Reimbursement & Claims for Lost or Damaged Items

Getting Reimbursed for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Document, document, document. You can, and should, be reimbursed for expenses related to your move, but you are required to provide documentation and to report in a timely manner. Often, you’ll also need to fill out worksheets before the move.

Here are a few examples of what you can be reimbursed for, if you provide the right documentation:

• Gas and tolls
• Storage
• Contracted expenses
• Vehicle rental
• Packing items
• Weighing fees

For more information about requirements to get reimbursed, visit the Military OneSource website. Also, we highly recommend taking advantage of a local move counselor to help you plan your move.

Filing Lost & Damaged Item Reports & Claims

When you start the moving process, you will create an account in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). This is your hub for all things moving, including filing a claim for damaged or lost items.

The most important thing to remember, through every step of your move, is documentation. Document everything — we’re talking photos, movers’ information, etc.

Filing a lost or damaged item report is not the same as filing a claim. Also, you have a finite amount of time to report or file a claim, so the sooner you can do this, the better.

Reporting lost or damaged items. This is essentially your way to let the moving company know you intend to file a claim.

1. Log into your DPS account.
2. Click “Start my loss and damage report.”
3. Find your shipment.
4. Add information about missing items or damaged belongings (including photos of items).
5. Save and submit.

Filing a claim. This step is required to reach a settlement for damaged or lost items.

1. Log into your DPS account.
2. Click “File a claim.”
3. Find your shipment.
4. Add information about missing items or damaged belongings (including photos). Helpful tip: If you previously submitted a report, you will have the option to auto-fill with the previously submitted information.
5. Provide information on original cost and date purchased.
6. Complete the required information.
7. Submit the claim.

To check the status of your claim, log into your DPS account and click “Claim History.”