TQSA at Ramstein: Temporary Quarters Allowance Guide for DoD Civilians

What Is TQSA?

TQSA is an allowance authorized under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) for US government civilian employees assigned to overseas posts. It covers:

• Temporary lodging costs — hotel, TLA apartment, or other temporary accommodations
• Meal expenses — a daily subsistence allowance for food
• Laundry and dry cleaning expenses

TQSA vs. TLA: Key Differences

• TLA is for military service members — administered by the Housing Office
• TQSA is for DoD civilian employees — administered by the Civilian Personnel Office (CPO)
• TLA typically covers up to 60 days
• TQSA can cover up to 90 days (initial period, with possible extensions)
• TQSA has different reimbursement calculations (percentage-based, decreasing over time)
• Both can be used at the same types of temporary housing (TLA apartments, hotels)

TQSA Eligibility

• DoD civilian employees on PCS orders to an overseas location
• Eligible family members (EFMs) who accompany the employee
• Must be authorized in your PCS travel orders
• Available for both arrival TQSA (when you first arrive) and departure TQSA (when you PCS out)

TQSA Duration and Rates

Duration

• Initial authorization: Up to 30 days
• Extensions: Can be extended in 30-day increments, up to a maximum of 90 days total
• Extensions require justification (actively searching for housing, lease not yet started, etc.)
• Your supervisor and HR must approve extensions

Reimbursement Structure

TQSA reimbursement decreases over time to incentivize finding permanent housing:

• Days 1-30: Up to the maximum lodging per diem rate for lodging, plus meals at the locality M&IE rate
• Days 31-60: Reduced percentage (typically 75% of max rate)
• Days 61-90: Further reduced (typically 50-60% of max rate)
• Exact percentages are set by regulation — check with your CPO for current rates

How to File for TQSA

Maximizing Your TQSA

Lodging Tips

• TLA apartments often provide better value than hotels — full kitchen lets you save on meal expenses
• Negotiate weekly/monthly rates for extended stays
• Keep lodging costs within the per diem ceiling to maximize reimbursement
• A fully furnished apartment with kitchen is more comfortable for 30-90 days than a hotel room

Meals & Subsistence

• If your temporary quarters have a kitchen, you can cook and save significantly on the meals portion
• The subsistence allowance is paid regardless of actual meal costs — spend less, keep the difference
• Stock up at the commissary for huge savings on American groceries

TQSA and Housing Search

Use your TQSA period wisely:

• Start housing search immediately — don’t wait until week 3 to start looking
• Visit the Housing Office for listings and guidance
• Understand your LQA (Living Quarters Allowance) — the civilian equivalent of OHA. This determines your budget for permanent housing
• Consider school zones if you have children — this should influence your housing search area
• Document your search efforts — you may need to justify extension requests

LQA: Your Permanent Housing Allowance

Once you move into permanent housing, TQSA ends and LQA (Living Quarters Allowance) begins:

• LQA covers rent, utilities, and related housing costs
• Calculated based on grade level and family size
• Like military OHA, you must have your lease approved by the Housing Office
• LQA is authorized in the DSSR and administered differently than military housing allowances

Other Civilian PCS Allowances

As a DoD civilian PCSing to Germany, you may also receive:

• Post Allowance (COLA equivalent) — offsets higher cost of living overseas
• Post Differential — additional compensation for hardship posts (KMC is generally not a hardship post)
• Education Allowance — may cover educational expenses for dependents not attending DoDEA schools
• Home Leave — authorized leave to return to the US periodically
• Separate Maintenance Allowance (SMA) — if family members remain in the US temporarily