Claim for Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expenses

A Department of Energy (DOE) employee was transferred to a new duty station where he occupied a one-bedroom apartment. The employee's wife and children joined him at the apartment, but later returned to their home. His claim for temporary quarters subsistence expenses for this period was denied on the basis that, since his family had returned to their home, they had not vacated their residence within the meaning of the applicable regulations. Later the employee's family rejoined him. He submitted a second voucher claiming temporary quarters subsistence expenses for that period which was denied. It is that claim that is at issue. GAO held that the employee is entitled to temporary quarters subsistence expenses for himself and his family for the period after his family rejoined him since the evidence showed that the family intended to vacate the former residence at that time. Accordingly, the employee is entitled to be reimbursed for the temporary quarters subsistence expenses incurred.