[Question Concerning Reclaim Voucher]

The Department of Health and Human Services requested a decision on whether it could reimburse an employee for travel expenses beyond the authorized mileage, per diem, and temporary quarters subsistence allowance. GAO noted that the employee took a longer route in traveling to his permanent change of station due to his wife's medical condition. GAO held that: (1) it would not question payment for excessive mileage and per diem if the agency found the employee's reason acceptable; (2) the agency should not reimburse the employee for the excessive temporary quarters expenses since the authorized allowances took into account his wife's illness; and (3) the agency may grant an extension for the additional 13 days of temporary quarters expenses. Accordingly, the claim was allowed in part and deined in part.