A PPM move, short for personally procured move and still widely called a DITY (do-it-yourself) move, lets you move your own household goods and get paid for it. For families willing to do the work, it can turn a stressful PCS (Permanent Change of Station, your next set of military move orders) into a few thousand dollars of extra money. This guide explains how the 2026 PPM incentive works and how to keep more of what you earn.
What a PPM Move Actually Pays
When you choose a PPM move, the government pays you a share of what it would have spent to hire a moving company to handle your shipment. That benchmark is called the Government Constructed Cost, or GCC. As of 2026, the standard PPM incentive is 100% of that cost, and you keep whatever you do not spend moving yourself, according to Move.mil and Military OneSource.
Here is the simple idea. If the government would have paid $6,000 to move your goods, and you do it yourself for $2,500 in trucks, fuel, and supplies, the difference is yours to keep, minus taxes. The more efficiently you move, the more you keep.
An illustrative example only. Your government constructed cost depends on your weight and distance. Source figures: Move.mil PPM Estimator.
One timely note: from May 15 through September 30, 2025, the Department of Defense ran a temporary increase that paid 130% of the constructed cost, per a 2025 Defense Department advisory. That bonus rate has expired, so plan around the standard 100% for your 2026 move unless your transportation office tells you otherwise.
How the Payment Is Calculated
Your final PPM payment is based on the actual weight you move, proven with certified weight tickets, up to your authorized weight allowance for your pay grade. You weigh your loaded vehicle or truck, then weigh it empty, and the difference is your shipment weight.
Two rules matter most here. First, weight above your authorized allowance does not pay, so there is no benefit to hauling a friend's furniture. Second, the weight tickets are everything. No tickets, no payment. Keep every receipt and every scale slip in one place. Our ultimate PCS binder guide shows a simple system for keeping move paperwork together.
You can also request an advance of up to 60% of your estimated incentive before the move to cover trucks and supplies, according to Military OneSource. If you take the advance, settle your move by your service's deadline so you are not left owing money back.
The PPM Process, Step by Step
A PPM has a clear order of operations. Skipping a step is how families lose money.
The five-step PPM flow. Get counseling before you move a single box. Source: Move.mil.
- Get counseling at your transportation office and elect a full or partial PPM before you move anything.
- Weigh your truck or vehicle empty and get a certified weight ticket.
- Move your goods and save every receipt for trucks, fuel, boxes, tape, and equipment rental.
- Weigh the loaded vehicle and get a certified full weight ticket.
- File your claim with your weight tickets and receipts, and receive your settlement.
Planning Your Next Move?
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If a full PPM feels like too much, a partial PPM lets the government move most of your goods while you move and get paid for a portion yourself. Our guide on choosing the best relocation method for your PCS compares full PPM, partial PPM, and a standard government move so you can pick the right mix.
Want a local read on your next duty station before you commit to a move plan? Connect with a VeteranPCS agent who has done this move themselves.
How to Maximize Your PPM Payout
The incentive rewards efficiency. A few habits make a real difference.
Move less weight that does not pay. Donate or sell heavy, low-value items before you weigh in. Lighter loads cost less in fuel and truck size while your reimbursement still tracks your authorized allowance. Our list of what military movers will not pack is a good prompt for what to purge.
Control your real costs. Borrow a trailer instead of renting when you can, buy used boxes, and compare truck rental quotes. Every dollar you do not spend is a dollar you keep.
Keep flawless records. The members who lose money almost always lose a weight ticket or a receipt. Photograph each one the day you get it.
Do not forget your other PCS entitlements. A PPM incentive is separate from allowances like per diem, mileage, and your dislocation allowance, which you may still receive on top. Our overview of PCS entitlements and benefits explains what else you are owed, and the ultimate PCS checklist and timeline keeps the whole move on track.
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We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.Is a PPM Move Taxable?
This trips up a lot of families. The incentive money you keep is treated as taxable income to the extent it is more than your documented moving costs, according to Military OneSource. Your documented expenses reduce the taxable amount, which is one more reason to save every receipt. Set aside a portion of your profit for taxes so the bill is not a surprise, and ask a tax professional how it applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a PPM and a DITY move?
They are the same thing. DITY (do-it-yourself) was the old name. The military now calls it a personally procured move, or PPM.
How much can I make on a PPM move?
It depends on your weight, distance, and how cheaply you move. You keep the difference between the government's constructed cost and your actual expenses, minus taxes. Use the Move.mil PPM Estimator for a personalized figure.
Do I need weight tickets for a PPM?
Yes. Certified empty and full weight tickets are required, and without them you will not be paid. Get them from a certified scale.
Can I do a PPM and still use the VA loan to buy at my next base?
Absolutely. A PPM covers your move; a VA loan covers your home purchase. Many families do both. See the benefits of a VA loan to learn more.
The Bottom Line
A PPM move is one of the few PCS tasks that can put money back in your pocket. Plan ahead, move light, keep perfect records, and set aside part of the payout for taxes. When you are ready to line up housing at your next duty station, connect with a VeteranPCS agent or lender who understands military moves. Found this useful? Share it with someone in your unit who is gearing up to PCS.
This content is for informational purposes. Consult a professional for personal financial and tax decisions.
