How would you verify a Sailor's eligibility for relocation allowances during a PCS?

• A. Check orders, entitlement status in NSIPS and Navy travel policies.
• B. Guess based on past allowances.
• C. Ask a friend in another command.
• D. Wait until after relocation to confirm.

Answer: (A)

When validating relocation allowances for a Sailor during a PCS, the essential step is to confirm official authorization and entitlement through the proper channels. Checking the orders ensures the move is officially approved for relocation allowances. Looking up entitlement status in NSIPS shows exactly what payments the Sailor is currently authorized to receive and whether any entitlements are active, paused, or capped. Reviewing Navy travel policies clarifies which specific allowances apply, their conditions, limits, and required documentation. Together, these sources provide a precise, policy-driven determination of eligibility and the correct amount to authorize before the move.

Relying on past allowances or informal advice isn’t reliable because policies and entitlements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Delaying verification until after relocation can cause payment delays or errors that require corrections later, which is avoidable by confirming everything beforehand.