PCSing to Hawaii - TLA 101 - What is it? How does it work? How do I maximize it?
What is TLA?
TLA = Temporary Lodging Allowance - the pool of money that the military reimburses you with for your hotel stay when you arrive on Island.
Army is the ONLY branch that does not require a Letter of Nonavailability. All other branches require it.
You get TLA in addition to per diem.
How to get TLA:
- Book your hotel (for 30 days!) - If you're booking an off base hotel, call their local 808 number
- Tell them you need the military TLA rate.
- When you arrive at the hotel, you will need to prepay for 10 days. You will pay in 10 day increments.
- You will receive a zero balance statement.
- Either use a GTC or your personal card (and rack up those credit card points!)
- Go to the housing office AND the finance office. Bring that zero balance statement - it will start your reimbursement. It will take a pay cycle or two (longer if you're Navy) for the reimbursements to hit your paycheck.
What is Per Diem?
Per diem = daily rate based on family size and rank.
Important: While you're getting TLA and per diem, you're ALSO getting BAH and COLA! ($$$)
(Side note: If you're buying a home... you have the chance to pocket $10k-15k because of this!)
You have to be willing to make short term sacrifices for long term gain... go to the grocery store rather than eating at restaurants every day (I know it's tempting!)
Go watch my full Youtube Video for even more tips and tricks about TLA and even more information on how to pocket some of that money!
Posted Apr 29, 2026, 7:05 AM UTC