Claim for Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expenses

GAO was asked to determine the proper amount that a GAO employee may be reimbursed for temporary quarters subsistence expenses. The employee was transferred from Washington, D.C., to Chicago, Illinois, and resided with friends in Chicago from October 31, 1977, to November 15, 1977. The employee certified that he paid $226.50 toward the rent during his stay. On October 16, 1979, the employee submitted a travel voucher in which he claimed expenses incurred for the 10 days. The total claim was for the maximum amount allowable under Federal Travel Regulations. However, the certifying officer disallowed the claim on the grounds that regulations require lodging expenses with friends to be reasonable and related to the actual cost of providing lodging to the employee. GAO held that the claim for lodging expenses may not be paid since no information was furnished showing that the friends incurred additional expense by furnishing the employee lodging. However, if the employee submits additional information as to where meals were obtained and the certifying officer determines the amount is reasonable, the claim for reimbursement of food expenses may be paid.