Request for Reimbursement of Forfeited Security Deposit

An employee appealed the disallowance of his claim for reimbursement of a $250 security deposit, which he forfeited and offered to settle the claim for $150. The employee was selected for temporary duty and given a travel advance from which he paid a security deposit on a temporary residence. When the temporary duty was canceled in advance, the employee repaid the entire travel advance. There are no provisions in travel regulations which permit reimbursement of a forfeited security deposit when a temporary duty assignment is canceled. In analogous situations GAO has held that an employee is not entitled to reimbursement for forfeited security deposits on hotel reservation deposits when annual leave is canceled. Any offers of settlement or compromise should be handled during the collection procedure by the appropriate agency officials in accordance with claims collection standards. The disallowance of the claim was sustained.