Dept. of State

Home Service Transfer Allowance
(HSTA)

Preparing to PCS to the U.S.?

We’ve got you covered.

Returning to the U.S. after serving overseas can be a challenging transition. Families often feel unsettled, and the wait for household goods (HHE) to arrive can feel endless. Meanwhile, the cost of replacing essentials can add up quickly.

Our Home Service Transition Allowance (HSTA) program offers a practical solution, allowing you to rent brand-new furnishings and appliances while awaiting your HHE. Popular rental items include beds, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, and desktop computers—but your options are nearly limitless. Simply select what you need from any retailer and have it delivered upon your arrival for a smoother transition. Best of all, at the end of your rental period, you have the option to purchase any items you love at 75% off retail price!

HSTA HIGHLIGHTS

“The purpose of the HSTA is to help defray employees’ extraordinary but necessary and reasonable costs when they transfer from a foreign post to a post in the United States.” –DSSR

To qualify for the allowance, the employee must sign the attestation in DSSR 252.6b stating that they agree to complete 12 months of USG service after they transfer to the U.S.

HSTA is also available to family members who relocate to the U.S. following the death of an employee assigned to a foreign area.

HSTA duration is for 60 days and may extend for another 60 days depending on the arrival of HHE.

Actual-Expense Reimbursement

DSSR 252.3

First 30 days:
Employee CONUS rate x 100%
Accompanied Spouse or Domestic Partner CONUS rate x 75%
Family Members 12 and older CONUS rate x 75%
Family Members under 12 CONUS rate x 50%

Second 30 days (and days 61 through 120 if approved):
Employee CONUS rate x 75%
Accompanied Spouse or Domestic Partner CONUS rate x 50%
Family Members 12 and older CONUS rate x 50%
Family Members under 12 CONUS rate x 40%

Visit the U.S. Department of State FAQ page to learn more:

HSTA FAQ

Want to learn more?

Submit the contact form and one of our EFM team members will be in touch!