DAF Form 1357: Request for Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)

DAF Form 1357: Request for Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) – If you’re an Air Force or U.S. Space Force member preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) overseas (OCONUS), one of the most important forms you’ll encounter is DAF Form 1357, officially titled Request for Temporary Lodging Allowance. This form initiates, adjusts, or terminates your entitlement to Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA), a critical benefit that helps offset higher-than-normal expenses for temporary lodging, meals, and incidentals while you wait for permanent housing.

TLA applies specifically to OCONUS moves and differs from the CONUS Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE). Understanding how to complete and submit DAF Form 1357 correctly can save you significant out-of-pocket costs during your transition.

What Is Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)?

TLA partially reimburses service members and their command-sponsored dependents for the extra costs of temporary lodging when arriving at or departing from an overseas permanent duty station (PDS). It covers situations such as:

  • Waiting for government quarters or private-sector housing upon arrival at a new OCONUS PDS.
  • Occupying temporary lodging immediately before departing an OCONUS station.
  • Other authorized periods, such as when permanent quarters are unavailable due to renovation, lack of facilities, or other circumstances approved by the TLA authority.

Unlike standard per diem, TLA is calculated using a percentage of the local per diem rate (lodging + meals & incidental expenses, or M&IE), adjusted by the number and ages of dependents, and whether the temporary lodging has cooking facilities. The exact amount depends on your location’s per diem rate, family size, and actual lodging costs (reimbursed up to a calculated ceiling).

Key limits (subject to local policy and DoD FMR):

  • Up to 60 days upon arrival (may be extended in 10-day increments with justification).
  • Up to 10 days upon departure.
  • You must actively seek permanent housing and provide proof (e.g., landlord contact sheets in many locations).

TLA is not automatic and requires proper documentation and certification from housing, transportation, and billeting officers.

Who Needs DAF Form 1357?

Active-duty Air Force and Space Force members (and potentially members of other DoD services using the form) use DAF Form 1357 when requesting TLA. It is prescribed by AFMAN 65-116V1 and is the primary tool for starting, stopping, or changing TLA entitlements in the military pay system.

You will typically file the form periodically—often every 10 days during the claim period—along with itemized paid lodging receipts.

How to Download the Official DAF Form 1357?

The current version (revised 20221213) is available as a fillable PDF directly from the official Air Force e-Publishing site:

→ Download DAF Form 1357 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_fm/form/daf1357/daf1357.pdf

Always use the official source to ensure you have the latest edition. Previous versions are obsolete.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing DAF Form 1357

The form is structured for clarity, with sections for member information, action requested, dependent details, lodging information, and required certifications. Here is a summary of the key blocks (always refer to the form instructions and your local finance/housing office for specifics):

  1. Member Information — Enter your full name (Last, First, MI), last permanent duty station, date of departure, PCS order number, date of arrival, and DoD ID Number.
  2. Type of Action Requested / Payment Identification — Check the appropriate boxes, such as:
    • TLA – Arrival or TLA – Departure
    • Initial Payment, Incremental Payment, Final Payment, or Adjustment
    • Dependents Only (if applicable)
  3. Temporary Lodging Allowance Authorized For — Indicate Member Only, Member and Dependent(s), and tour type (Accompanied or All Others).
  4. Authorized Dependents — List each dependent’s name, relationship, and date of birth (for children).
  5. Identification of Temporary Lodging — Provide hotel/accommodation name, full address, inclusive dates, whether cooking facilities are available (Yes/No), and if a government mess is utilized.
  6. Certificates (must be completed by appropriate officials):
    • Housing Officer: Certifies availability or non-availability of government quarters and dates.
    • Transportation Officer: Details household goods (HHG) delivery or non-delivery status.
    • Billeting Officer: Certifies temporary quarters availability.
  7. Remarks — Add any additional information or justifications.

Privacy Act Note: The form collects information to adjust your pay record for TLA. Disclosure is voluntary but required to process the allowance.

Supporting Documents Typically Required:

  • PCS orders and amendments.
  • Itemized, paid lodging receipts (zero balance preferred).
  • Non-availability of quarters statement (if applicable).
  • Proof of housing search efforts (landlord contact sheets in many overseas locations).
  • Certifications from Housing, Transportation, and Billeting offices.

Submission and Claim Process

  • Submit the completed DAF Form 1357 to your local Housing Office or as directed by your installation.
  • Claims are often processed in 10-day increments during arrival TLA.
  • After housing certifications, finance processes the payment, which appears in your pay account (often as FID 79 or similar).
  • Advance payments may be authorized in some cases; otherwise, reimbursement follows submission of receipts.

Important: You must report to the Housing Office promptly upon arrival (often within 48 hours) and continue demonstrating active housing searches. TLA stops when you occupy permanent quarters or when the authorized period ends.

Local policies vary by installation (e.g., Ramstein, Aviano, or Pacific bases), so always check with your specific Housing Management Office and Finance for guidance, including any required landlord contact worksheets or VAT forms.

TLA vs. TLE: Quick Comparison

  • TLA — OCONUS only; processed via DAF Form 1357; calculated with location-specific percentages and actual costs.
  • TLE — CONUS only; capped (currently around $290/day max in many references); claimed differently, often with DD Form 1351-2.

Tips to Maximize Your TLA Benefit

  • Save every itemized receipt and track dates carefully.
  • Seek the most cost-effective lodging that meets your family’s needs.
  • Coordinate early with the Housing Office for non-availability statements and extensions if needed.
  • Understand that TLA is a partial reimbursement—budget for any shortfall between actual costs and the calculated allowance.
  • For special or unusual circumstances (e.g., high-cost events), a TLA-Special may be requested in advance through command channels (not retroactive).

Official References and Resources

  • DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR), Volume 7A, Chapter 68 — Primary regulation for TLA computation and eligibility.
  • Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO): https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Temporary-Lodging-Allowance/
  • Your installation’s Housing Office and Finance Management Flight.
  • AFMAN 65-116V1 for Air Force-specific procedures.

For the most current per diem rates at your OCONUS location, consult the latest OCONUS per diem tables on the DTMO site.

Bottom Line: DAF Form 1357 is your key to accessing TLA during an overseas PCS. Completing it accurately with all required certifications and receipts ensures you receive the entitled support while transitioning to your new duty station.

Always verify details with your local finance and housing professionals, as policies can have installation-specific nuances. Proper use of this form helps reduce financial stress during your move.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official DoD, Air Force, and DTMO sources as of 2026. Entitlements are subject to change; consult your servicing finance office for personalized guidance.