Request for Reimbursement of Relocation Expenses

A Government employee who was appointed to a position in a manpower shortage category was erroneously informed that his travel authorization included per diem and miscellaneous expenses for himself and his family, when actually, the authorization did not show entitlement to these expenses. The employee requested a reconsideration of a previous decision which denied his claim for the expenses. He contended that the additional expenses were authorized orally and that he had relied on such authorization. Since he had acted in good faith, the Government had a binding obligation to pay for the additional expenses. It was held that appointees to manpower shortage positions are entitled only to travel expenses and transportation expenses for family and household goods. The Government cannot be bound beyond the actual authority conferred upon it, despite erroneous information given by one of its agents. Therefore, the previous decision was sustained.