PCS claims advocacy: ‘Who you gonna’ call?’ Published Jan. 24, 2012 Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. -- Last summer was a very busy moving season for PCSing Airmen. Some members' household goods were damaged or lost by their Transportation Service Provider (TSP), which required the member to file a claim directly with their TSP. Unfortunately, some members were not completely satisfied with filing a claim with their TSP, and didn't know where to go for assistance to resolve their claim. In some cases, members simply took the amount offered by their TSP because they were not aware of other options. Others negotiated a satisfactory settlement; however, they worked very hard to do so. Sometimes the spouse was the person filing the claim while the Airman was deployed and was unfamiliar with the process. In most of these cases, the member was not aware that they have an advocate who can assist them with the claims process. Members who feel they've received an unsatisfactory result in the claims process may contact the Air Force Claims Service Center (AFCSC). The AFCSC is a consolidated claims operation composed of Air Force claims professionals - many of whom have moved many times while they were active duty. Additionally, many have years of claims experience and are able to advocate for members in the claims process. If you are not satisfied with how your claim is being processed, you can transfer your claim to the AFCSC 30-days after filing against your TSP. In addition, if you are negotiating with your TSP and would like someone within the Air Force to assist you, you can contact the AFCSC for support. Finally, if you receive an offer from your TSP that you believe is unsatisfactory, you can transfer the claim to the AFCSC. The AFCSC can only pay the depreciated value in most cases; however, after paying your claim, the Air Force will file a Full Replacement Value (FRV) claim against the responsible TSP and may be able to pay you additional money that the AFCSC recovers from the TSP. The FRV program is an important benefit for Airmen and there are some changes that you may not be aware of. First, property is covered under the provisions of the FRV legislation enacted by Congress in 2006. This means that TSPs are required to pay the full replacement value on any items missing or destroyed during your move or they must replace the item. TSPs are also required to repair any item that can be repaired. TSPs are responsible for contacting a repair firm, unlike pre-FRV moves when the member was responsible for tracking down the repair firm. Second, under the FRV program, you are required to file your claim directly against your TSP. This claim MUST be made within NINE MONTHS of delivery of your household goods in order for you to receive FRV. If you miss the nine month deadline, you can still file a claim up to 2 years from the delivery date, but you would receive only the depreciated value. Airmen will be required to use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) Claims Module for the claims process. DPS can be accessed online at www.move.mil . Many members have issues navigating the DPS Claims Module. Some of those issues are technical such as the member's computer may not be compatible with DPS. Additionally, the DPS Claims Module can be intimidating to those who aren't technically savvy or for members who have family members with a language barrier. Airmen and their family members are always welcome to call the AFCSC to help them navigate the DPS Claims Module. The AFCSC is available to assist Airmen and their family members through the claims process. There is never any long voice mail menu - just call DSN 986-8044 or 1-877-754-1212 and press 1 to talk to an expert. Airmen and their family members can also email the AFCSC at AFCSC.JA@wpafb.af.mil. The AFCSC is honored to serve those who put service before self every day.