Relocation Assistance-Ellsworth AFB

Relocation Assistance

Service providers are available with support both before and after a PCS move. Learn more about how to put the military’s relocation assistance program to work for you. See below for an overview of Military and Family Support Center Relocation Assistance services. Services vary by installation, so check the “Other” section below to see what other services are available at your location.

Programs and Services

Your Military and Family Support Center provides relocation assistance to help make PCS moves as smooth as possible. Resources include:

• PCS planning: Most relocation assistance programs offer consultations to help you with the moving process. If this is your first military move, your first time moving overseas or you have challenging or complex circumstances contact your installation Relocation Assistance Program as soon as possible for support.
• Plan My Move: An online Defense Department relocation tool that provides you with customizable checklists and links to helpful resources for the tasks ahead.
• Military OneSource: A website and call center that offers 24/7 support for moving information and resources. Learn more about PCS basics and download this fact sheet 7 Steps to Make Your Household Goods Move a Smart Move. For comprehensive moving resources and information, including Defense Personal Property log-in details, visit PCS & Military Moves.
• Workshops and briefings: Workshops vary by location. You may find classes on housing options, moving with children, moving with pets, and more.
• Predeparture briefings: These sessions provide essential information about your move and may be required for some populations.
• Special needs: If you have a child or family member enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, contact your installation EFMP-Family Support office to assist you.
• Settling-in services: Look for welcome programs or local area tours that may be offered. Overseas services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness activities.
• Foreign-born spouse support: Assistance includes information and referral to resources such as immigration and naturalization.
• Emergency assistance: Sometimes emergencies occur while moving. The Military and Family Support Center has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance, as well as information and referrals.
• Authorized housing flexibility options: Eligible service members with PCS orders may be entitled to flexibilities such as extended stays in government housing and early housing eligibility. Contact your military personnel office for more information.
• Spouse licensure reimbursement: Your service branch may reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for licensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves. See this Military OneSource article Transferring Your Professional License for more information and specific service branch policies.

Other

The Airman & Family Readiness Center, located in the Rushmore Center, 1000 Ellsworth St., Suite 1500, can assist with your relocation as a basic resource for information and referral. Please give us a call at DSN 312-675-4663 or Commercial 605-385-4663, or have your Sponsor bring you by for a visit.

Installation Specific Information Welcome to Ellsworth AFB. Please do the following;

• Let your sponsor know when you will be arriving and what mode of transportation you will use.
• During high PCS season (May-September), the local community (Rapid City) is also in high-tourist season. Since temporary housing is extremely limited between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it is recommended to plan accordingly.
• Off-base commercial rates for hotels or motels during peak tourist season are higher than anticipated, especially when the Sturgis Motor Cycle Rally is in progress in early August.
• It is wise to bring "cool to cold" weather clothing year-round because of the unpredictability of sudden weather and temperature changes, this is definitely a four-season climate.
• Separation/retirement should be coordinated through your CSS and the Military Personnel Flight-Outbound Assignments, as services are also available to members who are leaving the military.
• Consolidated in-processing is located  in the Raider Welcome Center which is currently open Mon-Fri 0800-noon, and your sponsor should accompany you to assist