[Claim for Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expenses]

A Department of Agriculture (USDA) certifying officer requested a decision as to whether an employee could be reimbursed for temporary quarters subsistence expenses for the period in which he and his spouse rented and occupied their permanent residence at their old duty station after it had been sold. USDA had disallowed the claim because federal regulations define temporary quarters as lodgings that the employee inhabits after he vacates his former residence at the old duty station. GAO has held that, where there is evidence of the employee taking action prior to or after departure from the former residence which supports the conclusion that the employee intended to cease occupancy of that residence, reimbursement of expenses is authorized. GAO found that: (1) the employee evidenced his intent to cease occupancy by designating on government documents his moving date, but he was unable to move until he could arrange for local movers after the government failed to contract a mover for him; (2) although the employee's authorization permitted reimbursement of expenses for only 30 days, he claimed reimbursement for expenses incurred during a 38-day period, but new regulations were issued extending the reimbursable period to 60 days. Accordingly, the claim may be authorized.