Request for Actual Expenses in Lieu of Per Diem for High-Rate Geographical Area

Two employees of the Social Security Administration, who performed temporary duty in Pasadena, California, a high-rate geographical area (HRGA), were erroneously authorized per diem in travel orders. In reliance on their orders, the employees did not obtain lodging receipts. Since Pasadena is an HRGA, reimbursement must be on an actual subsistence expense basis. However, regulations permit approval by the agency of necessary subsistence expenses even though per diem was authorized. GAO has no objection to reimbursement of actual expenses, provided the travelers fully explain the lack of lodging receipts in travel vouchers and itemize expenses, in order to permit review by the agency.