New system to simplify voucher processing for PCS moves Published July 7, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Eugene Wiggins 66th Comptroller Squadron HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The days of waiting weeks to complete a Permanent Change of Station In-processing voucher for active duty Air Force members will soon become a thing of the past. Starting next week, Hanscom will join other Air Force bases in implementing the Permanent Change of Station In-Processing System. The system offers a secure, paperless way to submit PCS related financial documents with automated assistance to the member. This process is accomplished using a "wizard approach" to guide the members through PCS In-Processing by presenting an interactive interview session that will explain PCS entitlements based on information provided by the member. PIPS can be accessed via a secure web site application, eFinance, using their common access card and pin. Once a user navigates to the PIPS site, the system will use easy to understand question and answer sessions to take the member through the process of PCS Travel from start to finish. "This new system is very user friendly, allowing our customers to complete their in-processing voucher with ease and with the comfort of knowing that the system has accounted for even the smallest detail," said Maj. Eileen LaBrecque, 66th Comptroller Squadron commander. When a member starts using PIPS, they will be asked whether they are PCSing to an overseas location or within the continental United States. PIPS will use this response to present a briefing containing the correct information based on where they are going. Included in the briefing are links to entitlements, rates payable, and frequently asked questions relative to the PCS move. The information provided includes: · Travel Entitlements - Travel Entitlements - Mileage - Travel Entitlements - Per Diem - Travel Entitlements - Dislocation Allowance · Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) · Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) · Family Separation Allowance (FSA) · Enlisted Meal Deductions · Advance Military Pay · Advance Basic Allowance for Housing · Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) · Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) - OCONUS Only · Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) - OCONUS Only · Hardship Duty Pay-Location (HDP-L) - OCONUS Only · Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) - OCONUS Only · Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) - OCONUS Only PIPS also includes a briefing area where the local Financial Services Office can include a tailored briefing or provide information specific to their location for the member to review. The FSO can also provide customers with base-specific contact information, hours of operation, or other important information. For members arriving at their new duty station, PIPS will automate and standardize the documentation portion of the Financial Services In-Processing briefing. By using PIPS, members will be able to initiate and complete their Financial Services In-Processing from anywhere in the world using a CAC-enabled computer. The first sites to utilize PIPS for Initial Operating Capability were Altus AFB, Oklahoma and Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. The PIPS Program Management office is currently working with bases to plan for future deployments. Active Duty personnel can view a demonstration video of PIPS by simply visiting the Money - Finance Central website located on the Air Force Portal. The PIPS demo can be found under the Spotlight section of that website.