Request for Reimbursement of Real Estate Expenses

The Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration requested an advance decision on the claim of an employee for reimbursement of real estate expenses incurred incident to a change of permanent duty station. The expenses were incurred in September 1972 and February 1973. The employee submitted his claim to his agency on August 15, 1975. The claim was held in the agency and was not received by GAO until October 3, 1980. Since the claim was received more than 6 years after the expenses had accrued, GAO would not consider the claim. Filing the claim with the administrative office concerned did not meet the statutory requirements. Further, GAO does not have the authority to waive or modify the amendment to the statutes which changed the time limit from 10 years to 6 years. Accordingly, the claim may not be paid.