Relocation Assistance Program
FAQs
PCS moves can be overwhelming—but you’re not doing this alone. We’ve put together answers to common questions about HHG, destination prep, and moving day tips.
👉 Browse our Relocation FAQs
Relocation Team
Eddie Rubero
Program Manager
Christopher "Chris" Owen
Program Manager
📅 Schedule an Appointment with a Relocation Specialist
Have questions about your PCS move, entitlements, or local resources? Our Relocation Specialists are here to help you plan every step of your transition.
👉Book an Appointment Today
🗳️ Voting Assistance for Military & Overseas Voters
Make your voice heard—no matter where you’re stationed. We provide information and support for registering to vote, requesting absentee ballots, and meeting state deadlines.
👉 Visit FVAP.gov for Voting Resources
🧭 JBCMFR Support for Newcomers
Sponsorship Program 🤝
The Department of Defense Sponsorship Program supports Service members and their families during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) by connecting them with a trained sponsor prior to arrival. Sponsors provide personalized assistance, timely information, and referrals to installation and community resources to promote a smooth transition to Joint Base Charleston. Through early connection and consistent support, the program enhances readiness, resilience, and overall quality of life.
Please review the Joint Base Charleston Sponsorship Program packet below for detailed information and local guidance.
Loan Locker
Need basic household items while you wait for your belongings to arrive? Our Loan Locker offers temporary use of essential items like pots, pans, dishes, air mattresses, and more — free of charge for incoming and outgoing service members and families.
Program Overview
The Department of Defense Relocation Assistance Program is a vital initiative designed to support military personnel and their families during the often challenging process of relocating. Recognizing the unique demands of military life, this program offers a comprehensive range of services, including information, counseling, and practical assistance to facilitate smooth transitions between duty stations. Whether it’s navigating housing options, accessing community resources, or addressing educational needs, the program strives to alleviate the stress associated with frequent relocations, ensuring military families can focus on their service commitments with confidence and stability.
JB Charleston Resources
Celebrate a seamless transition to Joint Base Charleston with our Pre-Arrival Orientation workshop! Geared towards ensuring a smooth move for military personnel and their families, this virtual workshop offers invaluable insights into base facilities and the surrounding community. From housing options to local resources, healthcare services to educational opportunities, our orientation equips you with the knowledge needed for a successful relocation. Schedule your Pre-Arrival Orientation today and embark on your new journey with confidence!
Discover the Department of Defense Sponsorship Program, your ultimate guide to seamless relocations! Our program pairs you with a knowledgeable sponsor who will support you every step of the way as you transition to your new duty station. From housing options to local amenities, our sponsors provide invaluable insights and assistance to ensure you and your family feel right at home from day one. Experience a warm welcome and a smooth transition with the Department of Defense Sponsorship Program.
Embark on your journey with confidence through our Newcomer’s Orientation program! Designed to welcome you with open arms to our community, this orientation offers essential insights into your new surroundings. From navigating local resources to connecting with fellow newcomers, our orientation ensures you feel right at home from day one. Join us and discover everything you need to thrive in your new environment. Welcome aboard!
Upcoming Workshops
🧭 PCS Support & Resources
Get help understanding your housing entitlements, planning for move-related expenses, and accessing support during your PCS transition.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Calculator
Estimate your housing allowance based on your new duty station and pay grade.
👉 Use the BAH Calculator
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) & Allowance (TLA)
TLE (CONUS) and TLA (OCONUS) help offset the cost of temporary lodging during your PCS move.
👉 Learn more about TLE & TLA
Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
DLA is intended to partially reimburse you for the expenses incurred when relocating your household.
👉 Understand DLA Entitlements
Advance Pay
You may be eligible to request advance pay to help cover PCS-related expenses.
👉 Learn about Advance Pay
Military OneSource Moving Tools
Access a full suite of PCS checklists, calculators, and planning tools for all branches.
👉 Explore Moving Tools on Military OneSource
NAVSUP Household Goods (HHG) Move.mil Portal
Plan, track, and manage your household goods shipment through the official DoD moving portal.
👉 Visit the Household Goods Portal
Includes access to:
- Shipment scheduling & tracking
- Weight limits & entitlements
- Claims assistance and customer service contacts
HEAT (Housing Early Assistance Tool)
HEAT allows service members and families to begin the housing process before receiving PCS orders by connecting them with the Housing Office at their new duty station.
👉 Start with HEAT
Branch-Specific Housing Offices
Each service has its own housing office with info about on-base housing, waitlists, and referrals for off-base options.
👉 Find Your Housing Office
Personal Property Resources
A curated list of guides, FAQs, and planning tools to help make your household goods move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
🔗 Explore PCS & HHG Resources
☎️ Air Base Personal Property Contact
If you’re assigned to the Air Base, reach out here for support with PCS moves, scheduling, or entitlements questions.
📞 843-963-2261
☎️ NWS Personal Property Contact
Located at Naval Weapons Station? This is your direct contact for shipment scheduling, entitlements, and HHG assistance.
📞 843-794-7577
Navy Household Goods Videos
Helpful video tutorials to walk you through the PCS process—from prepping for a move to delivery day and claim filing.
🔗 Watch Navy HHG Videos
Make your move a little easier with childcare resources, financial assistance, and priority placement options available to military families.
Travel Reimbursement for Childcare Providers
If childcare isn’t available within 30 days of your Date Care Needed (DCN), you may qualify for up to $500 CONUS / $1,500 OCONUS to cover travel costs for a designated childcare provider.
🔗 Learn More at MCC Central
AFAS Child Care for PCS (Air Force families)
Eligible families can receive $200 per child, up to $1,000. Accepted providers include base CDCs, FCC homes, and approved off-base daycares.
🔗 Apply Here via AFAS
🔗 Explore AFAS Child Care Programs
MilitaryChildCare.com – All Branches
A one-stop platform to explore, request, and manage military-approved childcare worldwide.
🔗 Go to MilitaryChildCare.com
Ensure a smooth academic transition for your children with resources designed to support military-connected students.
School Liaison Program Manager (SLPM)
SLPMs help families navigate school enrollment, special education, graduation requirements, and more.
👉 Locate Your School Liaison
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)
Provides consistent school transition policies for military children across all 50 states and D.C.
👉 Explore MIC3 Protections
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)
Offers programs, webinars, and resources to support academic success for military kids.
👉 Visit MCEC
Youth Sponsorship Programs
Help your child make connections with other youth before arriving at your new installation.
👉 Ask Your Installation’s Youth Program (Search your base, then click “Child and Youth Programs”)
Plan ahead for medical continuity and special needs care during your PCS.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Enrollment & Coordination
EFMP helps identify and coordinate care for family members with medical or educational needs.
👉 Learn About EFMP Across Services
Medical Transition Planning
Coordinate ongoing care, prescriptions, and medical equipment needs before your move.
👉 PCS and Medical Continuity Guide
EFMP Family Support at New Installation
Connect with the gaining installation’s EFMP team to continue services without delay.
👉 Find EFMP Family Support (Search your base, then click “EFMP”)
Special Education Support
Learn how to ensure your child’s IEP or 504 Plan is supported after your PCS.
👉 Special Ed & PCS Info – DoDEA
Don’t forget your furry family members — plan ahead for pet travel, boarding, and documentation.
Military OneSource Pet PCS Checklist
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OCONUS Travel Requirements
Each country has unique quarantine, vaccination, and paperwork requirements — check early.
👉 Review OCONUS Pet Guidelines
Pet-Friendly Temporary Lodging
Check if your gaining installation offers pet-friendly lodging or local kennel recommendations.
👉 Search Lodging Options
Reimbursement for Pet Shipping (Limited Eligibility)
Certain pet shipping costs may be reimbursable for OCONUS PCS.
👉 Review Pet PCS Reimbursement Info
AMC Pet Travel Pamphlet
If you’re flying on a military flight (e.g., Patriot Express), the AMC Pet Pamphlet provides detailed guidance on breed restrictions, kennel requirements, booking, and travel tips for your pet.
👉 Download the AMC Pet Pamphlet (PDF) (direct PDF link from AMC’s official travel page)
PCS my POV
PCSMYPOV provides information and tracking tools for privately owned vehicle (POV) shipments during a PCS move. Service members and families can schedule shipments, track vehicle status, and access guidance for the POV transportation process.
Plan My Move
Plan My Move is an interactive tool from Military OneSource that helps service members and families organize every step of a PCS relocation. Users can create customized moving checklists, timelines, and resources based on their specific move.
Military Installations
MilitaryINSTALLATIONS is a Department of Defense directory that provides detailed information about military installations worldwide, including services, contacts, and programs available on base. It is a valuable tool for learning about support resources at a new duty station.
SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles
The SCDMV website provides information on driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and state driving laws for South Carolina residents. New arrivals can use this site to learn about requirements and timelines for updating licenses and registering vehicles after relocating to the state.
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce offers resources about the local business community, regional economy, and networking opportunities in the Charleston area. It’s a helpful resource for learning about the local community, employment opportunities, and regional events.
Spouse Employment & Other Resources
Our Spouse Resources page connects military spouses with trusted tools, programs, and community resources designed to support relocation, career development, education, and overall well-being. Explore curated links and information to help you navigate military life and stay connected to support available at Joint Base Charleston and beyond.
JBCMFR Job Board
Check out our Employment Assistance Program page or scan the QR code below to view our Job Board:
