MCO 7220.21F — Advance Pay Incident To A Permanent Change Of Station (pcs)

MCO 7220.21F governs advance pay incident to a permanent change of station and related repayment, eligibility, and authorization requirements.

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  • Publication number: MCO 7220.21F
  • Title: ADVANCE PAY INCIDENT TO A PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS)
  • Date: 5 Aug 2013
  • Proponent: 07000 Financial Management
  • Status: Current

View MCO 7220.21F on armypubs.army.mil


MCO 7220.21F addresses advance pay for extraordinary expenses associated with government-ordered relocation. It sets normal and maximum payment parameters, repayment schedules, documentation, hardship justifications, and command approval requirements.

Applies to: This Order is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.

Topics covered

  • PCS advance pay
  • Normal advance pay parameters
  • Repayment schedules
  • Financial hardship justifications
  • Commanding officer authorization
  • Advance pay eligibility windows
  • PCS household movement

Questions and answers

Who qualifies for advance pay within the normal parameters?

To qualify for advance pay within the normal parameters , the individual must be an E4 or above . (paragraph 4)

What are the normal parameters for advance pay?

The normal parameters for advance pay are : 1-month ' s basic pay , less deductions ; a 12- month repayment schedule ; and receipt of advance pay 30 days before departure from current permanent duty station (PDS) to 60 days after arrival at the new/first duty station . (paragraph 4)

What authorization is required for advance pay outside the normal parameters?

The commanding officer ' s written authorization is required on all requests outside the normal parameters (i . e . , requests for advance pay from Marines in the grades of E3 and below , requests for extended repayment , requests for more than 1-month ' s advance pay , and requests for payment outside the eligibility window). (paragraph 4)

What are the maximum parameters for advance pay?

The maximum parameters for advance pay have not changed and remain : 3-months advance pay , 24 - month repayment schedule , and receipt of advance pay 90 days before departure or 180 days after arrival . (paragraph 4)

When is advance pay authorized for a PCS move in the same geographic area?

An advance of pay for a PCS move in the same geographic area of the Marine's prior duty station, home port, or place from which ordered to active duty, is only authorized when movement of the Marine's household at government expense is authorized in accordance with reference (b) chapter 5, part D, and the household is actually moved. (paragraph 4)

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