[Claim for Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expenses]

A Department of Agriculture certifying officer requested a decision regarding an employee's eligibility for temporary quarters subsistence expenses incident to a permanent change of duty station. GAO has held that, when the distance between the new official duty station and the old residence is not more than 40 miles greater than the distance between the old residence and the old official duty station, a temporary quarters subsistence allowance may not be paid. GAO found that, since the employee's commuting distance increased by 28 miles, he was not entitled to the allowance. GAO also found that, since the employee: (1) was paid the allowance and was in debt to the government for excess travel expenses, it was not considered an erroneous payment subject to consideration for waiver; and (2) did not incur authorized travel expenses equal to the advances he received, the advances remain an outstanding debt and must be collected. Accordingly, the employee may not offset his claim for temporary quarters subsistence expenses against the travel advances he received.