as the size of the truck, your budget, and the distance of your move. It’s important to reserve your truck well in advance to ensure availability on your desired moving dates.
Understanding Weight Tickets and Empty Weight:
One of the most crucial aspects of a DITY move is understanding weight tickets and empty weight requirements. You’ll need to obtain weight tickets before and after your move to calculate your reimbursement. It’s essential to understand the empty weight of your vehicle before loading it, as this weight will be subtracted from the total weight of your vehicle with your items loaded.
In conclusion, planning for a DITY move requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following these tips and creating a solid plan, you can ensure a successful move and maximize your reimbursement.
Submitting a DITY Move Claim
If you decide to conduct a DITY move, it is important to know how to properly submit a claim for reimbursement. Here are the steps to follow:
How to Receive Reimbursement for a DITY Move:
- Keep all receipts: Make sure to keep all receipts for expenses related to your move, including packing supplies, moving equipment, and truck rentals.
- Complete DD Form 1351-2: This form is used to submit your claim for reimbursement. Make sure to fill out all necessary information accurately.
- Submit form to transportation office: Once you have completed the form, submit it to your transportation office for review.
- Wait for payment: After the transportation office reviews your form, they will authorize payment for your expenses. This payment will be made directly to you via direct deposit or check.
Authorized Expenses for DITY Moves:
There are several expenses that are authorized for reimbursement during a DITY move, including:
- Truck rental fees
- Fuel costs
- Packing materials
- Insurance costs
- Rental of moving equipment
- Storage costs
Completing the DD Form 1351-2:
The DD Form 1351-2 is a detailed form that requires accurate information in order to receive reimbursement. It is important to fill out all sections of the form, including:
- Personal information: Fill out your name, rank, and contact information.
- Moving information: Provide details on the origin and destination of your move, as well as the date of your move.
- Expense information: Fill out all expenses related to your move, including truck rental fees, fuel costs, and packing materials.
- Certification: Sign and date the form to certify that all information is accurate.
Submitting a Travel Voucher:
After submitting your DD Form 1351-2, you will also need to submit a travel voucher to receive payment for your move. This voucher should include your banking information and any other necessary information for payment.
Other Moving Assistance Programs
In addition to PPM and DITY moves, there are other moving assistance programs available for military personnel. These programs can provide financial support for expenses related to the move.
One such program is Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), which can provide reimbursement for lodging expenses incurred during the move. This can include expenses for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. The reimbursement amount varies depending on the location and the length of stay, but it can be a helpful option for military families who are in the process of moving.
Another program is incentive pay, which can provide financial assistance to military members who are required to move frequently. This pay is designed to offset the costs associated with frequent moves, such as the costs of packing and moving household goods, and can be a valuable resource for military families.
Overall, there are several programs available to assist military personnel with the costs associated with moving. By taking advantage of these programs, military families can ease the financial burden of a move and focus on settling into their new home.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered the different types of military moves, including PPM and DITY moves, as well as the benefits and eligibility requirements for each. We also discussed how to plan for a move and submit a reimbursement claim. It’s crucial for military members to understand their entitlements when it comes to moving, and to take advantage of the available resources to make the process as smooth as possible. If you need additional information, be sure to consult with your installation transportation office or military personnel office. By being informed and prepared, military members can make their moves a less stressful experience.