Request for Subsistence While Occupying Temporary Quarters

A Government employee who was transferred on a permanent change of station submitted a claim for subsistence while occupying temporary quarters which he occupied for more than 6 months. Entitlement to the claim for temporary quarters subsistence expense (TQSE) was contingent upon whether his lodgings were in fact temporary. The record showed that approximately 50 percent of his household goods by weight were already at the temporary quarters when he arrived. Although the residence may have lacked furnishings and cooking and eating facilities, it does not qualify as temporary quarters in which the employee intended to reside for a short period prior to moving into permanent quarters. It was held that a TQSE allowance may not be paid during the period an employee occupies a residence in which he intends to remain for more than a temporary period. Accordingly, the claim was denied.