Entitlement to Travel and Transportation Expenses

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requested an advance decision concerning an individual's entitlement to receive travel and transportation expenses that were authorized for a new appointee to the Senior Executive Service (SES). Although selected for an SES position, the individual was appointed to a non-SES position because HUD had filled all of the SES positions before his appointment. The individual relocated and incurred moving expenses. GAO held that individuals selected for appointment to an SES position may be paid travel and transportation expenses for relocation to the new duty station even if they travel before actually being appointed. However, individuals do not have a vested entitlement until actual appointment. Therefore, where an individual selected for an SES position incurs relocation expenses prior to appointment, he may not be reimbursed unless he is ultimately appointed to a SES position. Accordingly, the individual may not be reimbursed his travel and transportation expenses.