The Defense Travel System cannot be used for evacuation travel. Service members are never evacuated but may be placed on a temporary duty (TDY) order.
The Department of War (DoW) has specific protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of service member dependents, civilian employees, and their families during times of emergency. If an evacuation is authorized or ordered, it's crucial to understand the available travel and transportation allowances. Keep reading to learn about the support available to the dependents of Service members and civilian employees.
Safe Haven Allowances: What You're Entitled To
Once you arrive at your designated safe haven in the United States, you are eligible for allowances that cover lodging and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). These allowances begin the day after you arrive at the safe haven.
For Dependents of Service Members
See Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), pars. 060205-B.2
Lodging: Your lodging costs are reimbursed, but you must provide receipts. If you're staying with friends or family, lodging is not a reimbursable expense.
M&IE: For the first 30 days, dependents aged 12 and older receive 100% of the local per diem rate, while those under 12 receive 50%. From day 31 to 180, these rates are adjusted to 60% and 30%, respectively.
For Civilian Employees and Their Dependents
See Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR), Section 632.1
You can choose between two reimbursement methods: the commercial rate or the non-commercial rate.
Commercial Rate (receipts required): For the first 30 days, the primary family member receives up to 100% of the lodging rate (or up to 150% if the first family member is accompanied by 4 or fewer dependents) plus 100% M&IE. Other family members 18 and older get 100% M&IE, and those under 18 get 50%. These M&IE rates are adjusted to 80% and 40% from day 31 to 180.
Non-Commercial Rate (no receipts required): For the first 30 days, the primary family member receives a flat 10% of the lodging rate plus 100% M&IE. Other family members receive the same M&IE rates as the commercial option. From day 31 to 180, there is no lodging reimbursement, and M&IE is paid at the adjusted 80% and 40% rates.
Other Important Allowances
Moving to an Alternate Safe Haven Location: Dependents and civilian employees authorized to move to an alternate safe haven in a foreign location receive the Standard CONUS rate ($110 for lodging and $68 for meals and incidentals). For Service member dependents, see JTR, Table 6-7. For civilian employees, see DSSR, Section 632.2
Pet Transportation: You may be reimbursed for pet transportation and quarantine fees. For Service member dependents, see JTR, par. 060204. For civilian employees, see DSSR, Section 631.c.
Local Transportation: If you don't have a personal vehicle at your safe haven, you are authorized a $25 daily allowance for local travel, which can be used for taxis, public transit, or rental cars. For Service member dependents, see JTR, par. 060205.B.1. For civilian employees, see DSSR, Section 631.b.
Air Freight: Each family may be authorized an air freight allowance for unaccompanied baggage. This is typically up to 350 pounds for each person 12 and over and 175 pounds for those 11 and under, with a family maximum of 1,000 pounds. In some cases, this can be increased to 2,000 pounds. If you can't use this allowance for reasons beyond your control, you may be eligible for a replacement allowance of up to $600 per family. For Service member dependents, see JTR, sec. 0603.B.2. For civilian employees, see DSSR, Section 631.a(3)
Visa Fees: Any visa fees incurred during an evacuation are considered miscellaneous expenses and can be reimbursed. For Service member dependents, see JTR, Table 6-14, Rule 1.c. For civilian employees, see DSSR, Section 631.a(1)
For more information, please see answers to frequently asked evacuation questions or visit the Defense Finance and Accounting Service for information on travel advances and vouchers.