You will also find useful information on the HQAMC BRAC blog.
90 - 120 days before you move
Planning your move
Once you have volunteered and been approved to relocate to Redstone Arsenal, you and your supervisor will need to select a date of transfer based on the pre-approved report dates.
Once your date is established, you receive a PCS confirmation email from HQAMC CPAC with the Relocation Services Request Form and Cost Estimate for Civilian PCS Travel to be filled out and returned. These forms will trigger your Permanent Change of Station orders to be issued.
Your PCS orders, which will be issued approximately 90- 120 days from your report date, authorize your move and contain critical information so you are advised to read them carefully.
At this time you will also be required to select between "TQSE - Fixed" and "TQSE - Actual Expense." The Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense reimburses you for your temporary lodging during your move. See the TQSE section for more information.
G-1 will be in contact with you throughout this process providing information on your out-processing, office shipment, HHG and who to contact should issues arise.
Notify G-6
Notify your IT POC of your move date. It is vital that your IT POC notifies G-6 of your relocation as soon as possible. You and your IT POC will need to fill out the IT/IM Checklist and return it to G-6 no later than 30 days before you PCS. This will allow G-6 to establish your IT Portfolio.
Notify Installation Management
Installation Management will ensure your office belongings are shipped to RSA. To initiate the process, complete the Relocation Survey and return it to Tom Cronin.
Government Travel Charge Card
- Rather than using your GTCC to pay for all your PCS-related expenses, your orders will authorize an advance of your estimated relocation costs.
- Your relocation costs are determined by the worksheet you filled out and returned during your briefing at Fort Belvoir. This figure will be on your orders, along with the statement authorizing an advance.
- Advances are given on TQSE (F), en-route travel, and House Hunting Trip. No advances are given for MEA or TQSE (AE).
- The amount you are advanced is 60% of your estimated expenses paid via direct deposit. This is to ensure you are not over paid and that taxes are already taken out.
- You can request your advance 10 days prior to your HHT or PCS. For example, if you are leaving for your HHT Nov. 11, you can request an advance for your HHT estimated costs Nov. 1. If you are ready to PCS Dec. 11, you can request an advance for TQSE (F) and en-route travel Dec.1.
- To claim your advance, simply fax a copy of your orders with an attached fax cover letter stating "I request an advance for..." to DFAS at 216-367-3428 (advances only).
- Once relocated, travel vouchers for all PCS related expenses should be filed as usual with the employee providing any advance info on the 1351-2. See the Filing Your Travel Vouchers section for assistance.
60 days before you move
Health care
Schedule an appointment with your current health care providers in the next 30 days. Be sure to obtain copies of all your records and carry them with you. This appointment will also be a good time to discuss physician referrals and prescriptions. For more information, view the medical checklist.
Review your current health insurance. Is your provider and/or plan available in the Huntsville area? If yes, notify them of change of address. If no, visit the Army Benefits Center to choose a new plan. And don’t forget to check your dental and vision plans as well.
Household goods
Once your orders are in hand, proceed to any one of the Joint Personal Property Shipping Offices to schedule your shipment of household goods. DoD civilians are limited to 18,000 pounds of household goods without incurring additional expense.
Please also note that not all household items are able to be shipped, here are some guidelines. Shipment of your privately owned vehicle is not authorized.
Also, be sure and keep all your important documents and receipts for accountability and reimbursement purposes or to file a claim if anything is damaged.
Selling your home or breaking your lease
If you have a home in the Fort Belvoir and have to sell it or break your lease these expenses are reimbursable. See the Filing Your Travel Vouchers section for full details.
When selling your home, you may elect to participate in the Defense National Relocation Program. This program offers several options including Guaranteed Home sale Service, Home Marketing Incentive Payment, Property Management Services and Destination Services. For the full details, view the DoD National Relocation Program Handbook.
The Corps of Engineers recently provided a DNRP briefing to HQAMC, here are the charts.
House Hunting Trip
You are authorized a 5 day House Hunting Trip for you and your spouse to visit the Redstone Arsenal area and look for a new home. If you feel more time is necessary, Ms. Condon will take requests for an additional 5 days.
During your HHT you are entitled per-diem, hotel, airfare and a rental vehicle. All expenses should be charged to your GTCC and receipts saved. To be reimbursed for these expenses you will need to file a travel claim to DFAS. Full details on filing your claim can be found in the Filing Your Travel Vouchers section.
The purpose of your HHT is to find a new home, but where do you start? The Tennessee Valley MLS Web site is a comprehensive database of all homes listed in the area, regardless of real estate agent or company. If you are searching for an apartment you may find Apartment Finder or the Huntsville Time classified ads useful. The online classifieds Web site Craigslist is also a good resource.
As part of the PCS process, you are authorized reimbursement of many real estate related expenses. See the Filing Your Travel Vouchers section for full details.
**Remember to file your HHT voucher as soon as you return. See Filing Your HHT Voucher for complete details.
30 days before you move
IT/IM Checklist
Ensure you and your IT POC have filled out and returned your IT/IM Checklist. Without this vital document G-6 can not establish your IT Portfolio and your office equipment will not be ready for you when you arrive.
Sponsorship Program
HQAMC has coordinated a Sponsorship Program to help you transition through the Redstone Arsenal Army Community Service's Total Army Sponsorship Program. An AMCOM sponsor will be assigned to you if elect to participate.
Full details of the program can be found in the program brochure. To sign up for the program complete the DA Form 5434 found in your PCS packet and return it during your PCS briefing. You may also bring your completed form to Joe Coutcher, HQ AMC G-1, to begin the process.
PPP for spouses (pre-register)
If your spouse is a DA employee and interested in the HQAMC PPP program for spouses, contact Wendy Ham to make an appointment no more than 30 days before departure. Your spouse will need to provide a copy of your orders and an updated resume. See PPP for Spouses for what to do once at RSA.
CAC
Check your CAC expiration date. If it expires before you leave, obtain a new card from Fort Belvoir. If it expires after you report to RSA, make an appointment to get a new one.
Personal
Depending on your personal situation, there may be several other items to consider at this time. Check out our Advance Team's Lessons Learned for tips. Here are a few items to consider:
- School: Begin the process of enrolling your child in their new school or daycare. Alabama requires your child’s proof of immunization in the role of a “Blue Card.” See our lessons learned for more info.
- Bank: Is your bank available in Alabama? If not you may need to open a new account. Don’t forget about financial items such as stocks, bonds, cd’s and safety deposit boxes.
- Other: Some employees have reported that they were required to change other personal documents including wills and trusts.
- DMV: Alabama requires a copy of your title to process your registration. Virginia, and many other states, only carry digital copies so a request for a hard copy can take some time.
Your last week at Fort Belvoir
Administrative
Check with your Admin POC and ensure “Change in Duty Location” personnel action was processed. This will prevent you from being over paid on your locality. This RPA also triggers your BRAC restored leave payout.
MyPay
In MyPay change the following:
- New Direct Deposit form required if changing banks
- Change your state tax info to Alabama
Change of address
Once you have your new address or P.O. box, remember to change your address at the Post Office and with the following:
Moving your office and computer files
Many employees opted to make their own personal backup of their computer files, including Outlook address book and personal folders, internet favorites and any other documents you keep on your hard drive. This is not required, G-6 will copy your files from your computer at Fort Belvoir to your computer at Redstone.
During this time IM will be in touch with you regarding the shipment of you office. Remember, you should have completed the Relocation Survey and returned it to Tom Cronin when you got your orders.
IM will provide the boxes, come pick them up from your office and ship them to Redstone. Please keep in mind that only work-related supplies should be shipped. Any personal belongings such as decorations, pictures and plants should be taken home and shipped with your household goods. It is also requested that you convert as much of your paper documents to digital as possible.
Out-processing
The G-1 POC you have been working with during this process will be in contact with you during your last week to provide your out-processing checklist. This revised version is tailored specifically to those volunteering to PCS early. This checklist is completed by you and then turned into G-1.
Traveling to Redstone Arsenal
Now that your ready to move, you will need to travel to Redstone Arsenal. The allotted travel time from the D.C. metro area to the Tennessee Valley region is two days. Travel costs are authorized for one primary and one additional vehicle (when the employee has dependents relocating with them).
Your travel-related expenses incurred during this trip are reimbursable. See the Filing Your PCS En-Route Voucher section for full details.
Your first week at Redstone Arsenal
Temporary lodging and storage
During your move you may need to acquire temporary housing or storage. The Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense entitles employees reimbursement of these expenses based on the per-diem rate for Redstone Arsenal.
Both "fixed" and "actual expense" TQSE are authorized. Here is more detailed information on TQSE, but to summarize TQSE (F) pays you a flat rate for 30 days, or up to 120 with the EDCG's approval, of temporary lodging whereas TQSE (AE) reimburses you for the actual expenses you incurred and requires receipts when submitting your voucher. See the Filing Your TQSE Voucher section for full details on how to be reimbursed for these expenses.
Temporary housing may include housing on Redstone Arsenal or a hotel off the installation.
You are also authorized up to 90 days of temporary storage of your household goods.
In-processing at Redstone Arsenal
First you will need to schedule delivery of your household goods with the RSA transportation office. To get on the installation you will need decals and a CAC. You may find this RSA gate map useful.
We have also established an HQAMC-Forward portal page which contains alot of useful information. (CAC required)
For civilian personnel:
On your assigned report date you will report to the building 7611 auditorium located on the 1st floor for the
newcomers briefing. Here is the in-processing guide.
During the planned transition periods, the in-processing brief will begin at 10 a.m. CST at the beginning of each pay period.
The in-processing brief will provide information from the following:
- HQAMC-Forward staff sections
- HQAMC Civilian Personnel Advisory Center
- Filing your travel vouchers (AMCOM G-8)
- MWR
- Army Community Service
- Useful info such as: vehicle registration, CAC and driver’s license
For military personnel:
Uniformed personnel will report to G-1, building 7612, room 130. HQAMC G-1 will initiate in-processing by scheduling a same-day appointment with the Military Personnel Office.
Military personnel will be provided a briefing highlighting the following areas:
- Finance in-processing
- Single Soldier housing/off-post referral
- Redstone communities on-post housing
PPP for spouses
Now that your spouse has pre-registered and you all are relocated to RSA, your spouse will need to contact Ginny Wallner, 256-313-0776, within 7 days of arrival to complete their registration.
Filing your travel vouchers
In an effort to expedite and improve the PCS voucher process, AMCRM-F (Accounting and Systems-Forward) is the central point for submitting signed PCS travel vouchers.
AMCRM-F will be responsible for tracking vouchers through the entire approval process.
Once the completed voucher has been signed by the supervisor, AMC Forward personnel should send an email with the scanned copy of PCS vouchers to redstoneamcrmf@conus.army.mil or mail to AMCRM-F (Forward), Attn: Lisa Burger, Sparkman Complex, Building 5301-2, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000.
Before submission, AMCRM-F will perform a cursory review before submitting your vouchers to AMCRM-B (Budget) for final review (real estate vouchers will continue to be forwarded to Cartavius Whitehead for legal review). AMCRM-B , who will then forward your claim them to DFAS for final payment.
**PLEASE NOTE: all PCS related claims are automatically taxed at a rate of 33%. To change your tax rate, submit DFAS form 62 with each one of your vouchers, here is a sample completed form. If you took an advance taxes were held out before the funds were direct deposited.
To offset the WTA, employees may file for a Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA). Full details on RITA are available here. See the Filing Your RITA Voucher section for full details on reimbursement.
House Hunting Trip
Once you return from your HHT you will need to file a reimbursement claim.
**PLEASE NOTE: all PCS related claims are automatically taxed at a rate of 33%. To change your tax rate, submit DFAS form 62 with each one of your vouchers, here is a sample completed form. If you took an advance taxes were held out before the funds were direct deposited.
To offset the WTA, employees may file for a Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA). Full details on RITA are available here. See the Filing Your RITA Voucher section for full details on reimbursement.
To submit your voucher, collect the following documents:
- Completed DD Form 1351-2 (form) (sample of completed HHT voucher)
- Copy of your travel orders and any amendments (DD Form 1614)
- DFAS form 62
- Copy of lodging and airline receipts (claim lodging cost separate from taxes)
- Copy of receipts for any purchase over $75
- Remember to include any advances you've received
Once all your documents are in order and signed by your supervisor, scan them and e-mail to redstoneamcrmf@conus.army.mil or mail hard copies to:
AMCRM-F (Forward)
Attn: Lisa Burger
Sparkman Complex, Building 5301-2
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000
POC for this action is Lisa Burger, (256) 450-8958. To check on the status of your claim at DFAS call (800) 756-4571.
Temporary Substenance Expense
To be reimbursed for your temporary housing you will need to file a TQSE voucher. How your voucher is filled out will depend on whether you chose TQSE (F) or TQSE (AE).
**PLEASE NOTE: all PCS related claims are automatically taxed at a rate of 33%. To change your tax rate, submit DFAS form 62 with each one of your vouchers, here is a sample completed form. If you took an advance taxes were held out before the funds were direct deposited.
To offset the WTA, employees may file for a Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA). Full details on RITA are available here. See the Filing Your RITA Voucher section for full details on reimbursement.
To submit your voucher for TQSE (AE), collect the following documents:
- Completed DD Form 1351-2 (form) (sample of completed TQSE (AE) voucher)
- Copy of your travel orders and any amendments (DD Form 1614)
- DFAS form 62
- Copies of DD form 2912 (this is a 2-sided worksheet and it must be completed in its entirety, totaled, signed and dated)
- Copies of paid lodging receipts or lease (claim lodging cost separate from taxes)
- Copy of receipts for any purchase over $75
You can file for your TQSE (F) reimbursement as soon as you receive your orders. To submit your voucher for TQSE (F), collect the following documents:
Once all your documents are in order and signed by your supervisor, scan them and e-mail to redstoneamcrmf@conus.army.mil or mail hard copies to:
AMCRM-F (Forward)
Attn: Lisa Burger
Sparkman Complex, Building 5301-2
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000
POC for this action is Lisa Burger, (256) 450-8958. To check on the status of your claim at DFAS call (800) 756-4571.
Miscellaneous Expenses Allowance
The Miscellaneous Expense Allowance is designed to defray relocation costs that are not always categorized, such as deposits and automobile registration.
**PLEASE NOTE: all PCS related claims are automatically taxed at a rate of 33%. To change your tax rate, submit DFAS form 62 with each one of your vouchers, here is a sample completed form. If you took an advance taxes were held out before the funds were direct deposited.
To offset the WTA, employees may file for a Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA). Full details on RITA are available here. See the Filing Your RITA Voucher section for full details on reimbursement.
Employees are given a flat amount of $500 for an individual or $1000 for a family without proof of documentation. To receive your MEA:
- Complete DD Form 1351-2 (form) (sample of completed MEA voucher)
- The following statement in block 18: "I certify that I/we have
discontinued my/our residence at the old PDS and have established a
residence at the new PDS.", along with the dollar amount being claimed
Also, indicate on the voucher who actually relocated with you.
- Copy of your travel orders and any amendments (DD Form 1614)
- DFAS form 62
If your expenses total more that the flat MEA amount, you may itemize and receive full reimbursement. Follow the same procedures as above, but list your expenses in block 18 and provide copies of all receipts.
Once all your documents are in order and signed by your supervisor, scan them and e-mail to redstoneamcrmf@conus.army.mil or mail hard copies to:
AMCRM-F (Forward)
Attn: Lisa Burger
Sparkman Complex, Building 5301-2
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000
POC for this action is Lisa Burger, (256) 450-8958. To check on the status of your claim at DFAS call (800) 756-4571.
PCS en-route travel
When it comes time to pack up the car and head to Redstone Arsenal you will be allotted two duty days. You are also authorized reimbursement of expenses during your drive including hotel, mileage and per diem.
Travel costs are authorized for one primary and one additional vehicle (when the employee has dependents relocating with them).
The Cost Estimate for Civilian PCS Travel that you filled out at the beginning of this process will contain the figures you need to complete the voucher.
**PLEASE NOTE: all PCS related claims are automatically taxed at a rate of 33%. To change your tax rate, submit DFAS form 62 with each one of your vouchers, here is a sample completed form. If you took an advance taxes were held out before the funds were direct deposited.
To offset the WTA, employees may file for a Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA). Full details on RITA are available here. See the Filing Your RITA Voucher section for full details on reimbursement.
To submit your voucher for PCS travel, collect the following documents:
- Completed DD Form 1351-2 (form) (sample of completed PCS voucher)
- Provide a detailed itinerary in block 15 showing daily travel, cities and
states where lodging was obtained
- Be sure to mark blocks 12, 16 and 17
- Copy of your travel orders and any amendments (DD Form 1614)
- DFAS form 62
- Copies of lodging receipts (claim lodging cost separate from taxes)
- Remember to include any advances you've received
Once all your documents are in order and signed by your supervisor, scan them and e-mail to redstoneamcrmf@conus.army.mil or mail hard copies to:
AMCRM-F (Forward)
Attn: Lisa Burger
Sparkman Complex, Building 5301-2
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000
POC for this action is Lisa Burger, (256) 450-8958. To check on the status of your claim at DFAS call (800) 756-4571.
Real estate
Depending on your personal situation your may need to file several real estate vouchers. Please review the Real Estate Guide prepared by HQAMC Command Counsel for full details.
Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA)
All travel voucher claims are subject to taxation. Details of these taxes and their implications can be found here.
To off-set these taxes, employees may file a RITA claim. The RITA claim can not be filed until the end of the year in which the vouchers were paid and taxed.
To file for RITA collect the following documentation:
- Completed DD Form 1351-2 and RITA Status Certification Form (sample of completed documents)
- Copy of all W-2 forms for earned income for the year in which the traveler is paid PCS travel claim payments for which they are claiming RIT allowance (and spouse's if filing a joint return).
- Copy of the IRS Schedule SE from self-employment income, if applicable (and spouse's if filing a joint return).
- Copy of your travel orders and any amendments (DD Form 1614)
Once all your documents are in order and signed by your supervisor, scan them and e-mail to redstoneamcrmf@conus.army.mil or mail hard copies to:
AMCRM-F (Forward)
Attn: Lisa Burger
Sparkman Complex, Building 5301-2
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000
POC for this action is Lisa Burger, (256) 450-8958. To check on the status of your claim at DFAS call (800) 756-4571.
The Redstone Arsenal community
Once you arrive in-process at Redstone Arsenal you will want to become familiar with your new surrounding. The HQAMC BRAC Transformation Team has put this Relocation Guide together to assist you. You may find this Tennessee Valley regional map and this RSA gate map useful.
Remember - You are required to change your driver’s license and car registration within 30 days of relocating to Alabama. If you live in Madison County you can do this on Redstone Arsenal. If not, check with your local DMV. And don’t forget to change your voter’s registration while you’re there.
For information on local schools, utilities or other services, visit the Web site of your new hometown.
You will also find this list of helpful links to get you started.
There are also several welcome centers around the Tennessee Valley region to assist you in your relocation.
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When conducting a Permanent Change of Station move there are several key documents that will assist you:
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