Personnel Claims Information Page
Unusual occurrence events - The PCA is not a substitute for insurance. Quarters losses, losses of clothing and other items worn, and most vehicle losses are compensable only if caused by "fire, flood, hurricane, or other unusual occurrence, or by theft or vandalism." The PCA provides protection only from extraordinary hazards (broadly categorized as losses due to abnormal climatic conditions or to the condition of the military installation that other Soldiers and civilians do not face to the same degree) and the intentional torts of theft and vandalism, which may or may not have a service connection. See attachment for additional details.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above definition of unusual occurrence has been modified by Army Directive 2019-21 (Restrictions on Personnel Claims Payments) as follows: Effective immediately, the Army will no longer pay claims for unusual occurrences under the PCA when damage is caused by flood, hurricane, earthquake, or other acts of nature or weather phenomena. This policy does not affect claims related to household goods shipments or privately owned vehicle (POV) shipments. See attached Army Directive Memorandum 2019-21.
Losses in Privatized Housing - The majority of losses in Privatized housing will not be compensable under the Personnel Claims Act (PCA). The loss must have been caused by an unusual occurrence as defined by DA Pam 27-162, and not excluded by Army Directive Memorandum 2019-21. Before the Army will pay for an unusual occurrence claim, the claimant is required to submit a claim with the Privatized Housing entity first. If that is unsuccessful, then they must submit a claim under any private insurance they may have. If these two courses of action are unsuccessful, the claimant may then file a claim against the Army as a last resort. The restrictions under Army Directive 2019-21 apply to this category of claims. See attached Information Paper for additional details.
STATUTE of LIMITATIONS: To be payable, a claim against the United States must be filed no later than 2 years from the date of loss or damage.