How does USMilitaryMoves work?

USMilitaryMoves connects military families with verified veteran and military-spouse real estate agents. Families browse agents for free, submit referrals, and get matched with agents who understand VA loans, BAH, and PCS timelines. The platform is completely free, no fees, no commissions, no catch.

Is USMilitaryMoves free for military families?

Yes, completely free for military families and for agents. There are no fees, no subscriptions, no commissions, and no obligations. This platform exists solely to serve the military community.

What is BAH and how is it calculated?

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly tax-free housing stipend paid to service members who live off base. It is calculated based on three factors: your paygrade (rank), your duty station zip code, and whether you have dependents. BAH is set annually by the Department of Defense and is designed to cover median housing costs in each local market. Use the free BAH Calculator at usmilitarymoves.com/bah-calculator to look up rates by rank and installation.

What is a VA loan and can I use it more than once?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key benefits include no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates, and no prepayment penalties. Yes, you can use your VA loan benefit multiple times as long as you have remaining entitlement or have paid off and restored a previous VA loan.

What is PCS and how long does a PCS move take to plan?

PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military's process of ordering a service member to relocate to a new duty assignment. Ideally, PCS planning begins 6 months before your report date. Key milestones include receiving orders, submitting housing applications, completing a house-hunting trip, locking in housing, coordinating TMO or DITY move logistics, and in-processing at the gaining unit. Use the free PCS Mission Planner at usmilitarymoves.com/pcs-planner to generate a personalized T-minus timeline.

How do I find a military-friendly real estate agent at my new duty station?

Browse our verified agent directory at usmilitarymoves.com/agents. Every agent in the network has been identity-verified as a veteran or military spouse. You can filter by state, installation, branch of service, and VA loan experience. Each agent profile shows their military background, transaction history, and reviews from military families they have served.

What military installations have base guides on USMilitaryMoves?

USMilitaryMoves publishes comprehensive PCS guides for major military installations including Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) NC, Camp Pendleton CA, Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA, Fort Campbell KY, Joint Base San Antonio TX, Naval Station Norfolk VA, Joint Base Charleston SC, Fort Carson CO, and MacDill AFB FL. Each guide covers neighborhoods, school ratings, BAH rates, housing intel, commute tips, and insider advice from military families. Find all base guides at usmilitarymoves.com/bases.

What is the difference between a DITY move and a government move (TMO)?

A government move (TMO or Transportation Management Office move) means the military contracts and pays movers to pack and transport your household goods. A DITY move (Do-It-Yourself, now called PPM, Personally Procured Move) means you move your own belongings and the military reimburses you based on the weight you move. A hybrid move combines both: the government ships large items and you move the rest for additional reimbursement. DITY moves can result in profit if you move efficiently, but require more planning and effort.

Can military families use their BAH to pay a mortgage?

Yes, many military families use their BAH allowance to cover their mortgage payment. With a VA loan, you can purchase a home with zero down payment and no PMI, which often results in a monthly payment comparable to or lower than local rents. A verified military real estate agent can help you determine whether your BAH will cover a mortgage payment in your new duty station market.

Who can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves?

Anyone can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves, no real estate license required. Military family members, command spouse leaders, chaplains, VA loan officers, out-of-area agents, and community members are all eligible. It's free to submit and free for the family. Submit a referral at usmilitarymoves.com/refer.

For Those Who Show Up Every Day

Military &
Veteran Caregivers

Caregivers are the backbone of veteran recovery, often invisible, rarely celebrated. These resources are for the spouses, parents, children, and friends who give everything to support a wounded, ill, or injured servicemember or veteran.

VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274, connect with a coordinator at your local VA. If you or the veteran is in crisis, call 988 and press 1.

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VA Caregiver Support Programs

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) ↗

Monthly stipend, health insurance, respite care, mental health services, and travel benefits for caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans

Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) ↗

Education, counseling, and peer support for caregivers of veterans from all eras

VA Caregiver Support Line ↗

Call 1-855-260-3274, connect with a VA Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA facility

Respite Care Services ↗

Temporary relief so caregivers can rest, in-home respite or adult day health care options

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Housing & Financial Support

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant ↗

Up to $109,986 to build or modify a home for veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting mobility

VA Home Loan, Surviving Spouse & Caregiver Eligibility →

Some caregivers qualify for VA loan benefits depending on the veteran's status, calculate buying power

Benefits by State →

Many states offer property tax exemptions and additional benefits for disabled veterans that directly impact caregivers' households

Find a Compassionate Agent →

Connect with a veteran or military spouse agent who understands accessible housing needs

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Support & Community

Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Hidden Heroes ↗

The leading national organization championing military caregivers, resources, fellowships, and advocacy

TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors ↗

Peer support and grief resources for caregivers who have lost the veteran in their care. 24/7: 800-959-8277

Caregiver Action Network ↗

Tools, peer support, and education for family caregivers across all conditions

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Veterans ↗

Free peer-led support groups for caregivers supporting veterans with mental health conditions

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Legal Rights & Benefits

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Military Caregiver ↗

Up to 26 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave per year to care for a covered servicemember or veteran

SCRA Protections for the Household →

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protections that extend to household finances during active duty

VA Disability Benefits for the Veteran →

Understand the veteran's disability rating and how it unlocks additional household benefits

Aid & Attendance Benefit ↗

Additional pension for veterans who need help with daily activities, directly relevant to caregiver households

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Career & Education

MyCAA Scholarship, Military Spouses →

Up to $4,000 in education funding for military spouses, including those in caregiver roles

Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellowships ↗

Prestigious fellowship embedding caregiver advocates in Congress and federal agencies

Remote Work Resources for Caregivers →

Flexible and remote career options that accommodate caregiving responsibilities

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Mental Health & Wellness

VA Caregiver Mental Health Services ↗

Counseling and mental health support specifically for VA-enrolled caregivers

Give an Hour ↗

Free mental health care from volunteer providers for military families and caregivers

Veterans Crisis Line ↗

If you or the veteran in your care is in crisis: call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. Available 24/7.

Housing & Accessibility

Finding an accessible home near a VA facility takes a specialist. Our agents understand what caregiver families need.

Military &Veteran Caregivers